CDO

Companies often rely on a CDO (Chief Digital Officer) to drive the digital transformation in the company. So far, however, there is no MTU CDO (MTU Aero Engines). The CIO position has been held by Dr. Pamela Herget-Wehlitz since 2015. And even though she officially holds the position of “Information Technology Center Manager,” she plays a significant role in the digital transformation. She is largely responsible for driving this transformation forward in her position. Pamela Herget-Wehlitz could therefore also be seen as a substitute for the (hitherto) non-existent MTU CDO.

Why should MTU and the MTU CDO be involved in digitalization?

In general, MTU is of the opinion that the potential of digitalization can only be realized through a holistic digital transformation of the company. The Digital Transformation Program will implement the necessary measures. This program consists of more than 300 different projects and helps to drive digitalization in the various business units.

MTU assigns a very important role to digitalization and is therefore investing a very large sum of money in order to be able to actually implement all the associated measures as planned. Through digitalization, the company intends to further strengthen the technological leadership of its products, services and processes.

Essentially, MTU’s Digital Transformation Program pursues five key missions: Supply Chain 4.0, Manufacturing 4.0, Technology 4.0, MRO 4.0, Business 4.0.

Technology 4.0

Mission Technology 4.0 mainly relates to the development area. Because even though engines are physical products today and will continue to be in the future, development is increasingly taking place digitally. Particularly because both time and resources are important here in terms of process efficiency, digital solutions offer enormous potential here. In this context, MTU works primarily with digital twins and simulations which show their usefulness in connection with engine improvements as well as materials and manufacturing processes.

Manufacturing 4.0

The Manufacturing 4.0 mission deals with the area of production. Within this mission, production becomes more and more digital in line with the principles of Industry 4.0. With this goes an increasing number of intelligent machines that are able to communicate with each other. This will also facilitate the automation of work steps. Like this they also plan to raise the degree of automation in production. By networking the machines with each other, their control can also be carried out centrally and area-wide via digital devices. Within the framework of Manufacturing 4.0, additive manufacturing (also: 3D printing) will also be used. These measures should make production even more efficient.

Supply Chain 4.0

However, in order to optimize not only production within the company but also the interfaces with external parties (e.g. suppliers), Supply Chain 4.0 aims to increase efficiency along the entire value chain. By networking the systems with the various partners along the value-added process, they want to achieve complete transparency. Like this they can also schedule deliveries in a better way and record inventories clearly. This transparency makes it possible to take action quickly and, above all, early enough when problems arise. In addition, advanced data systems allow it to add missing data independently by the system. AI-driven approaches make it possible to develop warning systems that, for example, indicate abnormal events or detect bottlenecks at an early stage.

Due to the objectives of Supply Chain 4.0, it is also closely linked to Logistics 4.0.

MRO 4.0

After-sales support for customers is also an important revenue and profitability factor for MTU. MRO 4.0 (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) therefore refers to the digital support of the after-sales phase.

Programs are able to monitor engines on an ongoing basis and thus identify potential problems before they actually physically affect the aircraft. This not only enhances safety and predictability, but can also completely prevent costly repairs. Because engine maintenance is very complex, digital systems can also make it easier. Corresponding systems can help both on the organizational and the technical level. Especially regarding the technical level they use Augmented reality systems.

Business 4.0

At the same time, digitalization is also changing the way people interact and work with each other. And you can only achieve and implement digitalization strategies and goals within the company if the working environment reflects these ideas. In this area, too, MTU has set itself various goals in its Business 4.0 mission, which will be put into action in the near future. For example, they will replace paper-based processes by electronic ones and they will install new portals. MTU supports its employees in various, diverse areas (e.g. further training through e-learning). In addition, the company is creating modern cooperation and communication standards that meet today’s requirements.

As part of the Digital Transformation Program, or rather in order to implement it, MTU intends to recruit new specialists, especially in the areas mentioned above. The aim is to use them to anchor the necessary know-how in the company.

Jan

My name is Jan Puder (LinkedIn profile Jan Puder). I am the founder & CEO of the BusinessTech-Company. Me and the BusinessTech-Company want to push the digital frontier. This is the reason, why I started this website. I want to provide information about digital businesses, especially for Chief Digital Officers.

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