- +49 7176 / 45290-0
- info@evo-solutions.com
- Ludwig-Bölkow-Straße 15
Awards
Better - Stronger - Innovative
As a pioneer in the field of ERP systems and digitalization, we want to help companies maximize their productivity and efficiency through our software. As a strong partner, we are constantly developing our systems – to be up to date and to be able to offer the best.
- category winner 2008
- production management
- EVO Informationssysteme GmbH
EVOtools basic
Hoberg Ingenieurbüro
ramp extender
werusys Institute for Applied System Analytics and Industrial Informatics GmbH + Co. KG
eCenter
“EVOtools basic” is the latest development from EVO Informationssysteme GmbH for software-supported efficiency improvements in the production and procurement processes.
The software simplifies inventory and cost monitoring of cutting tools in metal processing with CNC machine tools. In addition, interfaces for online ordering of the required tools in the online shop of large tool suppliers are integrated.
Initial situation:
In metal processing and especially in the automotive supplier industry, there is a sustained high pressure on deadlines and costs. Metal processors therefore use specialised tools when processing parts in order to achieve the shortest possible production times. In order to be able to produce a correspondingly large range of parts economically, a large number of different tools are required. However, the variety of tool variants inevitably means that it is difficult to keep track of everything.
Production downtimes due to missing tools can only be avoided by permanent inventory monitoring of wearing tools.
Up until now, only investment-intensive solutions for tool management have existed on the provider market. These systems are functionally overloaded and mostly unsuitable for use in a production environment.
The investment cost for such a tool management system with a dispenser (similar to a cigarette machine) is at least EUR 10,000. The options for storing tools are limited by the size of the dispenser.
A clever alternative to these warehousing systems is the software-supported warehouse management with inventory monitoring “EVOtools basic”.
Problem solving with EVOtools basic:
The aim was to develop a high-quality, cost-effective and economical software solution for tool management. For this reason, the software is based on the free open source SQL database PosgreSQL (www.postgresql.org). The tool management software can be used as a desktop version or as a network version.
The software’s multilingual capability means it can be offered worldwide. Due to the enormous market potential for software licenses, the system can be offered at an unrivaled low license price. The price is 350 EUR/PC.
Sales are made internationally via the Internet and resellers in various countries. There are almost no costs involved in this sales channel, as a free trial version can be downloaded (EVO Informationssysteme GmbH has been successfully using this sales concept for many years with the CNC software CAMback easy – license price 199 EUR).
Benefit:
In contrast to physical storage systems, EVOtools can manage an unlimited number of tools (variant variety and quantity).
The removal of tools by employees is logged fully automatically, allowing cost monitoring of tool consumption. An evaluation by department, cost center and machine increases transparency in cost accounting and thus enables process optimization.
Using minimum and reporting stock levels, the user can immediately see which tools need to be ordered at the touch of a button. The system-supported requirement reports also help to avoid expensive express orders. In addition, the order suggestions make it easier to order tools from suppliers.
- Consistent digitalization and networking in CNC production: Universal retrofit packages for Industry 4.0
EVO Informationssysteme GmbH offers Industry 4.0 from A to Z
- Application examples: Manufacturing industry
- Product examples: software solutions, automation components, production services
- Value chain: Production & Supply Chain, Logistics, Others
- Development stage: Market readiness / productive use
- Company size: 1 – 250 employees
- Region: Baden Württemberg
What challenges had to be solved and what concrete benefits resulted?
Globalization is increasing competition between industrial companies and creating a corresponding pressure to act. EVO Informationssysteme GmbH offers companies the opportunity to introduce proven EVO solutions with little investment. This enables them to utilize potential in company organization, information flow and production processes.
The initial situation for users is often similar: information gaps due to numerous isolated solutions and manual data entry prevent the consistent flow of information. The EVO solutions are therefore integrated into the data pools of existing individual systems using connectors. This creates cross-system, consistent data communication and information provision. This speeds up processes and keeps employees optimally informed. By integrating the machine world into the company organization, production processes become more transparent, efficient and process-reliable.
Tool information is interpreted from the CNC program in order to generate tool documentation in conjunction with data from the tool management
© EVO Informationssysteme GmbH
How can the Industry 4.0 solution approach be described?
