A central topic at automatica 2025 was: Are we automating because we lack skilled workers – or do we lack skilled workers because we automate too little? This contradiction was the common thread in many conversations at the SME Day and during the Innovation Journey, where IDEASCANNER was invited.
Impressions from SME Day & Innovation Journey at automatica
The SME sector invests in automation because it has to – but is it using the full potential to become truly future-proof and more valuable? Our biggest insight:
💡 Those who act only out of scarcity remain in crisis mode. But those who see automation and AI as a strategic opportunity can sustainably transform their company and increase its value.
A heartfelt thank you to the organisers and hosts for the invitation to the SME Day with Innovation Journey:
- Dr Susanne Hennigers (née Goehl), Frauen Verbinden
- Anja H. Schneider, Messe München
- Birgit Petzold, IHK für München und Oberbayern
- Tina Höfinghoff, MUNICH INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM
- Nadine Münch, Board Partners | Board Academy
- and the team from Der Mittelstand. BVMW.
The tour to robominds, NEURA Robotics, ABB and Epson Robots Europe made it clear: The technologies are here – now it’s up to us to use them wisely. The keynote by Martin Bender (Bender + Wirth) and the practical workshop by the Munich Innovation Ecosystem, “Automation that moves: How SMEs have made the leap into automation – and what others can learn from it”, were especially inspiring.
From Idea to Implementation: How SMEs Succeed with Automation
With our IDEASCANNER Expert Analyses, we bring clarity. Like a technical inspection, we put companies to the test, make the status quo measurable, and open up perspectives for value enhancement with AI. The key: Identifying real challenges and assessing whether
- automation as a solution not only relieves internal pressure,
- creates external value for customers and partners, and
- even enables new, scalable business models.
The 5 Key Steps to Successful Automation
In our carousel, we present the most important steps for SMEs to implement automation strategically and successfully – including a bonus tip from real-world practice.
- Analyse the status quo: Where do we stand today? Which processes are particularly time- and resource-intensive?
- Identify real problems: Where are the pain points – internally and externally? Which challenges can truly be solved by automation?
- Evaluate potential: Which automation solutions offer the greatest added value for the company and its customers?
- Start pilot projects: Gain experience and make successes visible with small, well-defined projects.
- Scale & integrate: Transfer successful approaches into regular operations and continuously develop them further.
Bonus tip from practice: Involve your employees early! Acceptance and know-how within the team are crucial for the success of any automation initiative.
Future-Proof and Valuable: Strengthening SMEs with AI and Automation
Automation is more than just increasing efficiency – it’s a real gamechanger for SMEs. Those who set the right course today secure sustainable competitiveness and new growth opportunities. Automatica 2025 impressively demonstrated: The technologies are ready, the solutions are practical, and SMEs are at the heart of innovation.
How are you currently approaching automation? Where do you see the greatest opportunities or hurdles? Share your experiences in the comments here!
Want to know how your company can benefit from automation and AI?
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- Request your free Pre-SCAN
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