NEONEX

We’ve wrapped up another inspiring Company-Friday at NEONEX, a day dedicated to stepping away from daily routines and diving into collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange. These monthly gatherings give us the chance to reflect, solve challenges together, and explore ideas that help us stay ahead in our dynamic industry.   This time, we had the pleasure of gaining inspiring perspectives from our collegue Maik Waldhör, now working at EAM-Mosca Corp. EAM-Mosca Corp. specializes in strapping machines and solutions and has been actively exploring the use of low-code/no-code platforms. Their team developed Tulip Interfaces-based apps for line operators & -managers, making tasks like workplace inspections more efficient and optimizing workflows - a highly integrating example of how digital tools can enhance operational processes.   Internal updates included: > Business KPIs from our Managing Director > Marketing updates > HR news and personnel changes > Addressing "tiny issues" to prevent bigger problems later > Optimizing our document library for better knowledge transfer > An update on our Value Stream Designer, now ready for deployment after years of development   Of course, we also took some time to enjoy snacks and refreshments together, exchanging thoughts on the latest topics beyond the official agenda.   What makes these Fridays so valuable are the spontaneous discussions and new ideas that emerge when we come together. These moments help us see challenges from new perspectives and build real momentum for future projects.   We’re already looking forward to the next one!   #knowledgeSharing #teamwork #DigitalTransformation  

As outlined in the NEONEX Industrial Trend Tree, 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 is becoming increasingly important for manufacturers. Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, adopting sustainable practices is essential for long-term success and competitiveness.   Let’s look at the key trends driving sustainability in the industrial sector: > 𝗘𝗦𝗚 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴   ESG reporting is becoming more important. It offers a clear way for companies to report their non-financial performance, especially regarding environmental impact and ethical business practices. By implementing ESG reporting, companies not only comply with regulations but also build trust with stakeholders and improve their overall reputation.   Transformative Impact: Low Implementation Timeframe: Less than 1 year > 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻   Energy efficiency is a crucial trend that will develop over the next few years. It involves reducing energy usage and improving efficiency across production processes. Companies that adopt these practices can lower their carbon footprint, meet sustainability goals, and comply with new environmental regulations, all while saving costs and improving operational performance.   Transformative Impact: Medium Implementation Timeframe: 1-3 years > 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘆𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀   The move towards a circular economy is a major strategic shift. This trend focuses on reducing waste, extending product lifecycles, and prioritizing recycling and reusing materials. Shifting to circular economy practices requires rethinking traditional production models and investing in new technologies and infrastructure. Although challenging, this approach offers significant sustainability benefits and strengthens long-term resilience.   Transformative Impact: High Implementation Timeframe: 3-5 years   These sustainability trends are not just about following rules - they’re about positioning companies for future success in a market that increasingly values responsible and ethical business practices. By adopting these trends, companies can lead the way in creating a more sustainable and resilient industrial landscape.   For more detailed insights, visit our website – find the link in the comments below.   #NEONEX #Sustainability #DigitalTransformation  

Last week, we celebrated a major milestone at the WirtschaftsWoche Best of Consulting 2024 awards, where our Digital Value Stream Design was awarded 1st place in Manufacturing & Operations!   Our Senior Partners Thomas Rohrbach, Jochen Leppert, Dr. Jochen Schlick, and Dr. Peter Stephan, along with Marketing Manager Noah Haxel, attended the ceremony in Düsseldorf. It was a fantastic evening with great conversations and the opportunity to celebrate with the teams of other award winning consultancies. We’re still celebrating we’ve been awarded 1st place for one of the projects involving our Digital Value Stream Design. This recognition is a special milestone for us, coming as we celebrate eight years since founding NEONEX!   The project that earned us this award was a collaboration with Liebherr Group in Lienz, where we designed a flexible and efficient production line for commercial refrigerators. The challenge was to enable the production of both existing and new product variants while supporting Liebherr’s growth plans for the next seven years. To achieve this, we applied our Digital Value Stream Design approach, which we have continuously refined over the years and which now forms the foundation of our NEONEX Value Stream Designer software. This combination of methodology and technology enables precise planning, optimization, and transparency in production systems.   With this approach, we delivered a future-ready system that manages volatile demand, increases efficiency, and improves process transparency. We’re proud to see how our solutions make a real impact and grateful to the team at Liebherr, the WirtschaftsWoche jury and everyone at NEONEX who contributed to this success. Thank you very much!   #BOC24 #DigitalValueStreamDesign #OperationalExcellence #WirtschaftsWoche

