Intelligent helpers: IoT solutions for skilled workers

In the morning on the motorway, in the middle of rush-hour traffic, the warning light on the dashboard suddenly flashes: There's a problem with the braking system. Now it has to be done quickly. But the nearest garage is a long way away, troubleshooting takes up valuable time and the car mechanic is fully booked for the next two working days.

The shortage of skilled labour is a cross-industry challenge and naturally also affects the automotive industry. Companies must find ways to continue to complete their tasks efficiently and economically - with limited personnel. The Internet of Things (IoT) offers an effective lever. Networked devices and intelligent systems can be used to automate repetitive tasks, carry out maintenance remotely and transmit important process data to employees. This not only relieves the burden on staff, but also streamlines work processes.

SELECT AG offers its customers the option of connecting vehicles so that mechanics can help quickly in scenarios such as defective brake systems. The collected data is transferred to an IoT platform developed by Deutsche Telekom and analysed in the cloud. Independent workshops can then analyse the vehicle data. This predictive maintenance makes it possible to procure the necessary spare parts in good time, offer a faster service and minimise downtimes. This is because mechanics can make a note of upcoming inspections and check-ups when scheduling their appointments and save valuable time when troubleshooting thanks to the vehicle data.

Whether in the hotel industry, canteen or system catering: MKN uses IoT to prepare meals at the same time and with pinpoint accuracy. The supplier from Wolfenbüttel in Lower Saxony equips professional chefs worldwide with kitchen appliances such as combi-steamers - a mixture of convection ovens and steam cookers. These are equipped with the IoT Cloud from Telekom. This allows cooking programmes to be triggered centrally - and dishes to be prepared with consistent quality at the touch of a button. In addition, the automatically stored usage data can be used to proactively maintain the appliances and comply with the demanding food hygiene requirements.

The scaffolding and formwork experts from PERI SE never lose their bearings, even on large construction sites such as Frankfurt Airport, thanks to networked formwork elements. With the combination of the Low Cost Tracker from Telekom and the IoT solution from Telekom partner Syfit, construction site workers can easily locate the required elements on the extensive site using a smartphone app. At the same time, PERI employees can keep an eye on their stock levels and have the required parts delivered more quickly.

As part of the Rethmann group, set REMONDIS and Rhenus are using IoT fill level meters for their waste disposal logistics, which use lasers to record the fill level of glass containers and data bins. This allows employees to conveniently check the position and fill level of the containers via the online portal and plan their collection trips as required. This saves valuable working time as well as CO₂ emissions from the collection vehicles.

A four-day week in times of a shortage of skilled workers: why does this not have to be a contradiction in terms and what role does digitalisation play in measurement technology? Presenter Bernhard Steimel and Prof Dr Heiko Wenzel, CDO of the Wenzel Group, talk about this.

Like many other medium-sized family businesses, the measurement technology manufacturer was faced with the challenge of making its processes more sustainable and digital. And the transformation has been a success. In the podcast, Wenzel reveals how remanufacturing, retrofitting and the four-day week have put the company on the road to success.

Listen to the podcast here: Smarter Service Talk

Digitalisation is driving many industries, including manufacturing. However, the jobs of production employees or service technicians are not developing at the same pace. To counteract the shortage of skilled labour, companies can rely on digital solutions that make working conditions in industrial professions more attractive. New technologies not only make work more fun, but also increase safety and efficiency in production environments and warehouses.

Companies can also make concrete savings by relieving logistics, service and production employees of monotonous and unmotivating tasks. What can this look like? Cosmetics manufacturer Schwan Cosmetics, chip producer Globalfoundries, plant manufacturer Krones and other industrial companies show how employees can be relieved and supported with the help of IoT technologies. Here to download.

The practical examples in this article, the podcast and the e-books show how the Internet of Things can support small and large companies from a wide range of industries with completely different requirements in achieving their goals. Deutsche Telekom offers companies global IoT connectivity and innovative IoT solutions from a single source - not only to optimise current business processes and enable new business models, but also to relieve the burden on employees and thus counter the shortage of skilled workers.

There is also potential to relieve employees in logistics. Paper-based processes, a lack of transparency and a high level of communication are slowing down the processes in logistics - the IoT offers great potential for optimising these processes. Networked scanners, smart glasses, freight tracking and smart route planning are just some of the solutions for improving inefficient processes. The full-service provider Quehenberger Logistics, the logistics specialist DM Services and the family-run company Fiege Logistik show how companies can use digital solutions to optimise their logistics processes, ensure greater transparency and provide smart support for their specialists. Download the e-book here.