The EVO solution approach “Retrofit packages for Industry 4.0” makes it possible to integrate individual, intelligent components directly into the existing IT landscape and the (even older) machines via connectors. In this way, EVO Informationssysteme GmbH supports medium-sized companies with little investment in getting started with digitization and networking. The use of wireless networks (WLAN) offers advantages in terms of mobile data and information supply.
“The ‘EVOlutionary’ can already be seen in our company name ‘EVO Informationssysteme GmbH’. The consistent pursuit of improvements and optimization through new technical possibilities is an elementary part of our corporate philosophy. With our range of solutions for Industry 4.0, one could get the impression that the keyword Industry 4.0 was created specifically for EVO Informationssysteme,” says Jürgen Widmann, managing director of the software company.
The tool measurement data from a tool can be transferred to the machine with a scan.
© EVO Informationssysteme GmbH
What was achieved?
Depending on the scope of the individual applications or the desired functionality of the solution, different objectives can be pursued and results achieved. This makes it possible to network individual systems into an overall system with appropriate data communication. In addition, the monitoring, recording and evaluation of machine information is simplified. The provision of current data and software for machines such as measurement data and machine programs as well as the structuring of an information flow are also feasible. The bundling of know-how in a central information system enables productivity to be increased through improved planning and control. This allows processes to be better monitored and made more transparent: the product can be traced back from the creation process to the raw material used.
What measures were taken to achieve the solution?
EVO Informationssysteme consistently uses the possibilities offered by new technical devices. Customers have been using WLAN technology for EVO applications in practice since 2005. The software manufacturer maintains direct contact with various hardware manufacturers in order to test the devices before they are used by customers. This has led to new industrial solutions: mobile applications for tablets and smartphones (apps), connectors for connecting different systems and data exchange between business partners using standards (VDA, ODETTE, EDIFACT). In addition, the automation of simple manual data capture, the networking of machines for central monitoring of the systems and paperless production through the use of tablets and touch PCs have been implemented. Identification technology (1D barcode & 2D barcode) as well as evaluation and controlling systems are used as a basis for process optimization.
What can others learn from this?
The implementation of solutions for Industry 4.0 is possible for users if an attractive cost-benefit ratio is achieved. This is the only way to ensure that people are willing to use Industry 4.0 as a strategy. To implement a project, the first thing that needs to be done is to convince those employees who work with the system. This can be achieved through simple and logical application.
In order to achieve the desired success and benefit, all practical cases must be easily mapped with the solution. As a manufacturer, EVO is therefore in direct contact with users in order to be able to integrate feedback from practice into future program versions.
The self-updating graphic planning board visualizes the production progress and the order sequence in production in real time.
© EVO Informationssysteme GmbH
online map of the ›Industry 4.0‹ platform
Federal Ministries recognize Industry 4.0 of EVO Informationssysteme GmbH
With its software solutions under the title ›Industry 4.0 from A to Z‹, EVO Informationssysteme GmbH is one of the few software providers in Germany for whom Industry 4.0 is not just a vision, but a reality. On the federal ministries’ new online platform ›Industry 4.0‹, the Swabian software manufacturer conveys the immediate practical benefits of consistent digitization and networking in production.
“We are delighted to be represented on the online map of the Industry 4.0 platform. For us, Industry 4.0 is not a future issue, but has long been a reality. We can now communicate this throughout Germany via the platform. We offer ready-to-use, smart individual components that can be easily integrated into the existing IT landscape and existing processes as an ‘Industry 4.0 retrofit package’,” says Jürgen Widmann, Managing Director of EVO Informationssysteme GmbH. “With software solutions from EVO, even SMEs are already able to take the path to the fourth industrial revolution.”
The online map was presented at the National IT Summit on November 19, 2015 by Federal Minister of Economics Sigmar Gabriel together with other management members. Companies can get concrete insights into the world of Industry 4.0 and concrete solutions for their own path to digitalized production at www.plattform-i40.de.
Award winners since 2001 and history
The East Württemberg Innovation Prize was awarded for the first time in 1997 at the Bartholomä Sports and Education Center. The prize was originally donated by the Heidenheim-based management consultancy Ehrhart and Hörth.
It was planned to repeat the innovation prize every two years.
In 1999, the innovation prize, worth 10,000 DM, was announced for the second time by the management consultancy at the time. The awarding formalities were to be carried out in cooperation with WiRO and the East Württemberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
A note to the then Chamber of Commerce President shows that the management consultancy withdrew its donation of the prize money after the application deadline had expired. On March 23, 2000, Ms. Cornelia Ehrhart and Thomas Hörth informed them in writing: “Since our management consultancy no longer exists in its previous form, we no longer see ourselves in a position to continue financing the East Württemberg Innovation Prize. We therefore began looking for a successor at an early stage. The Heidenheim and Ostalb district savings banks gave us their promise to continue the innovation prize.”
