Data sovereignty in CNC production
The digital transformation is fundamentally changing the industry and opening up completely new opportunities for many companies to become more efficient and competitive. The transformation primarily draws its power from the collection and targeted use of data. CNC production workshops are also continuously generating data. The potential that lies dormant in this is undeniably enormous. The key to success is the ability to refine the inherent value from the data and exploit it in a targeted manner for your own benefit.
Digital Transformation (DX) by DMG MORI
DMG MORI supports its customers in the Digital Transformation (DX) with user-oriented solutions for the entire manufacturing process. This ranges from the integration of smart sensors in the world market leader's high-tech machines to the use of intelligent control systems with open interfaces to the industrial internet and digital twins of machines, components and processes. The DMG MORI portfolio includes countless concrete examples of the end-to-end networking of machines, software solutions and IT systems as well as possibilities for data analysis and utilization.
However, the transition to a data-driven company is more than just a technological challenge. Above all, it is also a strategic change with terminology that is sometimes completely new to production engineers. In order to promote understanding between mechatronics and digitalization, important technical terms and their effects are explained here in loose succession. We start with the topic of "data sovereignty".
What does data sovereignty mean in CNC manufacturing?
Generally speaking, data sovereignty addresses the control and responsibility for the use, management and protection of data. This sounds clear and understandable at first. However, a second look reveals a complex set of derivations and implications that are also relevant to the data economy in CNC manufacturing. It starts with three obvious deductions:
1. Ownership and control
The term "data sovereignty" refers to the concept that data is subject to the laws and administrative structures of the country in which it is collected, stored or processed. This is to ensure that so-called "entities" (i.e. individuals or companies) retain ownership and control over their data.
2. Data security and data protection
Data sovereignty also includes the security and protection of data against unauthorized access, cyberattacks and other forms of exploitation. This includes technical measures such as encrypted transmission, secure cloud solutions and strict access controls. Essentially, it must be ensured that data remains confidential, is not manipulated and is only accessible to authorized parties.
3. Compliance with regulations
Data sovereignty also requires compliance with local and international data protection laws. This is particularly crucial in a global context where laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe impose strict data protection standards. The GDPR emphasizes that individuals (or customers) have control over their data and that organizations must ensure that data is processed securely and in accordance with applicable laws.
The question of all questions
Enormous amounts of data are now being generated in CNC production along the entire digital process chain - from planning and design, programming and production through to quality assurance and logistics. All the data collected in this way can provide crucial indicators that, when viewed as a whole, can influence the optimization of manufacturing processes, increase efficiency or ensure product quality. However, while the collection and use of this data from the process chain primarily depends on adequate technical implementation, one key question remains unanswered: Who owns the data captured in CNC manufacturing?
Who owns the data?
For DMG MORI, the answer to the question of all questions is clear and unambiguous.
DMG MORI stands for a clear, customer-oriented approach. The data belongs to the customers, as this data is generated by their machines and manufacturing processes. DMG MORI supports its customers in securely managing and using data in order to realize process improvements, among other things.
The fundamental answer to the question of who owns CNC manufacturing data remains complex and dynamic. This is because it depends on a variety of factors, including the legal framework, the interests of the stakeholders involved and the strategic goals of the companies. Ultimately, the answer requires a balanced approach that both maximizes the potential of data usage and minimizes the risks of data sharing. Companies need to develop clear policies and contracts that protect their rights while keeping the full benefits of digital transformation in mind. In terms of overall value creation and a sustainable lifecycle, data is ultimately one of those things in life whose value often increases when it is shared.
Lighthouse project "Factory-X" for multilateral data sharing
- The "Factory-X" lighthouse project, in which DMG MORI is playing a key role, has addressed precisely this issue. The research project focuses on the development of a collaborative data space that will enable companies to share data along the entire production and supply chain. At the same time, it guarantees data sovereignty, data security and data integrity. The strategic corporate goals of Factory-X include
- Ensuring manufacturer-independent data consistency for engineering, device information and condition monitoring.
- Contributing to sustainability through carbon footprint management, energy efficiency and the promotion of digital solutions that support a circular economy.
- Provision of digital solutions for "as-a-service" business models, such as marketplace/pay-per-part offerings and remote control or monitoring functions.
- Improving the traceability of materials, data and products across the entire supply chain.
- Efficient management of updates and changes for devices in the field.
Dr.-Ing. Marc-André Dittrich, Manager Corporate Development & Worldwide Institutions at DMG MORI, is optimistic about the future: "With Factory-X, we are working with partners to develop an interoperable, scalable and sovereign architecture for collaborative data exchange in a digital ecosystem that uses existing standards. This will drive innovation in manufacturing and enable new business models."
