Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG Uses PTC ThingWorx Technology To Provide Smart Service For Printers And Systems Across The Globe

PTC’s Internet of Things (IoT) Solution Helps Improve Customer Satisfaction by Enabling Remote Resolution of 70 Percent of Service Issues

PTC recently announced Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG(Heidelberg), a major provider to the global printing industry, has selected and is using ThingWorx technology to remotely monitor and service more than 25,000 printing devices and software modules, resulting in significant improvements in service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Heidelberg produces customer-specific, highly-automated, and versatile high-tech machines in Germany, while high-quality preconfigured models are manufactured in China. Heidelberg also has a substantial service volume with approximately 40 percent of its sales derived from services, consumables, and service parts. Heidelberg has approximately 12,500 employees across the globe and serves customers in 170 countries.

Heidelberg knows that even a small defective part or a simple software error is enough to bring a printing press to a halt and with it the mass production of newspapers, books, posters, or packaging. Recognizing the high importance of product up-time for its customers’ mission-critical businesses, as well as for its own competitive differentiation, Heidelberg undertook an exhaustive due-diligence process, investigating a wide variety of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.

The ThingWorx platform was selected for its connectivity, security, and completeness. Today, Heidelberg Remote Service, based on ThingWorx technology, is used in 50 countries with as many as 3,000 remote sessions per month. Heidelberg is able to resolve over 70 percent of all issues remotely, keeping costs low and customer satisfaction high.

“We have successfully connected over 10,000 machines and 15,000 systems with the new solution and as the global leader in our market, we can give our customers excellent support,” said Uwe Galm, vice president, system service and head of operations, Heidelberg. “With the ThingWorx platform, ongoing consultation as needed, and regular function and security updates through PTC Cloud Services, we are well positioned for the future.”

“The ThingWorx technology enables forward-looking companies like Heidelberg to iteratively innovate business processes – and to do so significantly faster than conventional methods and tools, thus accelerating time to value,” said Rob Gremley, group president, technology platform group, PTC. “Heidelberg’s progressive strategy and vision to transform its remote service business and processes will help promote future success. We look forward to working with Heidelberg to help drive business value in the emerging IoT market."

PTC was recently named “IoT Platform Market Leader” in the “Industry 4.0/Internet of Things Vendor Benchmark 2016” report published by Experton Group and in the “IoT Platforms Market Report 2015-2021” published by IoT Analytics.

Additional Resources

• Heidelberg Remote Services Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBJV9z1-PXc)
• PTC Internet of Things (http://www.ptc.com/internet-of-things/)
• ThingWorx Developer Zone (http://www.ptc.com/internet-of-things/technology-platform-thingworx)
• LiveWorx 2016 – June 6-9, Boston. (http://liveworx.com/)

The event for those that design, manufacture, and service today’s products as well as those that develop the applications and experiences that will unleash the future potential of those things.

About Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft (Heidelberg) has been a major provider and reliable partner to the global printing industry for many years. The company offers customized components tailored to meet its customers’ requirements for successful business operations, primarily focusing on efficient and reliable production processes, economically optimal investments and smooth access to all necessary materials. The Heidelberg business model is based on three pillars: equipment, service and consumables, which form the foundation for growth as the company transforms from technology-driven to market and customer focused. Heidelberg supplies customers all over the world with products, services and consumables. The company generated consolidated sales of ca. 2.3 billion Euros in fiscal year 2014/2015.

About PTC
PTC is a global provider of technology platforms and solutions that transform how companies create, operate, and service the “things” in the Internet of Things (IoT). The company’s next-generation ThingWorx technology platform gives developers the tools they need to capture, analyze, and capitalize on the vast amounts of data being generated by smart, connected products and systems. The company’s field-proven solutions are deployed in more than 26,000 businesses worldwide to generate a product or service advantage. PTC’s award-winning CEO, considered an industry thought leader, co-authored the definitive guides to the impact of the IoT on business in the Harvard Business Review.

The announcement of any particular selection or implementation of PTC products is not necessarily indicative of the timing of recognition of revenue there from or the level of revenue for any particular period.