1. Lack of security

The IoT opens doors for innovation, but also for potential security risks. Security is one of the biggest concerns in the IoT space. IoT devices are continuously connected to the Internet and are constantly exchanging data. This data makes attractive targets for hackers. An inadequately secured IoT device can pose a risk not only to itself, but also serve as a gateway into an entire network.
Did you know that many IoT devices have default or weak passwords, outdated software, or inadequate encryption mechanisms? This increases the risk of DDoS attacks, data leaks and other security breaches.
Strategy: invest in robust security measures from the start. Regularly update your security protocols and train your team on how to use IoT devices.

2. Insufficient integration

IoT devices need to work smoothly with existing systems and technologies. IoT devices come in different shapes and sizes with different operating systems and protocols. If these devices are not properly integrated with existing systems and applications, data loss, malfunctions, or even system failures can occur.
Did you know that integration often requires custom solutions because it can be difficult to find standard protocols or formats between different devices? This can lead to increased complexity and cost.
Strategy: Plan the integration from the beginning. Work with experts who have experience in successfully integrating IoT solutions.

3. Lack of scalability

Your IoT system must be able to grow without losing performance. Because IoT projects often start with a limited number of devices and expand later, they must be able to scale as the number of devices and amount of data increases. A system that doesn’t scale can lead to performance bottlenecks, increased costs or system failures.
Did you know that scalability refers not only to hardware, but also to databases, networks and the applications themselves? Without proper architecture, expanding an IoT system can become a major problem.
Strategy: Go for modular and scalable architectures. This will give you the flexibility you need for future growth.

4. Unclear ROI

Many companies start IoT projects without setting clear expectations for return on investment (ROI). Companies need to be able to measure the value of these investments in order to adjust their strategy and use their resources efficiently.
Did you know that measuring ROI for IoT projects can be complicated because many of the benefits, such as improved efficiency or customer satisfaction, are difficult to quantify? It’s important to define clear KPIs and regularly review the value of the project.
Strategy: define clear goals and measurable KPIs from the beginning. Monitor project progress and adjust your strategy as needed.

Act now.
It is essential to address potential problems early on and take appropriate countermeasures. The key to success lies in precise planning, continuous monitoring and constant optimization.
If you need assistance with your IoT project or have any questions about the topics addressed, don’t hesitate to schedule a free consultation. We will be happy to help you turn your vision into reality.

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Changing the product development paradigm

Traditionally, product development was an elaborate process that took a lot of time and resources. From ideation to prototyping to launch, many steps are required before the product is finally on the market. With the advent of various K-tools, these steps are simplified, which can lead to various benefits. From the process of product development, to software development, to electronics and mechanical development, AI can support all processes .

Significant benefits for the entire product development

• AI-driven ideation

AI can analyze vast amounts of data, identify trends, and generate suggestions for new product ideas. This not only saves companies time, but also allows them to identify gaps in the market that might otherwise have been overlooked.

• Efficient prototyping

Prototyping is a crucial step in product development. AI-powered design tools can work faster and more accurately, saving companies time and money.

• Improved market research

AI can analyze Big Data to gain insights into customer behavior and market trends. This allows companies to better tailor their products to meet the needs of their target audience.

• Quality improvements and innovation

AI has not only increased the speed of product development, but also improved quality and innovation.

• Predictive Maintenance

In the manufacturing industry, AI enables real-time monitoring of machinery and equipment. Problems can be predicted and fixed before they lead to costly breakdowns.

• Personalization

AI can help tailor products to individual customer needs. This ranges from personalized recommendations in e-commerce platforms to customized healthcare products.

• Rapid prototyping

AI-based algorithms can quickly create multiple prototypes and improve them. This significantly speeds up the innovation process.

To illustrate the impact of AI on product development, let’s take a look at some notable examples from industry:

Tesla: Automaker Tesla is using AI to develop autonomous driving. Its vehicles continuously collect data that is analyzed in real time to improve vehicle performance and add new features.

Netflix: Netflix uses AI to create personalized recommendations for movies and series. This has increased customer satisfaction and strengthened engagement with the platform.

IBM: IBM has Watson, an AI system used in drug development. Watson analyzes vast amounts of medical data to identify and validate new treatment approaches.

