Rethinking Automation: Why Digital Services Make the Difference

Digitalization is also transforming explosion protection: products are becoming smarter, services more efficient, and data models decisive competitive advantages. In this interview with Roland Dunker, Head of Digital Service at R. STAHL, the focus is on technologies, trends, and the tangible benefits of automation. He explains why the Asset Administration Shell (AAS) is the key to interoperability, how customers benefit from digital services, and which steps companies must take now to prepare for the Digital Product Passport (DPP).

Roland Dunker: In my department, we handle everything related to Industry 4.0. This includes digital nameplates, digital twins, and the digital product passport. We are also developing an app to complement our services and have recently started offering consulting for companies that want to take the step toward digitalization.

Roland Dunker: We started working on this more than four years ago. The starting point was the digital nameplate, which we wanted to use to reduce space and complexity. It quickly became clear: we needed a standardized data model that could be used worldwide. The Asset Administration Shell was developed precisely for this purpose – machine communication and interoperability. The fact that it is internationally recognized as IEC standard 63278-1 ultimately convinced us.

Roland Dunker: So far, we have implemented four submodels: Digital Nameplate, Technical Data, Handover Documentation according to VDI 2770, and Contact Information. Additional submodels such as Maintenance Instructions, Provision of 3D Models, or data for electrical engineering are in planning. For us, the AAS is a strategic investment: it simplifies internal administration, reduces material master data, and prepares us for requirements like the Digital Product Passport.

Roland Dunker: At first, we expected reservations, especially in the rather conservative process industry. But the opposite was true: customers clearly see the added value. Less integration effort, lower costs, and more transparency are decisive. Today, we are perceived as a reference solution and are well ahead in the market with our implementations.

Roland Dunker: Examples include firmware updates, remote access to data, return processes via QR code, or structured documentation according to VDI 2770. All these services save our customers significant time and reduce sources of error. It’s particularly important to us that these solutions are practical and usable in the everyday work of field technicians.

Roland Dunker: With conplement, we combine our platform for Asset Administration Shells with powerful tools and infrastructure for AAS. Together, we offer consulting, practical expertise, and, in the future, complete solutions. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for companies to get started with the Asset Administration Shell.

Roland Dunker: A very big one. Either you standardize, or you get standardized. That’s why we are actively involved in committees such as the IDTA. It can sometimes be a lengthy process, but it ensures market acceptance and enables us to bring in our own requirements.

Roland Dunker: Our goal is to convert 100% of our products to digital nameplates and Asset Administration Shells, thereby realizing the Digital Product Passport. We are convinced that these technologies will be taken for granted in the future.

Roland Dunker: On the one hand, the opportunities in explosion protection – ensuring that technology functions safely even in hazardous atmospheres. On the other, the exchange along the entire value chain. I believe that in ten years we won’t be talking about Asset Administration Shells anymore because they will simply run in the background as a standard.

Roland Dunker: First: Digitalization is here to stay. Second: The Digital Product Passport is coming – companies need to prepare. Third: Asset Administration Shells and digital nameplates are the key technologies to successfully take this step.