Pioneer of Digital Reality
Interview with Steffen Dilger, Vice President Sales of the Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence Division
As an integral part of Hexagon, a leading global provider of sensor, software, and autonomous solutions, the Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence Division has become a pioneer of digital reality. Steffen Dilger, Vice President Sales EMEA Central, points to the gap between an exponentially growing volume of data and its effective use. "With our solutions, our customers are able to transform data into a sustainable competitive advantage."
Hexagon's unique approach is to not only enable data exchange among sensors, machines, and software solutions but also to create value for businesses. Hexagon's vision is a future in which the generated data is used in its entirety as a basis for decision-making to sustainably shape economic growth.
With about 24,000 employees in 50 countries and revenue of approximately 5.2 billion EUR, Hexagon invests heavily in research and development to maintain its position as an innovation leader and accelerate progress.
Innovation and Independence
Founded in 1992 in Sweden, Hexagon has developed into a global technology group and pioneer for many different industries over the years through strategic acquisitions and solid growth. The company sees the provision of ‘Smart Reality Solutions’ as the means for sustainable economic growth.
Simplified, the solutions from Hexagon create a digital twin of products, objects, or facilities. This can, for example, document what has happened or what is currently happening. However, it is also possible; to make assumptions about how the condition of an object will develop through the application of different parameters. This provides a basis for decision-making for companies to save costs, improve quality, or shorten market launch times.
Steffen Dilger, responsible for the Hexagon Manufacturing Itelligence area in the German-speaking region, Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic, proudly reports on the impressive 3,700 patents and the 4,000 employees in research and development employed by the corporation.
Intelligent Manufacturing
The Manufacturing Intelligence Division of Hexagon enables companies to efficiently design products at all stages of the lifecycle. “The Hexagon Smart-Manufacturing portfolio supports the entire product and production lifecycle by offering optimizations across the entire value chain,” the Vice President emphasizes. “Our technologies allow manufacturers to access, analyze, and actively utilize data from all key stages of the manufacturing process.”
In the context of quality and the concept of the ‘Digital Twin’, Steffen Dilger clarifies that Zero Prototyping is only possible through the effective use of a digital twin: “This approach promises not only more efficient product development but also the avoidance of quality losses. The integration of data throughout the entire product lifecycle enables manufacturers to respond to problems early and develop innovative solutions.”
Connecting the Real with the Digital World
The vision of Hexagon is to combine real measurements with software to plan and predict outcomes. The open Nexus platform integrates the ecosystems of customers and thereby enables them to make comprehensive decisions. Steffen Dilger underscores the company’s philosophy: “Do good to achieve good, that is our motto. With our solutions, our customers are able to transform data into a sustainable competitive advantage. CEO Paolo Guglielmini has promoted this culture, particularly in terms of good customer relationships, sustainability, passion, and promoting independence. At Hexagon, anyone with a good idea has the freedom to pursue it.”
Optimization of Productivity
Another key aspect is the optimization of workflows and productivity. The goal is to increase efficiency without compromising quality. Steffen Dilger emphasizes that this can be achieved, among other things, by more precise control of material inputs. The workflows from concept development to production can thus be better designed, leading to a sustainable increase in productivity. The Vice President sees challenges in the market as opportunities, such as the electrification of the automotive industry and the emergence of autonomous vehicles: “In general, I see the opportunity to use automation and simplification, also with AI support.”
Wide Range of Offers – with Added Value
The Manufacturing Intelligence Division of Hexagon offers a wide spectrum of products and services. From product development and design through to manufacturing, inspection, and quality management, the portfolio spans the entire product and production lifecycle. The customer target groups are diverse, ranging from the automotive industry to aerospace and machine construction companies.
The Factory of the Future
Looking ahead to the factory of the future, Hexagon has implemented innovative technologies in its own factory in Wetzlar. Digital twins, autonomous vehicles, and wireless real-time information systems not only make the factory efficient but also the most innovative of its kind. “This allows us to show our customers that our vision is achievable,” concludes Steffen Dilger. “By digitally representing physical products, facilities, and processes, companies can not only work more efficiently but also respond to challenges at an early stage. Furthermore, we will reorganize ourselves in the future, from an organization by products to an organization by regions, to be able to advise customers holistically – One Face to the Customer.”
The Freedom to Do Good
By combining technology, innovation, and an open corporate culture, Hexagon positions itself as a driving force for sustainable growth and corporate value. With a clear focus on customer needs and the use of data at all stages of the product lifecycle, Hexagon gives its customers the freedom to do good and make a positive impact.