Our perspective

AI will continue to have a serious impact on the processes in your company. That’s why you should be ready to integrate AI into your processes to stay competitive. Investing in AI can not only increase efficiency, but also open up entirely new opportunities for innovation and customer engagement.

Overall, AI in product development offers many benefits and allows companies to be faster, more accurate, and more innovative. Those that use this technology effectively will be able to develop competitively and efficiently, shaping the future of smart product development .

Do you want to give your company more efficiency and competitive advantage? But don’t know exactly how or need product development support?

Contact us to discuss the possibilities together and develop individual solutions for your company. Let’s walk the path to a networked future together.

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In the field of product development, PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments 2) has established itself as one of the leading methodologies in modern project management. In this blog post, we will take a look at the basics of PRINCE2, the benefits it offers, and add some unique perspectives and insights to get a holistic understanding of modern project management with PRINCE2.

PRINCE2: Fundamentals and Methodology

PRINCE2 is a structured framework for project management based on proven principles, processes and best practices. It provides a clear guide for delivering projects in controlled environments and is widely used in both the private and public sectors.
PRINCE2 divides projects into controlled phases ranging from initiation, planning, execution and control to final evaluation. These phases ensure that projects are always under control and can adapt to changing conditions.

The advantages of PRINCE2

Clear structure and responsibilities: A key benefit of PRINCE2 is the clear structure it provides for projects. Each phase has defined processes and roles, resulting in better management of tasks and responsibilities. This minimizes confusion and misunderstandings within the team and promotes collaboration.
Focus on Business Case: PRINCE2 places great emphasis on the business case, i.e. the economic rationale for a project. This ensures that a project continuously delivers the expected benefits and is always in line with the company’s goals.
Flexibility and Adaptability: Although PRINCE2 is a structured methodology, it still provides flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. This is critical in a world where market conditions and customer requirements can change rapidly.

Unique perspectives and insights

Agile thinking and PRINCE2: An interesting perspective is the combination of agile principles with PRINCE2. Although PRINCE2 is not agile per se, agile elements, such as iterative development cycles and constant communication with stakeholders, can be integrated into the PRINCE2 methodology to take advantage of both approaches.
Knowledge transfer and continuous learning: PRINCE2 emphasizes the importance of learning from past projects. These lessons are collected in a central knowledge base and are thus available for future projects. This promotes continuous learning and improves performance with each new initiative.

The foundation of PRINCE2

PRINCE2 is more than just a methodology. It is a solid foundation for project management built on seven basic principles:

Modern projects require a structured approach to be completed successfully. PRINCE2 provides exactly this structure, characterized by clear processes, responsibilities and a focus on the business case. It allows organizations to respond flexibly to change while still being able to manage projects efficiently. The combination of PRINCE2 with agile principles, as well as the focus on knowledge transfer and continuous learning, gives this framework additional depth and relevance in the modern business world. If you are looking for a proven method to keep your projects on track for success, PRINCE2 is undoubtedly the right choice.

Need help developing custom IoT solutions that will give your business greater efficiency and competitive advantage?
Contact us to discuss the possibilities together and develop individual solutions for your company. Let’s walk the path to a connected future together.

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In an increasingly connected world, smart products are becoming more and more important. They are not only revolutionizing the everyday lives of consumers: inside, but are also opening up completely new opportunities for companies. The rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT) has created the basis for these smart products, which improve efficiency, safety and convenience in various areas of life and in companies through their intelligent networking and automation.
Smart products enable unprecedented connectivity and interaction between devices, services and people. By integrating sensors, wireless communications and advanced data processing technologies, devices can communicate with each other, share information and thus act together “intelligently.”
This seamless networking opens up a wide range of possible applications: from smart household appliances and connected vehicles to Industry 4.0 solutions for optimized production in industry.
But what does it take to create innovative and successful solutions? In this article, we will highlight the crucial aspects and show you how we typically work with our customers to develop and manufacture innovative IoT solutions from the idea stage to series production.

1. preparation

Together with our customer, we develop a concrete business case for the planned IoT product and the associated business model. In this first phase, the focus is on validating the product idea and the associated research.
Important questions that need to be answered include: how are competing products doing? What does my target group look like? What requirements does the target group have for the product? What is the potential of the market?

