Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO
Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO

Digital Business

Tailor-made and secure IT solutions for versatile applications

Keywords such as digitalization, the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence speak to the remarkable pace of innovation in information technology. Smart IT solutions and methods pave the way towards exploiting the potential of digitalization and successfully realizing innovative processes and products. In the scope of multiple research projects, our Digital Business researchers develop and test how new software systems and algorithms based on big data and artificial intelligence boost the creation of value at companies by means of, for instance, automation, assistance with making decisions, analyses, and forecasts.

Digital transformation and new IT technologies are creating a lot of opportunities for companies. Examples include innovative products for new target groups, cheaper yet better processes, more intelligent communication with customers and greater automation. Businesses can tap into these opportunities by leveraging innovative, connected solutions based on big data and artificial intelligence as well as cloud and online platforms.

The right strategy and IT infrastructure are essential building blocks for companies to succeed and remain competitive. Outlining clear benefits for the company, its customers and its partners is key to ensuring successful applications. We use future-proof strategies and innovative IT solutions to help you exploit the opportunities that digitalization offers. Key sectors for Digital Business include insurance, manufacturing, mobility services and energy.

Our key areas of research:

  • Digitalization strategies and solutions
  • Artificial intelligence and digital assistants
  • Big data and process automation
  • Cloud-based platforms, ecosystems and business models
  • Cognitive IT applications for the Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Corporate software and process optimization
  • IT for intelligent energy systems and electromobility
  • Use of service platforms for smart cities

Projects Selection

Cloud Mall Baden-Württemberg

The idea behind Cloud Mall Baden-Württemberg is to create a platform for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) on which cloud service providers can position their products and services and users can select the cloud services relevant to them. 

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Eco Fleet Services

Transport in municipal areas is changing. For businesses and the general public alike, there is a growing need for transportation, which leads to ever greater pollution, noise and congestion. In order to maintain the flow of traffic in our cities, we therefore need to leverage the various elements in a new mobility mix to achieve an optimal blend. 

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KI4ROBOFLEET

The aim of the KI4ROBOFLEET project is to identify and evaluate potential application scenarios that will arise from the inclusion of autonomous vehicles in vehicle fleets. The project team is also carrying out traffic simulations to enable a dynamic and real-time evaluation of application scenarios. Finally, the project is developing car-sharing ICTs that enable the incorporation of AI in specific applications. 

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SmartAIwork

The aim of SmartAIwork is to identify the opportunities and risks arising from the use of AI-supported clerical processes in the German workplace. For this purpose, it has also established an expert panel and is developing a digital toolbox containing practical items such as case studies and checklists. Following completion of the project, training measures will be drawn up to help disseminate the project findings in political and business spheres. 

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The LamA project – charging points at the workplace

In 2017, a total of 70 German cities exceeded statutory thresholds for nitrogen oxides, some of them by a substantial margin. In response, federal government launched an emergency program – entitled “Saubere Luft 2017–2020” – to improve air quality in built-up areas.  

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The SME 4.0 Competence Center in Stuttgart

The SME 4.0 Competence Center in Stuttgart focuses on cloud services and their role in the value-creation process. Whether SMEs are looking for inspiration or already have a concrete vision for their migration to cloud services – we are there to provide help with both technical and practical issues related to implementation.

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The Digital Business Research Unit is organized into the following teams:

 

Digital Business

Our Digital Business team develops IT technologies and service platforms based on artificial intelligence and big data for the purposes of digitalization, automation and assistance with making decisions regarding business processes; we also consult companies on the use of our solutions.

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Applied Artificial Intelligence

The Applied Artificial Intelligence team supports companies both in the optimization of internal processes using Artificial Intelligence and in the introduction of new technologies and associated innovations.

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Digital Business Services

Our Digital Business Services team supports companies with the design and development of innovative cloud services, smart products and smart services; the selection and use of cloud platforms and ecosystems; and the implementation of web-based technologies and business models.

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IT and Software Management

The Management of IT and Software team aids its customers with projects on IT strategy, management of master data, digitalization of processes, and the design, selection and implementation of corporate software.

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Quantum Computing

The Quantum Computing team investigates how companies can use quantum computers to their advantage in the future and develops suitable software solutions, algorithms and tools for these applications

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