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. Moreover, 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.
“Our solutions make it possible for us to digitally retrofit older machines with ease.”
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.
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.
“There is still significant untapped productivity potential in Europe that can be unlocked more rapidly through digitization.”
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.
“We concentrate our development efforts exclusively in Baden-Württemberg, leveraging the advantages of the region’s dual training system and prestigious universities to attract highly qualified employees.”
Experience Industry 4.0 live
The Smart Factory in Schwäbisch Gmünd helps companies and talents better understand the potential of data solutions for the production of the future.