2. initiation

Once the initial framework conditions have been established, the product solution is specified in detail in the form of requirements / functional specifications (electronics development – hardware) and in the form of a product backlog (firmware, cloud backend). It is important to understand the needs and requirements of the IoT product solution precisely.
In so-called requirements engineering workshops, the requirements are discussed, defined and approved together with our customer.
A helpful tool for validating the product solution and the planned business model is the Business Model Canvas. This can provide valuable insights that help to design a product or service that is tailored exactly to the needs of the end customer. With expertise in electronics, software and mechanics, we are able to bring the experts to the table at this early stage and focus on the product benefits.
As a conclusion of the initiation phase, a first concrete schedule is developed and presented with the project partners.

3. design + proof of concept

In this phase, the focus is on the concrete product design, i.e. housing design, material selection, hardware design and the cloud architecture are roughly sketched. It is important to draw the right conclusions about the technologies to be used from the predefined requirements and the business case.
The selection of the right technologies is a decisive factor for the success of smart products. In order to validate technologies and functionalities, a so-called proof of concept is usually used in practice. In a 4-6 week PoC phase, it is determined whether the business case can be realized with the selected technologies. If this is positive, the actual development of the IoT device and the implementation of firmware and software then begins.
Due to the delivery situation of electronic components, it is imperative to coordinate closely with purchasing already in the design phase in order to check delivery times of processors or other components and to make a different selection if necessary.

4. development

The development of the IoT product typically runs in an agile manner and in parallel over several months. Depending on the project scope, a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) can be realized within 3-6 months. Our goal is to minimize the development time to get into field validation with real feedback from “neutral” customers as quickly as possible.
Through our PRINCE2 project management approach we manage to organize the different “trades” while presenting the project status and budget usage in a very transparent way. It is important to us that our customer can assess at any time where we currently stand in the project (schedule, budget, development progress).
At the end of the development phase, initial prototypes are produced, which are then tested in the field during the next phase. Rapid prototyping, i.e. the production of housings from the 3D printer, allows the first product housings to be realized in this early phase.

5. pilot + validation

The goal of this phase is to validate the first prototypes in a field test phase. Feedback is obtained from real, neutral customers and the feedback is precisely documented and analyzed in order to draw conclusions about any user interface adjustments or other desired additional features.
Penetration tests are used to identify weaknesses in the cloud architecture at an early stage and to uncover potential errors. This tests the system for robustness and security.

6. roll-out

Once the IoT device has been validated in the field, initial customer feedback obtained and implemented in development, the approvals start in an accredited test laboratory. This includes EMC tests and safety tests, which are prerequisites for CE marking.
In parallel, series production is prepared in the form of test equipment construction and assembly lines: among other things, test equipment and test systems must be created for this purpose in order to ensure consistently high production quality. Depending on the product and the number of pieces, different assembly techniques (manual, semi-automated, automated) are used.
An important element here is traceability, i.e. the traceability of all materials and components used. In the event of technical problems or software errors, targeted action can be taken very quickly in the field.
In close exchange with our customer, we then create an optimal packaging solution and ship the goods to the end customer, if desired.

Do you need support in the development of networked products from IoT experts? Contact us to discuss the possibilities together and develop individual solutions for your company. Let’s walk the path to a connected future together.

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Manufacturing companies that want to optimize their processes while achieving their sustainability goals should look into the topic of smart tracking solutions.
By using sensors, software, data analysis tools or other technologies such as GPS, RFID, NB-IoT or UWB, companies can optimize energy and resource consumption in their operations and thus reduce their environmental impact. It is also possible to better manage and monitor supply chains, inventories and production processes. Companies can thus reduce their resource consumption while minimizing the environmental footprint of their products.
In our blog, we present several ways smart tracking solutions can help your company become more sustainable.

1. improve energy and resource efficiency

By using IoT sensors and smart algorithms, companies can optimize the energy consumption of their assets such as machinery. Sensors can monitor performance and energy consumption and provide real-time data. Using this data, companies can identify savings and take targeted actions to reduce energy consumption and use resources more efficiently.

2. reduce waste and wastefulness

By monitoring the quantities of raw materials, intermediate or finished products through smart technologies, companies can better plan their ordering and reorder more proactively. This leads not only to cost savings, but also to a positive environmental impact and sustainable business operations.

