Issue
N° 13 / 2025
Operations Transformation
In this issue of Ingenics Magazine, experts demonstrate how to successfully transition from a higher-level strategy to the concept stage and, finally, to execution.
Dear Readers,
We’re living in times where uncertainty has become the new constant. Global crises, technological disruptions, and rapidly changing markets and customer requirements are confronting companies with ever new challenges. The current situation clearly shows that competitiveness is not the result of merely responding but of tackling targeted, courageous transformation – in terms of processes, in terms of transformation, and above all, in terms of strategy. Operations Transformation is a game changer and a vital lever for competitiveness and sustainable growth, but what does transformation really mean in terms of operations? It’s about far more than just rolling out new technologies and optimizing existing processes. It’s about breaking up structures, dissolving silos, and providing organizations with flexibility enabling them to not only respond to new market conditions but to actively participate in shaping them.
In this issue, we take an in-depth look at the various dimensions of Operations Transformation, analyze the aspect of Operational Excellence in a variety of industries, and in the Future Factory thematic cluster provide answers not only to what the factory floor of tomorrow is going to look like but also explore the significance of automation and transparency. Inspiring examples and clear recommendations for action show that transformation is feasible. All the articles share a common conclusion: Transformation is a major effort calling for courage, perseverance, and determination. In a world that’s changing faster than ever before, standstill is not an option. Instead, change is turning into a strategy for survival. Let’s make this a conscious and common effort.
I hope you find this issue to provide you with valuable inspiration and new insights, encouraging constructive exchanges with your colleagues, business partners and, as always, with us as well. We look forward to your thoughts and suggestions.
We’re living in times where uncertainty has become the new constant. Global crises, technological disruptions, and rapidly changing markets and customer requirements are confronting companies with ever new challenges. The current situation clearly shows that competitiveness is not the result of merely responding but of tackling targeted, courageous transformation – in terms of processes, in terms of transformation, and above all, in terms of strategy. Operations Transformation is a game changer and a vital lever for competitiveness and sustainable growth, but what does transformation really mean in terms of operations? It’s about far more than just rolling out new technologies and optimizing existing processes. It’s about breaking up structures, dissolving silos, and providing organizations with flexibility enabling them to not only respond to new market conditions but to actively participate in shaping them.
In this issue, we take an in-depth look at the various dimensions of Operations Transformation, analyze the aspect of Operational Excellence in a variety of industries, and in the Future Factory thematic cluster provide answers not only to what the factory floor of tomorrow is going to look like but also explore the significance of automation and transparency. Inspiring examples and clear recommendations for action show that transformation is feasible. All the articles share a common conclusion: Transformation is a major effort calling for courage, perseverance, and determination. In a world that’s changing faster than ever before, standstill is not an option. Instead, change is turning into a strategy for survival. Let’s make this a conscious and common effort.
I hope you find this issue to provide you with valuable inspiration and new insights, encouraging constructive exchanges with your colleagues, business partners and, as always, with us as well. We look forward to your thoughts and suggestions.
Our key themes in this issue
Between a State of Shock and Strategy
Stefan Flicke, Partner at Ingenics Consulting, about Operations Strategy as a game changer for preserving competitiveness in transformative times
Page
06
Don’t Just Look at the Costs
An assessment of the current state in the railroad sector with recommended actions for more Operational Excellence
Page
28
“We need an era of innovation”
An interview with Adrian Willig, Director of VDI, the Association of German engineers, about innovation prowess and competitiveness
Page
48
The following articles may also be part of this issue
10
Location Transformation with a Vision
An article by Alexander Stolz, Partner at Ingenics Consulting, about strategically setting the course and making the right moves toward a location strategy
14
Focus China: Strengthening Supply Chains, Controlling Risks
An interview with Dr. Gang Yang, President of the TRUMPF Group China and Deputy Chairman of the German Chamber of Commerce in China for East China, about global production networks
18
Operations Strategy on 8,000-Meter Summits
Insights by Austrian mountaineer Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner about the subject of Operations Strategy for an expedition
20
Radically Implementing Revitalization
Recommended actions for a holistic assembly strategy in the automotive industry
24
Pragmatic Thinking and Progressive Execution
Why Operational Excellence is essential for mechanical and plant engineering
32
Strategic Orientation in Times of Crisis
Why the seven action fields of the Future Factory are becoming more important than ever
36
“Implementing automation economically and effectively”
Christoph Karg, Partner at Ingenics Consulting, about the interaction of Lean, Green, and Digital to pave the way for the transformation journey from today’s factory to the Future Factory
40
Playing into the Hands of Quality
An interview with Matthias Marquardt, CEO of WERMA Signaltechnik, about how transparency changes the shop floor
44
“Now everyone’s got the hang of how the plant runs”
Insights from the collaboration between HAKO and Simplifier: with a flexible low-code solution to more efficiency and transparency on the shop floor
52
Made in Outer Space
Orbital factories – insights into space manufacturing