Manufacturing

Interoperability in manufacturing is often misunderstood. Not because companies doubt its importance, but because it's difficult to visualize what success looks like. This blog uses simple analogies to explain the core challenges: outdated machines that can’t “speak” to modern systems, and people hesitant to share data without context or trust. With solutions like Asset Administration Shells and Data Spaces, manufacturers can unlock hidden value, foster secure collaboration, and take real steps toward digital transformation.

Manufacturing is undergoing a digital revolution, yet many transformation initiatives stall due to a fundamental problem: data trapped in silos. The real roadblock isn't AI or lack of tools, but interoperability—the ability of systems, teams, and companies to understand and trust each other's data. This article explores why traditional approaches fail and introduces Manufacturing Data Spaces as the missing foundation. Data Spaces provide a secure, sovereign framework for controlled data sharing across plants and partners—without giving up ownership. From energy efficiency to predictive maintenance and compliance reporting, real-world examples show how manufacturers can unlock value while preserving control. We explore the layers of interoperability, human concerns, key enabling technologies like AAS and OPC UA, and how to get started with pilots that deliver real ROI. For manufacturers, building trust-based data collaboration isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a strategic move that defines future competitiveness in an increasingly connected industry.

At Hannover Messe 2025, T-Systems showcased innovations across Data Spaces, the Metaverse, AI, and sustainability—spanning use cases from immersive training and CO₂ tracking to international supply chain transparency and sovereign cloud infrastructure. With active participation across Gaia-X, Industry 4.0, and umati partner stands, T-Systems highlighted its leadership in digital industrial transformation, engaging with political, media, and industry leaders to shape the future of manufacturing.

Sustainability is evolving from compliance to a strategic advantage, transforming supply chains through data-driven ecosystems. By leveraging CO₂ data chains, digital twins, and open data spaces, companies enhance efficiency, enable precise recalls, and accelerate innovation. Our workshop with AWS, Bosch, and IDSA highlighted how dataspaces drive sustainability and supply chain resilience, unlocking new business models and shared investments.

RoX is creating a cutting-edge digital ecosystem for AI-based robotics, revolutionizing manufacturing, logistics, and services through data-driven efficiency and collaboration. Supported by BMWK funding and an extensive consortium including industry giants and SMEs, RoX aims to simplify adoption, enhance interoperability, and drive Europe’s industrial innovation forward.

At the EuProGigant Open House Day 2024, T-Systems hosted a workshop on "Build & Operate," demonstrating the business benefits of dataspaces in manufacturing. The event showcased the German-Austrian ecosystem for Manufacturing, with projects like AMIDS illustrating how dataspaces enable secure, interoperable data exchange across manufacturing sites, optimizing collaboration, production processes, and supply chain resilience.

Discover the success stories and cutting-edge advancements showcased at Hannover Messe 2024, where leaders in dataspaces, digital twins, and smart mobility converge to shape the future of Industry 4.0 and global supply chains.

T-Systems and Bosch Connected Industry have joined forces to introduce a groundbreaking addition to the Dataspace Portfolio: the Digital Twin Registry. This innovative solution streamlines digital twin management and enhances data accessibility within diverse ecosystems, catering specifically to the needs of manufacturing enterprises seeking efficient data management solutions.

Explore the power of digital twins in data management! Learn how they streamline data refinement and drive automation, paving the way for innovative solutions and efficient business operations.