Start-ins from the hub engage in knowledge transfer in South Westphalia

Three start-ins from the Digital Hub Logistics have now presented their experiences with innovation strategies and digitisation projects within the framework of an exchange of experiences of the Transferverbund Südwestfalen. More than 30 guests from companies in the region, mainly medium-sized companies in the manufacturing industry, met at the drinking water specialist BEULCO in Attendorn, which is one of the companies with a start-in at the hub. The event was designed as a fishbowl discussion – a dynamic variation on the classic panel discussion. Participants and speakers were able to talk to each other quickly.

First the strategy, then the implementation

At the introduction, host Jürgen Schütz, Managing Director of BEULCO, emphasized that companies dealing with the topic of digitization need a comprehensive strategy and must document it accordingly. In addition, the introduction and implementation of agile project management at all levels in the company is a decisive step towards success. Against this background, BEULCO had also decided to become a member of the Digital Hub Logistics with a start-in. Start-ins are start-up-like digital teams of companies that drive forward digital projects independently of a company’s day-to-day business. BEULCO sales manager Martin Lange and a colleague have now been working on site at the Dortmund hub three days a week for almost a year. Especially the exchange with other start-ups means a great added value for his team, Lange said in his statement.

The BEUMER Group from Beckum is also represented at the hub with a start-in. Team leader Christopher Kirsch from BG.evolution gave the participants of the event an understanding of how the hub works in his short presentation. Finally, Kerstin Fiedler of META Regalbau in Arnsberg pointed out the importance of employees in innovation processes. It is important to take them along on the way to new, digital projects.

Hub supports companies

Speakers and participants agreed that the ability to rethink decisions again and again and correct them if necessary is one of the core competencies in a very complex, rapidly changing digital world. “This is precisely the core of the Digital Hub Logistics activities,” said hub manager Maria Beck. “We support companies or their start-ins with targeted offers and within a special innovation ecosystem at the Dortmund location to successfully implement innovation processes”.

A continuation of the exchange of experience is already being planned: the next meeting is scheduled for August.

Photo: Transferverbund Südwestfalen