Innovations featured at the show include the Sinamics G120X converter series, which has been optimized for pump and fan applications in the infrastructure industry. Using Sinamics Connect 300, these devices can also be linked to MindSphere, enabling users to optimize their processes and maintenance strategies by analyzing operating data gathered from converters, drive trains and machines. Sidrive IQ is a digital platform offered by Siemens for the analysis and utilization of data from drive systems. On the basis of networked Siemens drive systems, this cloud-based application is now also available for motors and converters in the medium and high voltage ranges.
Siemens will also be showcasing three new application packages for MindSphere: Connect & Monitor, Analyze & Predict, Digitalize & Transform, all including comprehensive advisory services. These new packages will allow even faster, simpler implementation of IoT projects by users, for instance by speeding up the connection, analysis and optimization of assets and by predicting and preventing unscheduled plant downtimes. They will also simplify the development of new services and business models. The growing ecosystem surrounding MindSphere is set to additionally benefit users by enabling a high level of flexibility in the choice of infrastructure (Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Alibaba Cloud). By acquiring Mendix and its low-code platform, Siemens is supporting in particular small and medium-sized enterprises to develop their own applications. The number of members affiliated to the MindSphere World user organization continues to grow, currently numbering 37 in Germany and 18 in Italy.
Klaus Helmrich explained the significance of cooperation in the Industrie 4.0 age using examples such as the recent Siemens affiliation with the Aruba in the field of communication networks. Siemens has joined forces with Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise, in a strategic partnership for integrated networks. On the basis of their complementary product portfolios, they will be providing support to customers in the implementation of integrated communication networks, all the way from factory floors to corporate offices.
Another example cited by Helmrich was the company's extended cooperation with Bentley Systems. Both companies recently announced their joint development of PlantSight Cloud Services, based on their highly complementary software portfolios. These services will afford users anytime access to 1D/2D/3D data using a simple web portal – making a continuously updated digital twin of a plant available to all users. Given the long service life of process plants and on-going investment projects, this offers a decisive benefit particularly to plant operators.
As the digital transformation progresses, cyber security is becoming a major success factor for an increasing number of companies. Here, Siemens offers a holistic industrial security concept based on products and services. As framework conditions and security requirements can vary, specifically tailored solutions are required for different sectors of industry – from discrete manufacturing through to the process industries. Siemens is the first company in the world to achieve TÜV SÜD certification for the secure system integration of process automation and drive solutions in compliance with the international IEC 62443-2-4 standard. The Digital Industry Services offered by Siemens are designed to support customers as they work towards customized implementation of the Digital Enterprise – from consulting through implementation to data analytics.