A collaborative approach is required in order to leverage the entire potential of Industrie 4.0. One thing is for sure: Industrie 4.0 has arrived in industry worldwide. Transformation towards a globally networked and integrated economy is taking place at all levels. Almost half the German companies from the manufacturing sector are already employing Industrie 4.0 applications. Most of them are focusing on optimizing individual processes from an economic perspective and increasing output. Every second company is investing in digitization to make production more 昀氀exible. Another 20 percent of the companies are planning to implement digitization. The desire is for this to be achieved quickly and in accordance with individual customer requirements. The primary focus here is on the proven success factors of the economy: greater e昀昀iciency, greater productivity and higher speed. Some people still regard this development anxiously. However, the opportunities for digital transformation stem from us challenging traditional thinking. The digital world is not waiting for us. It is developing at a breathtaking pace – and anyone who wants to be on the winning side must clearly take a leading role. The integrated networking of production is an important and correct milestone on this road. But we must also make sure that our supply chains and our business models keep pace with this new era. Moreover, it is important that Industrie 4.0 does not remain the sole preserve of large corporations. Every company should have the opportunity to participate in this technological revolution. No matter Hello Industrie 4.0�we connect you