The ifm edge portfolio consists of hardware as well as software sensor data that will offer connectivity to the Cumulocity IoT Cloud for basically any machine, system or device. The solution will also prepare data for further use. As part of the collaboration, both partners will also supply joint customers with direct plug-and-play solution packages including cloud-based services (SaaS) for the Internet of Things.

Software AG CTO, Bernd Gross, commented, “One of digitalization’s core promises is to enrich machines, plants and things with data and digital services to increase their efficiency and cost-effectiveness and help us glean data for new business models. The tight interplay of sensors, interfaces and the Cumulocity IoT Cloud will enable us to integrate previously isolated OT systems with the analytic capabilities of cutting-edge IT in the cloud. This will facilitate automation at all manufacturing companies and, in turn, boost effectiveness across entire plants.

IoT Connector and Gateway by ifm

In combination with Cumulocity IoT, ifm’s edge product portfolio is a closed-loop, end-to-end system which enables cloud connectivity for any number of machines and systems. It is, by the same token, open on both ends, meaning that the use of other cloud solutions and additional connectors and gateways is possible. With this package, companies will gain complete freedom in their choice of solutions. For a list of all Software AG hardware partners and providers of embedded systems for IoT devices, please refer to Software AG’s Device Partner Portal.

Nadine Rahman, CEO of ifm solutions GmbH, the group’s digitalization division, remarked, “When it comes to digitalization projects in the industrial context, the three core focal points are always extending operational life, maximizing convenience, and increasing efficiency. To address these topics, one of ifm’s guiding principles for digitalization activities is simplification. Time and time again, the market (and various studies) has shown us that a key reason for the failure of the proliferation of digitalization is the overly complex approach of projects. With our digital projects, we want to focus on delivering solutions for our customers’ highly specific issues in the industrial value creation process with respect to production and mobile machinery. So, the software is a means to an end but also part of the solution.”

Access to the “Internet of Everything” with Cumulocity IoT

Cumulocity IoT is Software AG’s cloud offering and enables data processing, storage and analytics, as well as visualization of results. Cumulocity IoT’s functionality is easy to modify with publicly documented APIs, an open UI framework and open-source components. Cumulocity IoT can be deployed via more than 170 global data centers in the public cloud or on-premise and in multi-layer hybrid models.

Thanks to Cumulocity IoT and its easy-to-link gateways and connectors, IoT scenarios of all levels of complexity are becoming a reality for companies of all sizes in all sectors. With Cumulocity IoT, specialized coding or programming skills are taking a backseat and are only necessary in individual or exceptional cases. IoT devices can be connected to the Cumulocity Cloud with the simple click of a mouse, which paves the way to data from the “Internet of Everything” for use in analytics applications and dashboards. It is now possible to connect more than 150 devices using certified hardware kits and software libraries.

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About the ifm group

Measure, control, regulate and analyze—When it comes to trailblazing automation and digitalization technologies, the ifm group is the ideal partner. Since it was founded in 1969, ifm has been developing, manufacturing and marketing sensors, controls, software and systems for industrial automation worldwide. As a pioneer of Industry 4.0, ifm designs and implements end-to-end solutions for value chain digitalization—from the sensor all the way to ERP. With 175,000 active customers and 7,300 employees in 95 countries, the second-generation, family-run ifm group has grown to become a global market leader.  The group unifies the global presence and innovative power of a growing company with the flexibility and customer proximity of a medium-sized business.

About Software AG

We reimagine integration, spark business transformation and enable fast innovation on the Internet of Things so you can pioneer differentiating business models.  We give you the freedom to connect and integrate any technology—from app to edge. We help you free data from silos so it’s shareable, usable and powerful—enabling you to make the best decisions and unlock entirely new possibilities for growth. 

Learn more about Software AG at www.softwareag.com. 

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