Glossary

What does “Smart Industries” mean?

According to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the term “Smart Industries” encompasses the industrial and manufacturing-specific aspects of Industry 4.0. This also includes the areas of Smart Factory and the Industrial Internet of Things.

The industry is evolving toward a connected, digital, and thus significantly more productive and efficient “Smart Industry.” Smart Industry solutions encompass the areas of Smart Factory in conjunction with the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). This refers to the digital networking of plants and systems to ensure automated and data-driven production. Networking occurs, for example, through sensors and gateways that connect production and manufacturing facilities to the internet and enable remote control or monitoring.

This automation requires technologies that are compatible with one another and capable of communication; in addition to controlling production facilities, these technologies also enable, for example, the automatic planning of supply chains and logistics and operate over secure networks. They thus enable comprehensive, intelligent manufacturing and the movement of goods.

Integrating individual customer preferences can add value in Industry 4.0, as described in the glossary on customer-centric Industry 4.0. Smart Industries enable a significantly more efficient use of resources and sustainable business practices, while simultaneously increasing the productivity and speed of plants and machines.