A note to the then Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s managing director shows that the Heidenheim and Ostalb district savings banks agreed in a joint discussion with WiRO and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to get involved from the 2001 awards ceremony onwards.
This note also shows that it was agreed to present the “new” “Talents and Patents” award in conjunction with the Berlin presentation (for the opening of the Baden-Württemberg state representation in Berlin) on September 21, 2000 (starting signal).
The 2000 innovation award ceremony was finally “shouldered” and handled jointly by the IHK and WiRO after the previous sponsor, Ehrhart and Hörth GmbH, dropped out.
In 1999, 10 applications were received for the “old” innovation award. The jury was made up of Mr. Friedrich Wendnagel from the Ulm Chamber of Crafts, Mr. Prof. Dr. Eugen May from the Aalen University of Applied Sciences, Mr. Prof. Manfred Träger from the Heidenheim BA, Mr. Dr. Klaus PE Richter from RTM Research Technologies Marketing and Mr. Adolf Enderlin.
On July 26, 2000, drilbox Georg Knoblauch GmbH in Giengen, the EOS security service and the hairdressing salon Exact GmbH in Aalen were awarded the “old” innovation prize for the last time.
In 2001, the first call for entries and award ceremony for the “new” East Württemberg Innovation Prize, the “Prize for Talents and Patents”, was held. The 2001 Innovation Prize was evaluated from 35 applications in the categories “Business – Administration”, “Patents”, “Culture – School – Science” and “Sport”. The jury was made up of District Administrator Klaus Pavel, Thomas Bögerl from the Heidenheim District Savings Bank, Prof. Ekbert Hering from the Aalen University of Applied Sciences, patent attorneys Dr. Werner Lorenz and Dr. Wolfgang Weitzel, Klaus Moser from the East Württemberg Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Mayor Manfred Pawlita and Wilhelm Schiele from the Ostalb District Savings Bank.
In 2006, the categories for the innovation award were reduced to “Business – Administration”, “Patents” and “Education – Science”.
In 2019, the Ostwürttemberg Innovation Prize was awarded for the twentieth time. This anniversary was used as an opportunity to further develop the competition and make it more attractive. A founder’s prize was announced as an additional category for successful start-ups, thus expanding the competition by one category.
Award winners
Aus der Branche
EVO receives award for innovation performance in Industry 4.0
On Friday, February 19, 2016, State Secretary Peter Hofelich presented an award to EVO Informationssysteme in the New Palace in Stuttgart as part of the “100 Places for Industry 4.0 in Baden-Württemberg” competition. The state of Baden-Württemberg awarded prizes to companies that have developed Industry 4.0.
0 solutions and successfully implemented them in practice
With the award for “Smart setup time optimization with the data management software CAMback”, the software manufacturer once again proves its leadership role when it comes to innovation and implementation in digitalization and networking in the manufacturing industry.
In addition to the degree of innovation, the expert jury also assessed the concrete practical relevance for Industry 4.0. “The examples presented today show how companies can be made fit for the digital future through the use of new technologies,” said State Secretary Peter Hofelich in his laudation.
With this competition, the “Allianz Industrie 4.0 Baden-Württemberg” is looking for innovative concepts from the business world that are successful with the intelligent networking of production and value creation processes.
“The competition shows that Industry 4.0 is not an abstract vision of the future for many companies in Baden-Württemberg, but a lived reality,” explained Dr. Dietrich Birk, Managing Director of the VDMA Baden-Württemberg regional association. “The solutions presented today illustrate how a pragmatic implementation of Industry 4.0 can succeed. I am particularly pleased that medium-sized companies in particular are strongly represented among the prize winners.”
Contact: EVO Informationssysteme GmbH, www.evo-solutions.com
Jürgen Widmann: “The right time for industrial production is now”
EVO Informationssysteme GmbH, located in Durlangen, offers software solutions that assist industrial companies in digitalizing their organizational processes. Jürgen Widmann, the Managing Director and founder of the company, recognizes significant opportunities for expansion in the neighboring Central and Eastern European markets.
EVO Informationssysteme wants to make small and medium-sized industrial companies in the EU fit for the future with its internationally designed software modules.
