"The problem here is a manyfold beast: Since technological development is running on at ever progressing speed while expanding by second, it is not easy to catch this running train separating itself in several different directions constantly. What I mean is, the sheer amount of technology and its development is hard to follow if that is not the core of a company’s business. So, the potential of new technologies, as well as their challenges in application, are often not known – nor are the use cases they could deliver. It’s even harder since not only one technology alone usually makes a use case.

Smart intralogistics solutions for example require advanced sensor systems, automated robotic vehicles, spot-on connectivity and powerful computing at the same time to yield tangible business results. While the game is constantly changing and evolving a company must find the right technological combination. Not only for one process or line, but maybe for a whole factory or even a worldwide production network for the years to come with a sustainable roadmap of scaling it up. With the pitfalls of high investments and possible lock-ins, companies are reluctant to take the plunge and rather wait at the sidelines for lighthouses to guide the way but with the growing risk of falling too far behind to keep up."