Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) is using the solutions of U.S. cloud technology supplier PTC to further expand its portfolio for the growth segment of services. The two companies are successfully working together with a broad focus on the Internet of Things (IoT). As a result, Heidelberg can continue adding further web-based services to its already successful portfolio.

“PTC technologies provide the basis for us to take digitization of the Heidelberg portfolio to the next level,” said CEO Gerold Linzbach. “The key challenge in the future will be providing our customers with the information they need from the masses of machine data available – to profitable effect. This means turning big data into smart data to make our customers more competitive. The digital age also requires us to make this smart data available via a state-of-the-art customer portal and, with this in mind, we will be presenting our Heidelberg Assistant concept study at drupa 2016,” he continued.

PTC’s president and CEO Jim Heppelmann added: “A long-established reference customer, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen demonstrates how PTC solutions can successfully be utilized for new business models relating to smart services. The use of the PTC Machine Cloud in Europe significantly increased efficiency and enabled the connection of more than 25,000 machines and software modules. Further collaboration will specifically open the path for real-time connection and big data for cutting-edge IoT applications.”

Heidelberg is a pioneer in web-based machine connection. It unveiled an initial solution based on PTC technologies back at drupa 2004. In recent years, however, the requirements relating to data and data processing have grown exponentially. One reason for this is the ever greater number of machines with big data connections. Over 90 percent of the units delivered by Heidelberg are now connected to the cloud when they are first installed. The Heidelberg cloud already links over 10,000 machines and a further 15,000 software products to the Heidelberg service portfolio.

Another reason is the gradual addition of further services to the original remote maintenance offering that make the process even faster. One example is the automatic failure notification system eCall. And thanks to this connectivity and the transfer of machine data generated by numerous sensors, Heidelberg goes one step further. Its Predictive Monitoring service product enables the company to analyze data and identify signs of malfunction and irregularities before they lead to failures. A machine specifically equipped for this type of data transmission transfers over 1,000 times more data than when the platform started out in 2004. 

As Harald Weimer, member of the Management Board responsible for Heidelberg Services, explained: “The collaboration between PTC and Heidelberg is based on a trusting relationship. The PTC Machine Cloud provides us with an excellent platform for supporting the continuous growth we have seen in the area of smart services in recent years.”