Mr. Widmann, what is your unique selling point in the market for industrial software?
For the past 25 years, we have been at the forefront of driving the digitization efforts of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Our approach involves providing comprehensive software modules that are delivered as turnkey solutions, allowing for easy customization and configuration based on the specific needs of each customer and their industry. What sets us apart is our EVO platform, which offers seamless and scalable digitization solutions from a single source, with the ultimate goal of achieving a “smart factory” environment. Currently, there is no other software manufacturer that can offer this level of integration, eliminating media disruptions and the need for multiple data inputs.
How do you ensure the connectivity of solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises in the age of Industry 4.0?
Our mission is to assist industrial SMEs in achieving bidirectional data exchange across various machine tools, irrespective of the manufacturers involved. Our solutions enable seamless digital retrofitting of older machines, ensuring compatibility and integration. The remarkable aspect is that all EVO customers worldwide utilize the same software solutions, consistently updated to the latest version. Furthermore, due to our extensive customer base, we are able to offer our solutions at competitive and affordable prices.
What is the underlying concept behind your significant contribution to a Smart Factory in Schwäbisch Gmünd?
The concept of a “smart factory” can often seem abstract to many companies. However, experiencing live demonstrations of “smart” solutions and automation can be immensely beneficial in understanding the tangible advantages of end-to-end digitization. In Schwäbisch Gmünd, we have developed a realistic digital environment where individuals can actively explore and experiment with smart work processes. This interactive platform serves as a crucial training and educational resource, catering to the needs of digitally inclined future workforce. By providing insights into the industrial production of the future, the Smart Factory offers tomorrow’s skilled workers the opportunity to stay digitally engaged and up-to-date.
When you started out as a software company, did you already have foreign markets in mind?
Initially, our primary focus was on the development of a software platform that would bring significant value to the German industry and attract customers. As we began acquiring our first customers in neighboring countries in 2002, we embarked on a continuous journey of enhancing our software platform to cater to international markets. Throughout this process, we dedicated considerable time and effort to ensure the scalability of our internal processes. Additionally, we diligently incorporated country-specific requirements, such as language and currency considerations, into our software solutions.
Which international markets are you currently operating in, what are your priorities, and what drives your focus on these markets?
With global politics undergoing changes, the current landscape presents an opportune moment for us to leverage our solutions and contribute to fostering regional production while reducing dependence on Asia within Europe. Europe possesses significant production capacities and untapped productivity potential that can be harnessed more rapidly through digitization, extending beyond Germany alone. Our objective is not to lure skilled workers away from other countries, as it would create a shortage there. Therefore, our focus lies on countries and regions in Europe that have expertise in metal processing and mechanical engineering across various industries. These encompass Poland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, and other Central and Eastern European countries.
How does EVO establish its development sites in Eastern Europe, considering the growing trend of software companies doing the same?
We exclusively develop our solutions at our headquarters in Baden-Württemberg, capitalizing on the advantages provided by our dual training system and local universities. These factors contribute to our ability to attract highly qualified and skilled employees. With a combination of Swabian inventive spirit, practical knowledge, and a focus on modern, high-quality user interfaces, we bring forth software solutions that meet our stringent standards of functionality and usability. Our commitment to excellence is well-regarded by our customers. In our software development process, we prioritize delivering superior results and solutions over cost-cutting measures or imitating others. Innovation and leading the way are intrinsic to our nature.
Do you tend to rely on branches of German companies or local suppliers there?
Our target audience primarily consists of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in those regions. Specifically, we aim to cater to local suppliers who provide essential components, such as turned and milled parts, as well as customized assemblies in fluid technology, to the German mechanical engineering industry. Furthermore, we also extend our solutions to manufacturers in countries renowned for their rich heritage in manufacturing technology.
In terms of sales, what approach do you take, and to what extent do you value the role of local partners?
To penetrate the market effectively, we actively explore and assess potential opportunities, seeking out local partners with whom we can forge enduring collaborations. Ideally, these partners possess existing networks within the manufacturing industry. It is particularly advantageous if they are not solely affiliated with the software sector but also engage in the sale of machinery, tools, and automation technology or provide consultancy services for companies regarding digitization and process optimization.
Jürgen Widmann “The right time for industrial production in Europe is now”
Industrial software for the global market:
The software from EVO Informationssysteme GmbH in Durlangen helps industrial companies to organize themselves digitally. Managing director and founder Jürgen Widmann sees huge growth potential in the nearby markets of Central and Eastern Europe.