We’re very proud to share that NEONEX has been awarded 1st place in WirtschaftsWoche Best of Consulting 2024 for our Digital Value Stream Design!   This recognition is a milestone for us and certainly one of the most meaningful achievements in our 8-year journey as a company. It’s especially rewarding because we’ve spent the past five years developing and refining this approach and seeing it succeed in a project of this scale means a lot to us.   Together with Liebherr Group, we addressed the challenge of designing and planning a highly efficient, flexible production line for commercial white goods. The goal was to produce both new and existing refrigerators in an uncertain mix of variants while supporting the company’s growth ambitions for the next seven years.   The challenges and aims of the project focused on: > Efficiently and reliably handling a broad, uncertain product mix > Refining the data model with insights from product management, marketing, production, and logistics, while adapting to evolving demand forecasts and production plans > Overcoming infrastructure constraints in the Brownfield environment and managing shared resources like machines and workstations across multiple value streams > Incorporating diverse growth scenarios and cross-value stream influences for scalable, robust, and viable planning > Stabilizing workflows and fluctuating workloads with material buffers, multiskilled employees, and real-time visualization tools   To meet these objectives, we used our own Digital Value Stream Design approach and applied techniques like Virtual Cardboard Engineering for workstation optimization alongside detailed capacity and risk analyses.   The software that now fully supports this approach is the NEONEX Value Stream Designer. It provides automated visualization of production data, precise calculations of capacities and bottlenecks, and optimization of supermarket and buffer stocks.   Key outcomes of the project included: > A flexible layout ready for future product diversity and growth > Digital workstations enabling real-time fluctuation management and improved process transparency > Significant cost efficiency improvements through optimized workflows > Capacity and risk analyses ensuring scalability and resilience   This project is a great example of how Value Stream Design is driving meaningful transformation in manufacturing. The result is a production system that’s efficient, reliable, and ready for the future.   We want to thank the amazing team at Liebherr Lienz, the WirtschaftsWoche jury, and everyone at NEONEX who made this possible. This achievement is deeply personal for us, and it shows what can be accomplished through dedication, innovation, and strong collaboration. If you want to find out more about NEONEX Digital Value Stream Design, please click the link to our website in the comments down below.   #BOC24 #OperationalExcellence #WirtschaftsWoche

The final highlight of our recent Smart Factory Tour brought the participants for an engaging workshop together that delved into the complex challenges, industrial companies face on their digital transformation journey.   The workshop was preceded by an inspiring keynote from NEONEX Senior Partner Dr. Jochen Schlick. He outlined the critical challenges that industrial companies will face over the next three years. He shared actionable insights and strategic principles that provided a thought-provoking foundation for the discussions that followed.   During the workshop, we leveraged our custom Project Failure Iceberg Model to analyze these challenges across multiple organizational levels. A survey conducted among participants revealed several key findings:   1. 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 > Persistent issues such as project delays, budget overruns, and inaccurate key metrics underscored the need for more reliable data and better strategic planning.   2. 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 > Communication breakdowns and the development of isolated solutions were highlighted as common obstacles that lead to inefficiencies. > A lack of skills and unclear methodologies was also seen as a major challenge in implementing new solutions successfully.   3. 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗲𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗦𝗲𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 > Unforeseen dependencies and system complexity were often attributed to inadequate communication and poor information flow. > While many organizations reported a moderate to strong pioneering spirit, resistance to change driven by habit and convenience remains a significant barrier.   𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀: > Automation was identified as the most crucial future investment, highlighting its importance for improving operational efficiency. > Trust in current metrics varied from good to mixed; however, productivity and customer satisfaction were consistently seen as top priorities. > Knowledge and complexity management practices were described as inconsistent, suggesting a need for more standardized approaches. > Challenges with information transfer were frequently mentioned as a barrier to effective project coordination. > The impact of the skilled labor shortage is already being felt by many organizations. > Methodological weaknesses in implementing new solutions were a recurring pain point. > Lack of communication was noted as a root cause of unforeseen dependencies and excessive system complexity.   The workshop emphasized that overcoming these multi-layered challenges will require strategic investments in automation, improved communication, and clear implementation methodologies. Thanks to all participants!   #SmartFactory #DigitalTransformation #Innovation

During our recent Smart Factory Tour, we had the opportunity to witness firsthand how innovation and continuous improvement come together at DMG MORI.   As a leader in turning and milling machines, advanced technologies, and additive manufacturing, DMG MORI continues to set benchmarks in smart manufacturing.   Here are some key takeaways from our visit: > 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Through comprehensive modularization, DMG MORI has transitioned a significant portion of its product portfolio into a highly efficient, takt-based production system - an impressive achievement given the particular challenges of their industry. > 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Operating under the principle 'one worker builds one machine', DMG MORI prioritizes automated or structural solutions when additional support is needed. There is also potential for further improvements in logistics processes. > 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼-𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝘀: The strategic development of no-code apps on the shop floor addresses gaps in traditional systems like SAP, facilitating solutions that are close to the employees’ work environment. > 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: A dedicated training center and numerous initiatives to foster a lean culture, including a continuous improvement department, reflect DMG MORI’s investment in long-term employee and process development. > 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗼-𝗖𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹: While no-code app development enhances innovation, maintaining structured oversight is key to preventing isolated solutions that might not integrate seamlessly with broader systems.   Our visit to DMG MORI underscored their commitment to embracing digital solutions and enhancing operational efficiency. Thank you, DMG MORI, for providing such an inspiring example of modern manufacturing!   #SmartFactory #DigitalTransformation #Innovation

