I had written an elaborate discussion about Siemens’ security and digital twin strategy, using a Siemens document as my base. What I did not realize is that the symbols I thought were collapsing the sections were actually killing it and, so, I inadvertently erased everything but the conclusion.
In trying to reconstruct the background pages, I found myself transitioning from the security/digital twin ideas – I’ll get back to that piece soon – and more towards the principles and philosophy behind the Siemens ONE approach.
Siemens ONE Approach (Broader Concept)
The “Siemens ONE approach" refers to Siemens' overarching philosophy and strategy for integrating its vast portfolio of technologies and solutions. Siemens deserves a lot of credit for trying to create comprehensive, end-to-end solutions for customers across various industries. Mind you, Siemens participates in so many aspects of the stack, including modeling software for industrial customers to develop products. While the philosophy of ONE approach can be applied to all the products and services, the principles don’t necessarily match one for one.
Here are the core ideas around which the ONE approach revolves:
- Integration and Interoperability: Siemens aims to connect different systems, from automation to digitalization, software, and hardware, to create seamless workflows and data exchange. This includes integrating disparate disciplines, like mechanical, electrical, automation, and software engineering.
- Digitalization and Digital Twin: A central tenet is the creation and utilization of digital twins throughout the entire lifecycle of a product, production, or machine. This allows for simulation, optimization, and virtual commissioning, reducing time-to-market and costs.
- Portfolio Synergy: Leveraging the breadth of Siemens' offerings (PLCs, HMIs, drives, software, cloud platforms, etc.) to deliver holistic solutions rather than isolated components.
- Industry-Specific Solutions: Tailoring these integrated solutions to the specific needs and challenges of different industries (e.g., automotive, aerospace, machine tools, process industries).
- Data-Driven Insights: Empowering customers to collect, analyze, and act upon data from their operations to improve efficiency, productivity, and decision-making.
- Sustainability: Integrating solutions that contribute to energy efficiency, resource optimization, and reduced environmental impact.
In essence, the Siemens ONE approach represents Siemens' vision of a connected, digitalized industrial world where all elements work together seamlessly to create maximum value.
SINUMERIK ONE (Specific Product/Solution for Machine Tools)
SINUMERIK ONE is a specific product within Siemens' Digital Industries portfolio, designed as a digital native CNC (Computer Numerical Control) system for machine tools. It embodies many of the principles of the broader Siemens ONE approach, but is specifically focused on the machine tool industry.
SINUMERIK ONE's principles can be summarized as:
- Digital Native CNC: This is its defining feature. SINUMERIK ONE is built from the ground up with a strong emphasis on digital capabilities, particularly the creation and use of a digital twin of the machine tool and its processes.
- High Performance: It boasts powerful hardware and software, including a multicore architecture and an integrated SIMATIC S7-1500F PLC, to deliver superior machining speed, precision, and productivity.
- Seamless Integration (TIA Portal): SINUMERIK ONE is fully integrated into Siemens' Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal, a comprehensive engineering framework. This enables standardized engineering tasks across PLC, HMI, safety, and CNC.
- Digital Twin Capabilities (Create MyVirtual Machine, Run MyVirtual Machine):
- Create MyVirtual Machine: Allows machine tool builders to virtually map their development processes, reducing development time and enabling virtual commissioning.
- Run MyVirtual Machine: Enables machine tool users to simulate workpiece programming, setup, and operation entirely on a PC, optimizing capacity utilization, minimizing unproductive times, and facilitating operator training.
- Maximum Compatibility: Despite its advanced features, SINUMERIK ONE is designed to be highly compatible with previous SINUMERIK generations (e.g., 840D sl) in terms of programming and operation, easing the transition for existing users.
- Integrated Safety and IT Security: It incorporates integrated safety features and a multi-layer Defense-in-Depth concept for IT security by design.
- New Business Models: By facilitating the digital twin and virtual operations, SINUMERIK ONE opens up opportunities for new business models for both machine builders and end-users.
