Strategic partnership transforms fragmented store floor data into trustworthy, AI-enabled data ecosystems
CSP Intelligence GmbH and soffico GmbH are pooling their expertise in a strategic partnership: soffico's Orchestra data integration platform and CSP's intelligent analysis, quality and archiving solutions together form the basis for a networked, scalable and future-proof production architecture - from the store floor to ERP.
Most manufacturing companies today have digital systems, machines with real-time data and digitally documented processes. However, historically evolved system landscapes, different protocols and a lack of standardization mean that this data remains fragmented and unconnected - with noticeable effects on productivity, quality and decision-making speed. Instead of a uniform data picture, decisions are based on isolated information.
Orchestra from soffico brings the central data integration layer to heterogeneous system landscapes. With over 90 ready-to-use protocol adapters - including OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus, TCP/IP, SAP RFC/IDoc, RS232 and Simatic S7 - the platform also reliably connects legacy and brownfield systems. Instead of numerous end-to-end interfaces, a structured data architecture is created in which systems communicate in a standardized way and data is orchestrated centrally. Thanks to its low-code UI, platform-independent deployment (edge, on-premises, cloud, hyperscaler) and highly scalable architecture, Orchestra is also validated for complex corporate structures and regulated industries.
CSP complements this integration by transforming the data obtained into usable quality and process information. Machine data is automatically contextualized, quality deviations are detected at an early stage and decisions are made on the basis of real-time information. The portfolio is complemented by digital worker guidance for intuitive, error-reduced execution at the workplace and audit-proof long-term archiving with CHRONOS in accordance with the OAIS standard.
Reliable, bidirectional data exchange between machines, process systems and higher-level applications. CSP integrates process data from bolting stations, IPM and QST systems; Orchestra takes care of standardized machine connectivity and data harmonization.
Seamless connection to ERP systems such as SAP: order data flows automatically into the digital worker guidance system, production and process data is fed back to the ERP in real time - for synchronized processes and greater operational efficiency.
Precise control and execution of machines in the OT environment. Orchestra receives control information, transforms and serializes it and forwards it to the machines via industrial protocols - if required via an edge fog architecture for optimized data routing.
OAIS-compliant long-term archiving of production and business data. CSP provides CHRONOS as an archiving solution, Orchestra ensures integration and standards-compliant data retrieval via REST API.
Clear advantages for manufacturing companies
Stable data flow: production and quality data is automated and networked bidirectionally - from the store floor to the ERP.
Contextual intelligence: raw data becomes usable information about processes and quality.
Scalable architecture: New applications can be integrated without integration chaos - thanks to platform-independent deployment and low-code configuration.
Compliance & traceability: End-to-end traceability and audit-proof archiving meet regulatory requirements (e.g. EU product liability).
Increased efficiency: less manual coordination, fewer errors thanks to digital worker guidance, greater responsiveness in dynamic markets.
"The future of production depends on the quality and availability of its data. Through integration, structured data storage and audit-proof archiving, companies not only create compliance and traceability - they also build the foundation for AI-supported production optimization."
- Maximilian Eilhardt, CRO at CSP
The partnership between CSP and soffico goes beyond purely technical integration. It addresses one of the core bottlenecks of industrial digitalization: the fragmentation of data across system boundaries. By combining a stable integration platform and intelligent data processing, the partners are creating trustworthy, interoperable data ecosystems that will serve as the foundation for future AI applications and Industry 4.0 projects:
Transparency of processes and quality in real time
Fast error and deviation detection
Well-founded decisions in production and quality management
A reliable database for machine learning and advanced analytics
"Industrial companies today need a clear data architecture instead of increasing interface complexity. Together, soffico and CSP create the basis for integrating production data in a structured way, transforming it into usable information and making it available in an audit-proof manner in the long term."
- Rica Holzmann, Managing Director at soffico