This year’s Hannover Messe showcased a broad mix of technologies, priorities, and practical challenges that define today’s manufacturing landscape. Rather than focusing on general trends, I’d like to highlight a few grounded takeaways that stood out — particularly through the lens of industrial operations and MES.
1. More Control, Less Complexity
Across many conversations, one clear theme emerged: manufacturers want more autonomy. Whether it’s adjusting workflows or modifying interfaces, the ability to configure software directly — without deep technical involvement — is becoming essential. This trend is shaping how MES platforms are designed and delivered.
2. MES-as-a-Service Is Taking Shape
We’re seeing increased interest in moving core manufacturing software to the cloud — not just for scalability, but for easier deployment and maintenance. Some vendors are even exploring MES-as-a-Service (MaaS), where users can access flexible configurations remotely. It’s still early, but the direction is clear.
3. Industrial IoT Is Becoming a Standard Expectation
The role of IIoT continues to grow. Devices are becoming smarter and more integrated, with many hardware vendors already offering embedded analytics and diagnostics out of the box. For software providers, this creates new opportunities — and new levels of competition.
4. Functionality vs. Usability — Still a Delicate Balance
Some systems impress with powerful functionality but lack usability. Others offer sleek interfaces but fall short when it comes to logic and performance. The real challenge lies in finding the right balance — especially for companies developing complex MES solutions. This remains a key area for improvement across the board.
5. Digital Twins Move from Sim to Shopfloor
Once seen mainly as simulation tools, digital twins are now branching into areas like training, remote collaboration, and system diagnostics. The applications are expanding, and adoption seems to be growing — particularly in large-scale or high-risk environments.
6. Sustainability, IT/OT Convergence, and Standardization Stay in Focus
Topics like energy efficiency, cybersecurity, and IT/OT integration were widely discussed, though implementation still varies. Similarly, there’s growing movement toward open standards and shared data models — especially in collaborative ecosystems that span vendors and industries.
The Messe once again proved to be a valuable space for reflection, not just on technology, but on the changing priorities and challenges manufacturers are navigating. As we look ahead, the focus for many will be not on chasing the next big thing — but on refining what works and making it more accessible, adaptive, and user-driven.
