Digitalization and Automation - why you can't do good automation without excellent digitalization

 
When we think about automation the first thing that comes in our mind is "good old" industry 4.0 where production lines run without human handcraft. But, especially for the chemical and coatings industry, production is the - not less important- "end of the line", and when we talk about automation, we have to take care of all other important processes finally leading to a product. To mention one of those processes, let's have a closer look on formulation development. Even in these uncertain times where energy and resources are finally noticed as volatile goods, where price stability and availability isn't reliable no more, the digitalization and automation of the complete development process and material life cycle is not only necessary, it could be a show stopper and a game changer.