3. extending the useful life

Smart technologies can also extend the useful life of assets. For this, smart technologies monitor the condition of assets in real time and use predictive maintenance models. In this way, company vehicles, forklifts, and other material handling equipment can be effectively monitored and maintained.

4. improving traceability

Smart asset tracking solutions can also help improve the traceability of containers, pallets or boxes. Companies can track whereabouts in the supply chain in real time, increasing transparency and accountability. This can help companies act more ethically and sustainably and build consumer trust.

5. maximize uptime

By tracking the exact locations of your machines, you can better distribute workload across your fleet to avoid wear and tear and overuse of individual machines. This helps you extend the uptime of your assets and increase the efficiency of your operations.

6. improved security

Computers, laptops, tablets, servers and other IT devices are valuable assets for businesses. Tracking these devices helps monitor their location, usage and security.

7. better overview of processes

Locating industrial trucks provides better visibility into your processes. Tracking location and operational data can help you identify and fix bottlenecks and inefficient operations in your business. As a result, you can optimize your processes and increase the productivity of your operation.

In summary, smart tracking solutions can make a significant contribution to business sustainability. By implementing IoT technologies, processes can be optimized and emissions reduced, bringing not only environmental benefits but also economic advantages.
Continuous monitoring of resources and processes can maximize uptime and extend the overall life of assets. In addition, targeted maintenance activities enable greater safety for employees and more efficient use of resources.

Better visibility into processes and resources not only helps improve operational efficiency, but also enables companies to identify potential for saving resources and reducing emissions.
Considering the benefits offered by smart tracking solutions, we recommend that companies integrate these technologies into their operations. With the challenges of climate change and the increasing need to promote sustainable business practices in mind, investing in these technologies not only makes environmental sense, but is also an opportunity for companies to strengthen their competitiveness and cement their position as leaders in their industry.
At trescore, we believe that sustainability is one of the most important tasks of our time. Let us work together to develop customized IoT solutions for your company to contribute to environmental protection and sustainability with the help of smart technologies. Contact us today and let’s talk together about your individual use case.

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The Internet of Things (IoT) is a growing market that includes more and more devices and applications that communicate and exchange data with each other. An IoT-Stack (also known as an IoT technology stack) refers to the group of technologies and components used to develop and run IoT applications. Get inspired and learn what’s behind the five different IoT-Stack levels.

The five technological levels, which all have a significant function in the implementation of applications, can be aimed at consumers: inside as well as used for industrial IoT projects. From the simple connection of “things” and IoT devices to the development of applications with specific goals, all levels play a key role.

The physical level as the basis for networked devices

The physical layer is the lowest layer in the IoT-Stack and includes all physical devices, sensors, actuators and gateways used in an IoT system. These devices are the interface between the digital and physical worlds and collect data from the environment or perform actions in the environment.

A typical IoT device consists of several physical components, such as a microcontroller or processor, memory, sensors, actuators, communication interfaces and power supply. The microcontroller or processor is the heart of the device and controls all other components. The sensors measure physical variables such as temperature, humidity, light intensity or acceleration. Actuators are capable of performing actions in the physical environment, such as turning devices on or off or triggering alarms. The communication interfaces allow the device to connect to other devices or networks, while the power supply provides power to the device. Due to the variety of devices in the IoT system, different communication protocols can be used to establish a connection between devices. Examples of physical layer communication protocols include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, and NFC.

The physical level is of great importance because it provides the link between the digital and physical worlds. If this level does not function reliably, data loss or malfunction can occur, which can negatively impact the entire IoT system. For this reason, it is important that IoT devices have high reliability and stability at this level.

Creating connectivity: The connectivity level in the IoT-Stack

The second level required is the connectivity level. This is responsible for the transmission of data between the various IoT devices and the cloud platform. This can be done via different types of networks such as WLAN or Bluetooth. The connectivity level is critical to the efficiency and scalability of IoT networks. A robust connectivity level enables reliable transmission of data and fast response time, which in turn leads to better decision making and more effective use of IoT applications.