Reflecting on an inspiring visit to GROB-WERKE GmbH & Co. KG during our latest Smart Factory Tour!   GROB-WERKE, a globally active and family-owned pioneer for innovative production and automation systems, showcased their impressive journey through digital transformation.   Here are some of the key insights we gathered: > 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝘆 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: GROB’s digital initiatives started with the goal of optimizing their own internal processes before turning these solutions into marketable products. > 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Advanced automation in their production has enabled GROB to significantly boost productivity, with some machines seeing a twofold increase in output. > 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: Visual transparency alone isn't enough; real progress requires interpreting data and implementing actionable measures. GROB ensures that their data-driven insights translate into tangible improvements. > 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Existing infrastructure poses challenges, particularly in scaling automation with AGVs. > 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆: The key to progress is to begin with basic solutions, even if not perfect, and refine them continuously. GROB’s use of semi-autonomous AGVs is a prime example of this approach in action.   This visit offered valuable takeaways for how to drive digital transformation effectively. A huge thank you to GROB-WERKE for sharing their journey with us!   #SmartFactory #DigitalTransformation #Innovation

In our latest article for IT&Production - Media for Manufacturers , we discuss a methodical approach required for defining an IT architecture and selecting IT systems during a digital transformation of operations. Companies like Pepperl+Fuchs are leading the way, demonstrating the importance of a well-organized process. Here’s an overview of the key steps taken in Pepperl+Fuchs’ Smart Manufacturing Roadmap:   > Qualification & Inspiration of the Core Team This step was essential for Pepperl+Fuchs to prepare core team & management for further steps in the digital transformation initiative. This first phase involved a customized training program and visits to leading companies.   > Definition of Vision & Goals The next step was to define the vision and goals for the digital transformation, aligning everyone on the future direction. Clear objectives were set to guide the Smart Manufacturing initiatives.   > Identification & Ranking of Digital Use Cases Once the vision was set, the team moved on to identifying and prioritizing digital use cases from the bottom up. Potential use cases were identified across key facilities and were integrated into the global strategy.   > Formation of the Team Although the core team was already involved, this step involved organizing a dedicated team to manage the implementation of the identified use cases. A cross-functional team was formed to focus on executing these initiatives.   > Evaluation of IT System Options With the use cases identified, the next step was to evaluate different IT systems to design a future IT architecture. Pepperl+Fuchs considered options like MES, IIoT platforms, and Low-Code platforms to support the use cases.   > Structured Selection Process A structured selection process was used, focusing on flexibility and cost-effectiveness. For Pepperl+Fuchs, this led to the selection of an MES system that could natively support many identified use cases, minimizing the need for additional solutions and customization.   > Stakeholder Involvement Stakeholder involvement was crucial throughout the process to ensure all perspectives were considered. This helped secure broad support for the decisions taken in the initiative.   > Commercial & Functional Evaluation After the initial selection, Pepperl+Fuchs evaluated over 100 functional requirements to determine necessary customization and ensure systems met operational needs. Following this, they assessed commercial aspects, including costs, scalability, and long-term value, to align with financial and strategic goals.   > Supplier Evaluation & Piloting Finally, suppliers were evaluated in a structured process to ensure the chosen solutions met all requirements before full-scale implementation. Thorough testing was conducted to verify choices before proceeding with implementation.   For more details, find the full article in the comments below. #SmartManufacturing #SmartFactory #DigitalTransformation

Exploring the future of manufacturing during our recent Smart Factory Tour!   One of the stops of our most recent tour in October 2024 took us to ifm, a leading company in the field of innovative sensor technology.   They impressed us with their forward-thinking Smart Factory initiatives: > 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁, 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲: A thorough lean transformation increased productivity by 20%, with digitalization adding a further annual increase of 2-5%. > 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: The goal of winning the “Factory of the Year” award boosted motivation and commitment to continuous improvement. > 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗧 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲: Robust IT expertise enables the development of stable, in-house low-code applications. > 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀: Utilizing their sensor technology to create innovative applications that optimize processes and develop market-ready products. > 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘀: Maintaining familiar formats in the first wave of digital apps reduced the need for printed documents and increased acceptance.   Concluding with a delicious meal and vibrant discussions, the day’s visit aimed to inspire and equip participants with practical strategies to accelerate their own digitalization efforts. #NEONEX #SmartFactory #DigitalTransformation

Strong teamwork and collaboration are essential for driving successful transformations. Recently, some members of our team participated in a sailing trip, reinforcing the importance of working together – a principle that guides us in every digital transformation project. Next week, we’re looking forward to hosting our Smart Factory Tour, where participants will gain insights into the latest advancements in smart manufacturing. Together, we’ll explore best practices from industry leaders and engage in discussions that help shape the future of industrial performance. 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲: > 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀: Explore how GROB-WERKE GmbH & Co. KG, ifm, and DMG MORI are transforming their operations using cutting-edge digital technologies. > 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Participants will focus on actionable strategies for overcoming challenges in digital transformation. > 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: Meet peers and industry professionals who are also navigating their own digital journeys. Our next tour will take place in Spring 2025. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed when registration opens! Looking forward to sharing updates from the event soon. Stay tuned! #NEONEX #DigitalTransformation #teamwork