Bechtle – Your partner for industrial IT processes.
It all starts with a central Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system serving as a platform and ‘single source of truth’ for all data throughout the entire lifecycle. From here, a continuous digital thread emerges, linking every phase of digital product development. Building on this foundation, we develop products using AI-powered engineering and automated processes, transfer the result as a digital twin into the digital factory, and bring it to life in XR – using the Apple Vision Pro. The key point: we securely connect this digital world with real-world production – via IIoT, edge technologies, robust OT hardware and consistent OT security, which we demonstrate live in the OT Security Lab. And because true value creation only arises through end-to-end processes, we close the loop with seamless ERP integration and a clear focus on digital sovereignty – ensuring that data and processes remain consistent, secure and economically viable throughout the entire lifecycle.
CAD designs form the foundation of digital product development and, through automation and AI-powered functions, enable efficient, knowledge-based engineering directly within the design process. In addition, CAD data is seamlessly integrated into technical documentation, assembly and service manuals, and realistic visualisations, enabling complex content to be communicated clearly and without any disruption in the user experience.
FEM-based simulations using SOLIDWORKS Simulation, SIMULIA Abaqus and the CST Studio Suite enable the virtual analysis and validation of mechanical, thermal, motion-related and electromagnetic issues directly within the CAD environment. This allows weaknesses to be identified at an early stage, reduces development times and costs, and ensures that design, material and process decisions are validated reliably and realistically.
Automated design processes using DriveWorks enable the rule-based and consistent creation of CAD models, drawings and bills of materials, thereby facilitating the efficient generation of variants, shortening development times and reducing errors. At the same time, DriveWorks integrates product configuration into the sales process, enabling CAD-based quotations to be generated in real time.
DELMIA enables the holistic planning, simulation and optimisation of the digital factory by linking CAD-based product and plant models with process, resource and automation data to create a realistic digital twin. This allows production processes to be analysed and optimised at an early stage, efficiency and quality to be improved, and modern technologies such as IoT, AI and immersive XR applications to be integrated.
Edge gateways securely connect machines, sensors and IT/cloud infrastructures, handle protocol translation and data pre-processing, and enable reliable communication between OT and IT. In the demo, a sensor-equipped motor transmits data via the Bechtle Secure Edge Gateway to a cloud, where predictive maintenance is implemented using AI software from Aiomatics – secured by a microkernel-based architecture with a significantly reduced attack surface.
Modern manufacturing software integrates design (CAD), programming (CAM) and the machine into a seamless digital process chain, in which machining strategies and NC programmes are derived directly from the 3D model, tested virtually and transferred securely to the machine. Centralised tool management and machine data analysis ensure stable processes, transparency, quality and greater cost-effectiveness in manufacturing.
Remote access to machines and robots enables the secure monitoring, maintenance and control of production processes without the need for on-site staff. At the same time, the secure architecture protects data, prevents unauthorised access and facilitates rapid responses to faults, thereby helping to address the shortage of skilled workers.
Highly available IoT and OT networks connect devices, sensors and machines via stable LAN and 5G connections, including private 5G campus networks for data-intensive applications such as robots and AGVs. Bechtle supports companies in this regard with services covering site surveys, installation, consultancy and operation.
Robust hardware and edge components ensure stable, uninterrupted data processing directly on the production floor, even under extreme conditions. They enable the connection of machines, real-time data analysis and the deployment of complex IIoT applications before data is transferred to the cloud.
Digital sovereignty is crucial for resilient IT and industrial architectures, and Bechtle AG’s BIoS (Bechtle Index of Sovereignty) enables it to be systematically assessed. This tool provides transparency regarding maturity levels, vulnerabilities and specific areas for action, and supports informed decision-making for secure, sustainable digital strategies.
Holistic product lifecycle management based on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform connects product data, processes and systems throughout the entire lifecycle, creating a consistent single source of truth. Complemented by the Bechtle PLM Process Hub, development and production processes are standardised and managed transparently.
A powerful ERP system such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central enables centralised management and transparent mapping of business processes in procurement, production, logistics and finance. Thanks to seamless integration with PLM, development data is consistently transferred to the ERP system, thereby ensuring end-to-end alignment between product development and commercial processes.
Industrial SLS 3D printer featuring a powerful 30-watt laser, high print speed, optimised powder handling and a wide range of materials. It enables the rapid and reliable production of durable, functional components – from prototyping through to small-batch production.
QUARERO – an AI-controlled robot for indoor and outdoor use, which is controlled via 5G and transmits video data. Bechtle PSB Engineering provided support with hardware selection, the security concept, the service concept and the optimisation of the engineering.
Join a personalised guided tour to discover all the key stages of industrial product development – accompanied by experts from engineering, manufacturing, OT, IIoT, security and PLM. See for yourself how AI, digital twins and connected machines work together to create a seamless digital value chain.
With Apple Vision Pro, experience an immersive visualisation of the digital factory in a self-contained virtual environment based on the Digital Factory with 3DEXPERIENCE and DELMIA. Use XR technology to explore production structures, processes and interrelationships in an intuitive and accessible way – deliberately simple, clear and vivid.
The Bechtle IoT Demo Cube uses an automotive use case to demonstrate how AI-based solutions can detect quality defects and link them to machine and logistics data, thereby providing complete transparency regarding production, quality and delivery. Bechtle demonstrates the interplay between software, hardware and services – from remote maintenance and remote service to monitoring and lifecycle management.
The OT Security Lab demonstrates a miniaturised, networked production environment featuring real-world cyberattacks on PLC-controlled systems from Siemens, Schneider Electric and Mitsubishi, as well as the specific defence mechanisms deployed during live operation. The demonstration is complemented by secure data transmission, remote access, certificate management and 24/7 monitoring of the entire system from Bechtle’s SOC.
Edge gateways securely connect machines, sensors and IT/cloud infrastructures, handle protocol translation and data pre-processing, and enable reliable communication between OT and IT.
It demonstrates that reliable operation is possible even under challenging environmental conditions such as humidity, dust, and high or low temperatures. The portfolio is complemented by fanless systems that are particularly well-suited for use in laboratory and cleanroom environments – where conventional IT solutions reach their limits.