From raw data to valuable insights: The data preparation level in the IoT

The 3rd level in the IoT-Stack is often referred to as the data processing level. This level is responsible for collecting, storing and processing the data collected and generated by the sensors and actuators on the 2nd level of the IoT stack. The data processing level consists of various components that may vary depending on the use case. In general, however, it includes the following functions:

• Data storage: the data preparation level stores the acquired data in an appropriate database or data store. In this process, the data is often stored in raw form to allow for later processing.
• Data processing: The acquired data is processed by the data preparation level to prepare it for further analysis or for use in applications. Various methods can be used here, such as data filtering, aggregation or transformation.
• Data preparation: The prepared data is prepared for use in applications or for further analyses. This can involve, for example, data cleansing, enrichment or merging of data from different sources.
• Data analysis: The prepared data is analyzed to identify insights and patterns. Various analysis methods can be used here, such as statistical analysis, machine learning or predictive analytics.

In the IoT-Stack, the data preparation level plays an important role as it ensures that captured data is available in a suitable form and can be used for further analysis and applications. Effective data preparation is crucial for the success of IoT applications, as it ensures that the captured data can be used meaningfully to generate added value.

The IoT Cloud Platform: Data Management and Analytics in the Digital Cloud

The cloud platform is the fourth level of the IoT-Stack. This is where the processed data is stored and managed. Databases, cloud services and applications can be used to store, analyze and visualize the data.

Applications for connected life: The IoT application level at a glance

The top level in the IoT stack is the application level. This comprises various applications that build on the IoT data. These can be applications for the smart home, smart building, industrial automation, healthcare and many other application areas.

The IoT-Stack is a useful concept to understand how IoT solutions are built. It helps identify the various components required for a successful IoT implementation and can serve as a guide for planning and developing IoT systems. However, before technology selection, it is important to understand the business case and customer benefits of the individual solution.

As an IoT service provider, we develop and produce custom IoT system solutions consisting of individual electronics, software, firmware and mechanics for our customers in the manufacturing sector. Contact us now via our  contact form  or book an appointment directly.

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The reasons for digitization projects are manifold and include increased customer requirements, new legal regulations and new work concepts such as New-Work. At the core is a change in society that knows constant availability and easy retrieval of information from everyday life. These expectations have increasingly transferred to the world of work, with demands for the mobile use of software solutions and the provision of information without fragmentation or data silos.

In the professional environment, constant and location-independent accessibility is increasingly demanded, as is already standard for private individuals. In view of these developments, the question arises as to what requirements are placed on modern companies and which technologies are currently important on the market.

Gartner publishes the emerging digitization trends annually as part of its “Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies”. These can be summarized in four major trend fields:

• Optimization of existing IT systems, for example, through further automation or fail-safes.
• Scaling in the cloud area or in platforms
• New technologies for the development of disruptive offerings
• More sustainable technology solutions

These four trend fields result in ten digitization trends that you need to know for 2023.

1. Risk protection in software systems

Targeted further development will make cloud solutions and software applications more resilient, all the way to a Digital Immune System.

2. AI that analyzes enterprise data

Integrating more AI applications that autonomously examine a company’s data and workflows to identify potential improvements and directly offer or set up optimizations.

3. AI TRiSM

More artificial intelligence also means more AI security – for example, with ethical issues or data protection. If the trustworthiness of AI applications is not secured, they cannot be further developed.

4. Individual cloud solutions

Cloud services can already be tailored today. Nevertheless, there is still a need for customization in many industries.

5. Platform technology

As was the case last year, simplifying the use of applications is a digitization trend. The focus here is both on users and on simplifying the work of developers.

6 Wireless Value

The development of connectivity between end devices, objects, machines and users is already well advanced, but there is still more to be done: more data or information transfer in real time to optimize processes even more.

7. Super apps

Applications that combine all process functions and at the same time provide interfaces to enable the creation of customized apps that provide only selected functionalities as a service.

8. Adaptive AI

An advanced form of Artificial Intelligence that uses real-time data to support its learning and improvement process. This allows AI to quickly adapt to changes and ensure better response times in dynamic processes.

9. Metaverse

Despite some difficulties, Gartner experts have not yet given up on Mark Zuckerberg’s Metaverse and continue to see the virtual world as one of the digitization trends for 2023.

10. Sustainability

Sustainable technologies and sustainable impacts of digitization remain one of the most significant digitization trends. However, the potential of digital solutions to promote sustainability is far from exhausted.

