1. Digitization and increased integration of vertical and horizontal value chains Leading industrial companies are digitizing and connecting functions along the vertical value chain — from the digital order process, customised product development and the automated transfer of product data to connected planning and manufacturing systems and further on to integrated customer service. Moreover, the horizontal integration of inventory and planning data is carried out with suppliers, customers and other value chain partners.
2. Digitization of product and service offerings Digital champions expand their existing range of products with complete digital product descriptions as well as intelligent and connected solutions (“embedded systems”/“Internet of Things”). These include online connection for the regular matching of performance and wear data or the development of customised products with a lot size of 1. The service portfolio will be further extended by connected, automated or data-based services.