Digital Journey Continues at Inaugural HANNOVER MESSE USA

Summary

By Bill Lydon, Editor, Automation.com

For years, we’ve covered the bustling halls of The Hannover Messe (Fair) in Germany. From very early on, these events were focused on Industry 4.0 and digitization and showcasing wave after wave of innovation. More importantly, the fun and innovation of Hannover Messe is not just for Europe, anymore. In September of 2018, Deutsche Messe is staging its first-ever HANNOVER MESSE USA showcasing the next wave of manufacturing innovations.  Just like its European parent, attendees will be able to see and learn about the influx of technology that are driving big changes in manufacturing methods and production automation architectures throughout the globe.  Further they will be able to learn how these creative solutions are expanding options for manufacturers.  The event is co-located with the IMTS (International Manufacturing Technology Show) hosted by the The Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT).

Competitive Manufacturing Convergence

The HANNOVER MESSE USA event will show how manufacturers, worldwide, are applying new technologies to improve manufacturing productivity and performance.  There is a growing recognition worldwide that low labor costs do not create   a sustainable competitive advantage. Automation is required to compete in today’s world yielding vast improvements in productivity, repeatability, and quality.

In addition to the productivity and quality gains, the ability to achieve mass production efficiencies - while building-to-order quantity one for personalization - can only be achieved with automation.

The event will feature a number of exhibitors, illustrating everything from integrated digital factories, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Supply Chain Management, Process Integration, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Visualization, Manufacturing Execution Systems MES and Virtual Commissioning, Offline Programming and Set-up and other IIoT solutions and much more.  Notable exhibitors include SAP, INFOR, and FORCAM among the many others.

IT/OT Integration

While automation technologies will be front and center at Hannover Messe USA 2018, the event will also showcase the integration of both business and production automation systems, which is becoming and integral factor to the successful digitalization of manufacturing.

Interactive Solutions Theater

To discuss the opportunities and challenges that Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things presents, Hannover Messe USA together with its partners Plattform Industrie 4.0, Industrial Internet Consortium, Manufacturing Leadership Council, National Electrical Manufacturers Association, and others, have also put together the ‘Solution Theater – Industrie 4.0 Meets the Industrial Internet of Things.’ The event will take place on September 10, 2018, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the Hannover Messe USA in Chicago (McCormick Place, East Building, Level 2, Solutions Theater). The interactive Solutions Theater event on Industry 4.0 / IIoT will address questions surrounding the future of new business models, the role of standards and security topics in the context of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things. This event will include several focused panels, including:

1. Business Model panel: In the era of digitisation, digital business models seem to be crucial in order for businesses to succeed. What is the actual benefit of digital business models for companies? How can new value chains be organised in a profitable way? How do we use data and ensure that it is exchange securely? What are the challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises in this context? These questions and others will be discussed by the panel experts. They will share their experience and knowledge when it comes to rethink and reconfigure business models in a digitized manufacturing world.
2. Standards panel: Industry 4.0 / IIoT relevant standards and norms are negotiated and developed at various technical levels and by different standards bodies. The overarching goal is a consensus-based, research-accompanying standardisation process which is essential for the realisation of more highly digitised industrial manufacturing processes. Only open and interoperable standards will benefit all companies since their machines, storage systems, products, employees, suppliers, partner companies and customers are networked and able to exchange information in accordance with uniform standards. Various concepts such as RAMI 4.0 (Reference Architecture Model Industrie 4.0) and the asset administration shell have been introduced into the international exchange on this topic. This panel will consist of standards experts who will  shed light on the current developments and give recommendations on how to implement new standards into the manufacturing process.
3. Security panel: Secure digital value networks are based on connectivity and data. They have the potential to foster strong and sustainable growth in the world economy. Currently, companies who want to be integrated in global value networks face different security requirements depending on specific customer needs and varying international regulatory approaches. This panel will bring together international top-level security leaders to present various approaches on how to cope with the challenges of securing global industrial value networks and required international standardisation, and the discussion of how each of these approaches may affect the industry of today and tomorrow.

IMTS – International Manufacturing Technology Show

Hannover Messe USA 2018 is co-located with IMTS, the largest and longest running manufacturing technology trade show in the United States. Held every other year at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, IMTS is owned and managed by The Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT) and is ranked among the largest trade shows in the world. Recognized for introducing and selling manufacturing equipment and technology, IMTS attracts visitors from every level of industry and more than 117 countries. IMTS 2016 was the third largest in number of registrations (115,612) and in net square feet of exhibit space (1,370,256). This show hosted the highest number of exhibiting companies ever (2,407).

AMT represents and promotes U.S.-based manufacturing technology and its members who design, build, sell, and service the continuously evolving technology that lies at the heart of manufacturing. Founded in 1902 and based in Virginia, the association specializes in providing targeted business assistance, extensive global support, and business intelligence systems and analysis. AMT is the voice that communicates the importance of policies and programs that encourage research and innovation, and the development of educational initiatives to create tomorrow’s Smartforce.

Hannover Messe Since 1947

Hannover Messe has been showcasing manufacturing technology, thought leadership, and new developments since 1947.  The company known as "Deutsche Messe- und Ausstellungs-AG" was created to manage and run the "Hannover Export Fair 1947".   The plan worked with approximately 736,000 visitors from 53 countries from around the world flocked to Hannover for the 21 days of the fair. Export contracts were signed and sealed to the tune of close to US$ 32 million.  Since that time Deutsche Messe as for hosting events throughout the world.

Ideas Fuel Growth

The growth of a manufacturing company is fueled by the understanding and application of forward thinking methods and technologies.  Manufacturers that grow don’t wait for things to happen but seek out seek out knowledge, methods, and technologies to be competitive and profitable.

This year manufacturers have a unique opportunity to explore the latest manufacturing thinking, methods and technologies at HANNOVER MESSE USA 2018.