Gartner’s technology trends can help you achieve one or more of the following strategic goals:

• Improve resilience, process operations or trust and data security
• Scale vertical solutions, product delivery or overall business operations
• Leading the way in customer engagement, rapid response or new opportunities
• Pursuing sustainable technology solutions

However, it is important to first be clear about your strategic goals for the next four years and then select the relevant technologies and systems needed to achieve those goals. It is also advisable to establish a timeframe for achieving each objective.

How digitization goes for your company in concrete terms? Don’t hesitate and contact us via our contact form or book an appointment directly – together we will find solutions to make your company fit for Industry 4.0.

Some digitization steps you need to tackle quickly. Because certain changes in the law force you to do so. You can find out more here: Gesetzesänderungen 2023 für Unternehmen | HAIN® GmbH (haingmbh.de)

We have piqued your interest and you want to learn more about digitization trends? You can access the entire Gartner study as an e-book here: Gartner Top strategische Technologie-Trends 2023: E-Book

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The Internet of Things (IoT) is ubiquitous. Machines, computers, cars, people and networks are now wirelessly connected everywhere. Part of the “Internet of Things” can be anything that can transmit data to a network with an IP address. IoT systems are mostly fully automated and function entirely without human intervention by means of sensors or cameras, which play a supporting role.

Sensors capture data from the environment and collect it so that the captured data can later be processed and analyzed. Cameras, on the other hand, are responsible for machine vision. With the help of artificial intelligence, the captured images from the camera can be evaluated, identified and further processed. In this way, companies succeed in increasing efficiency and revenue through automation.

Sensors are essential in today’s businesses

Sensoren sind Geräte die Veränderungen in der Umgebung erkennen und auf diese reagieren. Dabei können die verschiedensten Daten von Quellen wie Licht, Temperatur, Druck oder Bewegung stammen. Angeschlossen an einem Netzwerk, können sie die Daten und Informationen mit anderen Geräten und Systemen austauschen. Für Unternehmen sind sie eine Möglichkeit, frühzeitig vor potenziellen Problemen zu warnen, Wartungen durchzuführen oder Ausfälle komplett zu vermeiden. Außerdem können gewonnene Daten auch Unternehmen bei der Entscheidungsfindung helfen.

Cameras in the IoT

Cameras have a key advantage in the IoT: they do not require physical contact with the objects they monitor. In addition, cameras can be implemented independently of the existing IoT system. Depending on the application, it is usually more cost-effective and efficient to use a camera.

Camera-based system vs. sensor-based system

The two systems can be compared in categories such as data protection, costs and lighting conditions.

Analog objects such as relays or switches can thus be monitored very precisely with intelligent cameras. In addition, high investment costs must be expected. From initial investment costs to operating costs and ongoing maintenance costs, this adds up to a sum that must be taken into account at the time of purchase.

Since this system depends on cameras, data protection plays a major role. After all, the cameras can record people within a factory environment, which could lead to privacy issues. With a camera-based system, additional attention must be paid to lighting conditions during installation, as this is the only way cameras can provide reliable data.

In contrast to the camera-based system, the sensor-based system is more difficult to integrate afterwards. There are usually investment costs for personnel and equipment.

Due to the variety of sensors, each company can choose the perfect sensors to meet their specific needs. From temperature sensors, to humidity sensors, to infrared sensors, the selection is vast. Depending on the sensor type, the sensor can ensure maximum precision and reliability.

Accordingly, the choice of sensor or camera-based system always depends on the individual use case. Nevertheless, both systems offer many advantages and opportunities for the automation of e.g. production processes, machines and plants.

New potential for companies

The Internet of Things offers many advantages for companies: Companies can reduce operating costs, optimize business processes and resource utilization, and automate processes.

For the realization of IoT projects, IT experts, gateways, sensors or cameras and a backend / cloud architecture are necessary.

Once the data is in the cloud, it can be analyzed decentrally and made accessible to the user via a mobile app. In addition, the data can also be connected to the local ERP system.

Do you have a product idea and are looking for a competent implementation partner for the digital transformation of your company? Do not hesitate and contact us via our contact form  or book an appointment directly – together we will find the optimal solution for your company.

