Developing Software Together
Open source is the foundation of a “sharing economy,” says the research advisory board of Plattform Industrie 4.0.
In recent years, the open source approach has contributed to the rapid and efficient creation of new standards in numerous sectors of the economy and their adaptation to the needs of users. This is one of the findings of the new expertise “Open Source as an Innovation Driver for Industry 4.0” by the Research Advisory Board of Plattform Industrie 4.0. The expertise by the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML and the Chair of Industrial Information Management at TU Dortmund University describes the opportunities and potential of open source software (OSS) for production. Based on expert surveys in companies, options for action for business, politics and science are developed. The associated guideline for entrepreneurial open source action is aimed specifically at managers in industry.
Trends and areas of application for OSS
Expert surveys show that open source is primarily seen in companies as a collaboration model that allows ideas and developments to be shared and driven forward together with partners or external developers. Collaborative developments are not limited to specific Industrie 4.0 areas. Current trends include hardware-related device software, software protocols, sensor communication, reference implementations and management shells, as well as Smart and Open Data Models. In terms of specific developments that are suitable for OSS projects, respondents primarily cite components that cover basic functions. Likewise, in their view, collaborative development is suitable where data is to be exchanged, interfaces created and security and trust in development strengthened. It is there, in particular, that resources can be pooled and collaborative standard solutions developed for the respective industry.
According to the study, one of the important areas of application for open source software is manufacturing automation, while the area of autonomization is still underdeveloped. The respondents named cryptography, trust and identity management, and developments in the software infrastructure area as other topics that are well suited to cross-company collaboration. However, a pronounced trend is currently also seen in open hardware development.
OSS supports digital transformation of SMEs
According to the experts, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular can benefit from collaborative open source developments, as well as from their use. In the case of SMEs experiencing difficulties with digital transformation, the use of OSS can provide support. Less innovative companies can use OSS to open up low-risk and easy access to new technologies. Above all, the experts see the advantage that open source makes it easier and faster to develop proof of concepts.
The community and the ecosystem that forms during project development and continuation are crucial to the success of an open source solution. The expertise shows that as soon as it is possible to build up active communities, the projects are often of high quality and longevity.