With its internationally designed software modules, EVO Informationssysteme aims to make small and medium-sized industrial companies in the EU future-proof.
Mr. Widmann, what is your unique selling point in the industrial software market?
We have been driving the digitization of SMEs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for 25 years now. We supply turnkey software modules that can be individually adapted and configured to the customer and their industry without programming. The EVO platform offers consistent and expandable digitization from a single source with the prospect of a “smart factory”. No other software manufacturer can currently offer this – without any media disruption or multiple entries.
How do you ensure the connectivity of solutions for small and medium-sized companies in times of Industry 4.0?
We help medium-sized industrial companies to exchange data from all machine tools bidirectionally, regardless of manufacturer. Our solutions make it possible for us to easily upgrade older machines digitally. All EVO customers worldwide use the same software solutions with the latest software version. And: Thanks to our large customer base, we can offer our solutions at a comparatively low price.
You have made a significant contribution to a smart factory in Schwäbisch Gmünd. What is the concept?
For many companies, the topic of “smart factory” is very abstract. It is extremely useful to experience “smart” solutions and automation live and to clearly understand the advantages of consistent digitalization. In Schwäbisch Gmünd, we have created a realistic, digital world of experience to enable people to try out smart working methods. And it is also very important for training and further education. The skilled workers of tomorrow want to be digital. In the smart factory, they get an insight into the industrial production of the future.
“Our solutions make it possible for us to easily upgrade even older machines digitally.”
When you started out as a software company, were you already thinking about foreign markets?
Not at the very beginning, of course. We were fully focused on developing a software platform with added value for German industry and on winning customers for it. From 2002, with the first customers in neighboring countries, we then consistently developed our software platform further so that our software could be used internationally. We took a lot of time to make our internal processes scalable and also took country-specific requirements such as language and currencies into account in our software solutions.
Which international markets are you currently active in, what are your priorities and why?
Due to the global political changes, now is the right time to use our solutions to help produce more regionally and become more independent of Asia here in Europe. There is still enormous production capacity and productivity potential in Europe that can be tapped more quickly with the help of digitalization – and not just in Germany. The aim cannot be for us to poach skilled workers from other countries in this country who will then be lacking there. We are therefore concentrating on the countries and regions in Europe that specialize in metal processing and mechanical engineering for a wide variety of industries. These include Poland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and other countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
Do you prefer to rely on branches of German companies or local suppliers?
We actually address the SMEs based there, the local suppliers who, for example, supply the German mechanical engineering industry – with turned and milled parts, with customer-specific assemblies in fluid technology. And we address the producers in those countries that have a long tradition in manufacturing technology.
“There is still enormous productivity potential in Europe that can be tapped more quickly with the help of digitalization – and not just in Germany.”
How do you approach sales: How important are local partners?
We explore the market and look for local partners with whom we aim to establish a long-term collaboration. Ideally, these partners are already networked with companies in the manufacturing industry – and ideally, they do not come from the software world, but rather sell machines, tools, automation technology or advise companies on digitization and process optimization.
Many software companies are setting up development sites in Eastern Europe. How does EVO do this?
We develop our solutions exclusively at our site in Baden-Württemberg. Here, with our dual training system and our universities, we have the best conditions to find new and really qualified employees. Our software is developed with Swabian inventiveness and tinkering spirit – with a lot of know-how, practical knowledge and also a very modern and high-quality user interface. Our demands on software and usability are very high. Our customers appreciate that. When developing software, we do not pay attention to development costs and do not conduct experiments to save costs. We often take different paths to achieve better results and solutions. We do not like to imitate others. We show the way!▪
“We only develop in Baden-Württemberg. Here, with our dual training system and our universities, we have the best conditions to get new and really qualified employees.”
EVO Informationssysteme GmbH
Project: Implementing the Digital Factory in SMEs
A unique range of solutions for holistic digitalization in stages across Europe. SMEs in particular do not have the human resources to transform the company. EVO supports companies over the long term.
Both EVO and EVO customers win prizes/awards with successful implementation
Motive:
The core of the company is the evolutionary development of industrial companies towards the digitization of business processes and the networking of production (Industry 4.0 / Smart Factory)
Video: Mission Europa (Award “Global Mind 2022” from the State of Baden-Württemberg)