You can find out more about the topic at: Die Qual der Wahl: Kamera oder Sensor für das IoT? (industry-of-things.de)

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The tax research allowance

The draft law on tax incentives for research and development is intended to strengthen Germany as a location for innovation. The aim is to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to conduct more research and development.

In principle, any taxable company within the meaning of the Income Tax Act and the Corporation Tax Act can apply for the funding. Projects that can be categorized as basic research, industrial research or experimental development are supported. In the wake of the Corona pandemic and the associated tax adjustments, the law has already been revised. Instead of previously €2,000,000 in eligible expenses and a grant of €500,000 per fiscal year, the amounts have been doubled to €4,000,000 and a possible grant of €1,000,000.

For the text of the law: click here!

Digital Now – investment support for SMEs

To strengthen digitization projects, the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK) has launched the “Digital Now – Investment Support for SMEs” funding program. This is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises, including craft enterprises and freelancers.

The funding is paid out as a grant that does not have to be repaid. This can be obtained for projects in two so-called “modules”. The first module covers “investments in digital technologies”. This includes expenditure on hardware and software as well as expenses for networking the company. The second module covers “investments in employee training on digital topics”. This includes training in the use of digital technologies, IT security and data protection.

The maximum funding amount is generally €50,000 per company. However, this amount can be higher under certain conditions, for example in the case of investments in the value chain. The subsidy depends on the investment costs and the size of the company.

One of the requirements for applying for the subsidy is the completion of a digitization plan in which the entire project, including the intended measures, the current status, and the intended goals are described in detail. Furthermore, the investment must be made in a branch of the company in Germany. The project must be completed within 12 months (only in exceptional cases > 12 months) and must not have started when the funding is distributed. The exact use of the funding must always be documented.

Further information: click here!

Click here to go to the Digital Jetzt website.

You have a product idea and are looking for a competent implementation partner for the digital transformation of your company? Do not hesitate and contact us via our contact form – together we will find the optimal solution ideally supported by funding programs.

Contact us!

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What is IoT?

Experts still disagree on a generally accepted definition of the Internet of Things (IoT). Basically, however, the Internet of Things focuses on the intelligent networking of a wide variety of devices with each other, which goes hand in hand with opportunities for automating and facilitating processes. There are no limits to the range of applications for the Internet of Things. Intelligent networking is already being used in a wide variety of areas. The range extends from use in conventional everyday objects such as fitness wristbands to the connection of industrial machines and systems through M2M communication in the course of Industry 4.0. What all areas of application have in common is data transmission via the Internet.

How does it work?

The Internet of Things is based on intelligent devices that can communicate with each other via microprocessors and the Internet. These smart devices are equipped with sensors that enable them to generate data from their environment. The data collected in this way is evaluated to derive actions. The evaluation takes place either on the device itself or by forwarding the data via various (edge) gateways in a cloud. By means of a unique IP address, the devices can be uniquely identified, enabling them to send and receive relevant data and commands. Which sensors, communication technologies or protocols are used in your IoT device depends largely on the individual area of application.

Why is the topic of IoT relevant for medium-sized businesses?

The general answer is quite simple: costs can be significantly reduced and competitive advantages generated. In the course of technological progress, microprocessors – apart from current supply bottlenecks – are becoming cheaper and cheaper, opening up more and more application possibilities. It is not simply a matter of equipping as many devices as possible with sensors that generate meaningless data of no added value. The generation of data, the communication between devices and the evaluation of these should help pave the way for completely new business models to offer customers added value.

One of the most common use cases is predictive maintenance. The integration of sensors in machines allows even the smallest deviations from the normal state to be detected. As a result, an algorithm in the system is able to detect tool wear, predict machine failures and proactively initiate maintenance measures. This leads to less production scrap, improved maintenance intervals and thus helps to reduce production and maintenance costs.

However, not only machines can be equipped with intelligent technology, but also tools, vehicles or buildings. By using a wide range of sensors, asset management can help automate and optimize processes. On the one hand, this generates new benefits for the company, such as tracking deliveries or improving maintenance schedules. On the other hand, the customer is offered new added value through apps, automated evaluations and additional services such as subscriptions.

As a provider of holistic system solutions, we accompany you from the initial idea to the serial production of your individual IoT application. Do not hesitate and contact us today.

Der Beitrag The relevance of IoT in the medium-sized business sector erschien zuerst auf trescore.