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“We have been building Industry 4.0 for more than 20 years. Except that it wasn’t called that way”

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"We have been building Industry 4.0 for more than 20 years. Except that it wasn't called that way"

05.11.2019

Albert Hilber, BaselArea.swiss and David Maître, LCB (img: Dave Joly)

Which problem does your company aim to solve?

David Maître, LCB: LCB is a company that specializes in information technology (IT), automation and industrial electronics. We solve industry-related technical problems for which the standard solutions do not apply, or when it is necessary to adjust the processes (customization).

When and why did you found your company?

In 1997. It was at the same time while I was studying, and it allowed me to gain practical knowledge alongside my studies which were for the most part theoretical.

What does winning the i4Challenge mean to you?

It is an acknowledgement of the work accomplished. Winning also boosts visibility for our small organization.

What does the term “Industry 4.0” mean to you and why is the topic relevant?

We have been building Industry 4.0 for more than 20 years. Except that it wasn’t called that way. A name and a “label” were simply added to these activities. What has changed is the possibility of connecting different industrial objects. It is far more easily done today. Industry 4.0 includes a large number of tools and technologies. Everyone contributes a little – often without knowing it – because some of these tools and technical solutions are used.

Where do you see the development in the region?

Many companies are hardly or not connected at all. In addition, different software modules like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) are connected with production tools that are still often absent. Manufacturing Execution System (MES), for example. Sometimes necessary, sometimes too overwhelming for the objectives set by the company. For this reason, adaptation and advice are required.

What are your plans for your company?

We want to make connectivity accessible to all companies, offer advice, provide connected solutions and set up links with ERP, especially our ERP. We also want to supply and advise companies at the IT infrastructure level required for these solutions, whether it is on cloud or on-premise, as we also provide IT infrastructure services.

LCB Sarl
David Maître

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