Smart data: How cts networks industrial processes

Data is considered the backbone of modern industry. But there is often a huge gap between theory and reality: Many companies collect vast amounts of data - without actually using it. Why is that? Often due to a lack of structures, unclear responsibilities and an understanding of technology that views data as an IT task rather than a strategic resource.

How CTS uses industrial data expertise to break down silos, change organizations and create regulatory security. In an interview with us, Erich, Head of Industrial IT, explains why smart data is much more than just a buzzword - and why change starts in the mind.

"When we talk about digitalization at cts, we don't mean pretty dashboards or abstract visions of the future. We mean: solving real challenges." And that is exactly what the industrial IT team does. “Together, we develop smart data infrastructures that not only make companies more efficient, but also more resilient, more flexible and more secure from a regulatory perspective.”

Smart data means networking data, not just collecting it

“Many companies have more data than they need - and yet they lack an overview.” With this sentence, Erich gets to the heart of a problem that we see almost every day in industry. Data is collected but not used. Or even worse: they are isolated in isolated solutions where nobody knows whether they are correct.

CTS tackles this problem with structure. To be more precise: by setting up central data platforms - based on the Industrial Data Fabric with AspenTech Inmation, for example. The aim is to create a database that brings together all systems, from sensors to ERP. This creates an end-to-end data flow that not only visualizes, but also analyses, controls and optimizes. In real time. And audit-proof.

One of the biggest levers: predictive maintenance. "We use historical data to optimize maintenance cycles. This saves time, reduces downtime and extends the service life of systems," explains Erich. The key here is not technology alone, but its sensible integration into existing processes.

The underestimated discipline: IT/OT integration as a foundation

Data is created on the store floor - it is usually used in IT. The problem: the two are often worlds apart. “The classic separation between IT and OT no longer works today,” says Erich. “We combine both - technically, organizationally and securely.” What sounds technical has a very concrete effect for companies: fewer delays, fewer coordination loops, better decisions. “Our customers can access sensor values in distant plants from the company headquarters - without detours, without risk.”

In practice, this means that production data from SCADA systems, sensors or control systems is made available in real time - centrally, validated and across systems. Even across site boundaries. Customers benefit from a transparent overall picture of their processes - and can make decisions before bottlenecks or downtimes occur.

This end-to-end transparency is a real competitive advantage. And it only works if cybersecurity, system architecture and operating processes work together perfectly. “IT/OT integration is not a project for us - it is the prerequisite for modern industry.”

And cts goes far beyond traditional interfaces. “We implement complete access options to process data - secure, role-based and right down to object level.” This not only creates efficiency, but also trust.

In the pharmaceutical industry, you need solutions that can pass any audit

Smart data is all well and good - but what about data integrity? Especially in regulated industries such as the pharmaceutical and food sectors, there is a great fear of losing control. Here, digitalization is often equated with risk - key words: data integrity, CSV, GAMP5.

“This concern is justified - and this is precisely why solutions need to be planned in compliance from the outset,” says Erich. CTS integrates regulatory requirements directly into the course of the project. Validation documentation, risk assessments, training - everything is part of the overall package. “We build our solutions from the outset in such a way that they are enforceable from a regulatory perspective - with validated systems, traceable processes and clear documentation,” explains Erich. Every solution is checked for regulatory requirements before it is introduced - and designed together with the customer so that it passes audits.

This applies not only to the system design, but also to the use cases: "We create validation documentation, carry out risk analyses and train employees. This means our customers are audit-ready - and can still benefit from digitalization."

If you suddenly make decisions in real time, your company will change too

Centralizing your data doesn't just change your IT - it also changes your organization. "Data makes visible what was previously hidden. This brings conflict - but also progress." The introduction of smart data structures is not a purely technical step - it changes the culture. "Suddenly, data that was previously hidden is visible. This can create friction - but it can also unleash enormous potential," says Erich. "Standard software rarely fits special industrial processes. That's why we develop a lot of things ourselves - or expand existing tools in a targeted manner," says Erich. The decisive factor is always the specific use case. “We don't develop technology for technology's sake - but because it is needed in everyday life.”

The approach of the industrial IT specialists at cts: tailor-made instead of standardized. “Our solutions are built in such a way that they not only map processes, but improve them.” He knows both sides: the skepticism at the beginning and the enthusiasm when the added value becomes tangible. Cts actively supports this change. With workshops, training courses and technical solutions such as mularis and the underlying modules such as the digital approval certificate to digitize existing approval processes. “Our tools create transparency - but within a framework that involves people.” After all, the best algorithm is useless if the organization is not prepared to work with it. “We support cultural change just as much as technical change.”

This is crucial, because many data projects fail not because of the technology - but because organizations are not prepared for it. “That's why we don't just build systems - we also create the acceptance to use them.”

Digital transformation only works if you create trust

Loss of control, fear of transparency or fault tolerance - many companies have reservations about digitalization. "That's understandable - but not helpful. We deliberately try to meet customers in their situation and show them solutions that help." The answer? Listen, explain, empower. “We create trust by walking the path together with our customers - step by step, without overwhelming them.” The goal is not the technology. The goal is success in everyday life.

And digitalization should not be seen as a one-way street. “The best solutions are created through dialogue - between technology, organization and people.”

What smart data is not - and what it must be

“Smart data is not a showcase for the pitch - it's the basis for reliable decisions.” Erich deliberately speaks plainly. Because all too often, digitalization is confused with pretty dashboards. But visibility without context is useless - and dangerous. “We build systems that are operationally effective - not just visually impressive.”

The cts strategy: systems that scale. Dashboards that are understood. Data that enables responsibility. And processes that run measurably better. Cts does not pursue one-way projects. “Our systems are integrated in such a way that they remain an indispensable part of day-to-day business.” This is ensured not only by technology, but also by support: “We support, we adapt, we continue to develop - together with the customer.”

Because digitalization is not a sprint. It is a partnership. One that is based on trust, expertise and sustainable added value. “Our solutions are not finished when they are up and running - they are then ready to grow with the customer.”

In five years, smart data will no longer be an option - it will be standard

What is still running as a pilot today will be the basis of business tomorrow. “The more companies have positive experiences, the faster smart data will establish itself as the new industry standard,” Erich is certain.

The next steps? The integration of machine learning, predictive maintenance and automated decision support. But the basis for this is needed today: a clean data structure, a common understanding - and the willingness to change.

The prerequisite: the courage to network - in technical, organizational and human terms. CTS provides the structure. Our customers provide the will. And together we create the future.