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OPENNESS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: THE KEY TO A FUTURE-READY INDUSTRY
Mechanical engineering systems have traditionally been built around closed
ecosystems, but this created silos, limited innovation, and increased vendor lock-in. Lenze explains how openness empowers companies to break free from these constraints
different manufacturers, enabling engineers to select the best tools for each task. This flexibility is crucial in a landscape where customer requirements are increasingly diverse and change rapidly. By adopting open architectures, companies can respond more swiftly to market shifts, incorporate emerging technologies, and avoid costly overhauls.
O
THE VALUE OF OPEN STANDARDS One of the most compelling arguments for openness is its role in future-proofing industrial investments. Open standards – such as OPC UA and PackML – ensure that systems are still compatible with innovative technologies and can evolve without being rebuilt from scratch. Lenze’s emphasis on open standards reflects a broader industry trend toward interoperability and longevity. This is particularly relevant in the context of
Industry 4.0, where digitalisation, data exchange, and smart automation are reshaping production environments. Open systems ease the integration of cloud computing, digital twins, and AI-driven analytics, enabling manufacturers to improve operations and unlock new business models.
ENHANCING COLLABORATION AND INNOVATION Openness also fosters collaboration across disciplines and departments. For example, integrating CAD systems with PLC controls in an open architecture streamlines the development process, reduces errors, and enhances communication between design and production teams. This not only accelerates time-to-market but also improves product
pen systems allow for seamless integration of components from
leverage open systems to achieve greater independence, efficiency, and adaptability.
CHALLENGES & CONSIDERATIONS While the advantages of openness are clear, the transition is not without challenges. Companies must navigate complex integration processes, ensure cybersecurity across diverse platforms, and manage the cultural shift toward more collaborative and transparent engineering practices. Lenze acknowledges these hurdles but emphasises that the long-term gains far outweigh the first investment. To succeed, organisations must adopt a strategic approach – investing in training, selecting partners who prioritise openness, and aligning their digital transformation goals with open system principles. Industry bodies and standardisation organisations also have a role to play in promoting best practices and easing interoperability.
A CALL TO ACTION FOR UK INDUSTRY For the UK’s mechanical engineering sector, embracing openness is not just a technical decision – it is a strategic imperative. As global competition intensifies and customer expectations evolve, companies must position themselves to be agile, innovative and resilient.
quality and operational efficiency. Moreover, open systems encourage innovation
by lowering the barriers to experimentation. Engineers can evaluate new configurations, incorporate third-party solutions, and iterate rapidly without being constrained by proprietary limitations. This agility is essential in a competitive global market where differentiation often hinges on the ability to innovate quickly and effectively.
REAL-WORLD IMPACT: THE CASE OF WEINIG GRECON Lenze’s collaboration with machine builder Weinig Grecon offers a compelling case study of openness in action. By adopting open automation solutions, Weinig Grecon was able to integrate diverse technologies, streamline production, and enhance system scalability. This not only improved operational performance but also helped the company to adapt to future challenges with confidence. Such examples underscore the tangible benefits of openness – not just in theory, but in practice. They show how companies can
18 DESIGN SOLUTIONS JULY/AUGUST 2025
Open systems offer a pathway to achieve these goals, enabling firms to build future-ready solutions that can adapt and thrive. Government initiatives supporting digitalisation and smart manufacturing should also prioritise openness, ensuring that public investments foster interoperability and long-term value. Educational institutions can contribute by integrating open system principles into engineering curricula, preparing the next generation of professionals for a more collaborative and dynamic industry.
CONCLUSION Openness in mechanical engineering is more than a trend – it is a transformation. As Lenze’s blog eloquently illustrates, open systems empower companies to innovate, collaborate, and future-proof their operations. For UK industry leaders, the message is clear: the future belongs to those who embrace openness, not just as a technical choice, but as a strategic mindset.
Lenze
www.Lenze.com
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