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Trend topic digitalisation

Foto: Digitale Produkte auf der A+A

Digital tools pave the way for a smart future of the industry. These include solutions for digital process optimization, automation in procurement, manufacturing and delivery.

Digitization of industrial labor: Concrete, tangible, and effective

Disruptive innovations like the multifaceted forms of digitization are progressively affecting all areas of society. Digitization has also prompted many changes to industrial workplaces and will continue to do so as the digital transformation is accelerating steadily and dynamically.

Click here for the article on the digitization of industrial work
Photo: A work cell phone shows an overview of the status of various smart personal protective equipment; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/ctillmann
"Photo: Three businesswomen sitting on a couch and beanbag discussing something; Copyright: envato/DC_Studio

New Work concept encourages flexible work arrangements

These days, the approach is fast becoming a prerequisite and strong business acumen requires the integration of "New Work" elements into the workplace. In the past, the traditional, nine-to-five work week was a positive factor. Today, employees prefer more flexible work schedules. But how do you create a workplace where people love to work? What aspects are important for companies when it comes to implementing New Work concepts?

Click here for the article on New Work concepts for more flexibility

Virtual reality: Immersive training and simulation

Image: A person uses a VR device to practice extinguishing fires digitally; Source: Messe Düsseldorf/Andreas Wiese
VR not only makes training for dangerous real-life situations more flexible or less expensive – employees can also make mistakes while practicing in a safe environment. They are therefore well prepared and can also learn new things without stress and with increased self-confidence.

Digital access controls as a central management tool

Image: Two passages of a digital access control system; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/ctillmann
Digital access controls can be useful for restricting entry to certain areas of a building, for example, or for checking attendance. Centralized management, real-time data and scalability are just some of the many benefits.

Software for occupational safety: the helper in everyday life

Image: A person points to a screen with an occupational health and safety management program on it; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/Andreas Wiese
Be it hazardous substance management, the creation of risk assessments or the review of working conditions: Software makes the routine of occupational safety easier and more efficient. Certificates and other documents can be created precisely and, in some cases, even fully automatically.

Software to keep processes transparent

Image: A person right next to a monitor displaying a management software; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/C. Tillmann

Management systems can help with organizing your employees and keeping everyone in the loop at the same time. Keeping the processes transparent is a key aspect of the successful integration of New Work concepts. It can be an advantage in composing teams based on their skills for various projects too.

Coworking spaces as workplaces

Image: Three people sitting together in a booth while discussing something; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/C. Tillmann

Working from a space that suits your current needs – this can be the desk at home, in the office, or in coworking spaces. Each workplace can have its pros for different situations. Having the option to choose your workplace flexibly can be one of the New Work benefits for employees.

Ergonomic working at eye level

Image: A person working on a laptop that is placed on a height-adjustable device; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/C. Tillmann

The workplace design helps employees to work in a productive and healthy manner. For example, adjustable aids can be adjusted to any person’s height to keep working at eye level. The resulting health benefits for employees are often part of concepts for New Work workplace designs.

Exoskeletons meet the major challenges of the working world

Infographic: In combination with sensors and AI, exoskeletons show great potential for optimizing work processes; Copyright: beta-web GmbH/Nastassja Lotz, Carina Schmitt
Bild: Eine Schaufensterpuppe mit einem Exoskelett um den gesamten Körper hebt viele Kisten an; Copyright: Messe Düsseldorf/ctillmann
Exoskeletons are increasingly establishing themselves as an indispensable component of occupational safety. Employees benefit directly from physical relief, but exoskeletons also have something to counter social problems such as the shortage of skilled workers or demographic change. In combination with sensors and artificial intelligence, exoskeletons can make a valuable contribution to the optimization of work processes.
For more information on the digitization of industrial work in the form of exoskeletons, take a look at the review of our A+A Expert Talk "Robotics & Exoskeletons".