The key difference is scope. Siemens ONE approach is a strategic, overarching philosophy. It describes how Siemens intends to bring its entire portfolio together to deliver integrated, digitalized solutions across various industries. It's about connectivity, synergy, and end-to-end value creation. On the other hand, SINUMERIK ONE is a concrete product solution. It is the embodiment of the Siemens ONE approach, specifically applied to the machine tool industry. It leverages the principles of digitalization, integration (via TIA Portal), and performance to deliver a cutting-edge CNC system that enables the digital twin of a machine tool.
Think of it this way: The Siemens ONE approach is the architectural blueprint for a smart factory. SINUMERIK ONE is a highly advanced, intelligent machine (like a CNC machine) that is built according to that blueprint and plays a crucial role within that smart factory.
GIANT Bicycles
An interesting aspect of the ONE approach is that it spills over into their customers’ business principles as well. For example, in March, Siemens highlighted its work with GIANT Bicycles.
GIANT Bicycles showed how the next generation of performance E-Bikes and Road Bikes and the role Siemens’ technologies have played in their development.
GIANT Group is the world’s leading brand of high-quality bicycles and cycling gear and is a company known for its craftsmanship, technology, and innovative design. Its innovations span the bike industry from Tour de France competitors to the neighborhood weekend rider.
GIANT Bicycles demonstrated how the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of technology is helping sporting goods companies digitally design and manufacture better products, faster. GIANT Bicycles implemented Siemens’ Designcenter, Teamcenter and Simcenter software to design the bikes of the future, now.
For example, GIANT’s Trance X Advanced E+ Elite 0, a revolutionary e-mountain bike built around a lightweight, stiff, and durable carbon frameset, combines advanced trail bike design with a powerful new motor and a fully integrated battery system.
GIANT’s Trinity Advanced SL 0 delivers dynamic speed and control when every second counts. Easily adaptable to triathlons or time trials, and featuring aero-integrated hydration and fueling systems, it’s lighter, more aerodynamic, and smoother riding than the previous generation, with greater adjustability to dial in position and fit.
“It is a great pleasure and honor for Giant to showcase our work with Siemens. It is amazing and always fascinating to see when two industry powerhouses work together to create something new and exciting from scratch. The industrial software from Siemens that we use in our Research & Development department is a crucial factor for Giant to bring innovative bike technology to market and make it accessible for our consumers to enjoy the ultimate riding experience with our products,” said Alexander Gebert, General Manager at GIANT Deutschland GmbH.
Mario Vollbracht, Vice President, Consumer Products and Retail at Siemens Digital Industries Software added, “When leaders in their respective fields come together, exciting things always happen. The collaboration with GIANT Bicycles shows what can be achieved when you combine leading edge immersive design technology with industry leading expertise in the sports equipment industry.”
Combining the Real with the Digital World
The Siemens ONE approach encompasses several strategic initiatives aimed at integrating Siemens' diverse offerings to deliver comprehensive, customer-centric solutions. This multifaceted strategy includes programs such as Siemens One, One Siemens, and ONE Tech Company, each designed to enhance collaboration, streamline operations, and drive innovation across the company's global operations.
Established in 2001, Siemens One is a virtual organization designed to simplify large-scale projects by coordinating solutions across multiple Siemens divisions. This initiative identifies opportunities that involve solutions from various Siemens companies and their partners, developing a coordinated and integrated approach for the customer. By providing a single interface to multiple Siemens operating companies, Siemens One facilitates efficient and cost-effective customer engagement, particularly in complex projects requiring cross-divisional collaboration.
The One Siemens framework defines financial key performance indicators for revenue growth, capital efficiency, and profitability, as well as targets for an attractive dividend policy. It emphasizes innovation-driven growth markets, customer proximity, and leveraging the power of Siemens' integrated technology company to enhance value.
Conclusion
The Siemens ONE approach represents a comprehensive strategy to unify the company's diverse offerings, streamline operations, and deliver integrated solutions tailored to customer needs. Siemens continues to drive innovation, enhance customer engagement, and maintain its competitive edge in the global market.
Edited by
Erik Linask
