SEF Smart Electronic Factory e. V. connects industrial companies, research institutions, and hardware and software providers to classify, test, and further develop digital technologies under real production conditions. The focus is not on individual technologies, but on the interaction between production processes, IT systems, and organization – as the basis for robust and scalable digitalization in industrial manufacturing. In 2026, the association plans to place greater emphasis on AI.
AI is the second step – not the first
In manufacturing practice, it is becoming increasingly clear that artificial intelligence does not unfold its benefits at the beginning of digitalization but rather builds on it. AI approaches can only fully leverage their potential once production processes are transparently mapped, data is consistently available, and systems are effectively integrated. Without these foundations, AI often remains an isolated experiment – technically interesting, but without any lasting impact on everyday production.
Holistic approach instead of AI as an end in itself
By joining SEF Smart Electronic Factory e. V., iTAC brings a holistic approach to digitalization to the network. The company has many years of experience with integrated MES and MOM systems and supports the digitalization of production along the entire value chain. Artificial intelligence is understood as a tool that builds on a stable and integrated system landscape.
When used correctly, artificial intelligence opens up considerable potential in manufacturing: it can help to make production knowledge more usable, identify correlations more quickly, and make more informed decisions. The prerequisite is that processes, systems, and knowledge are not isolated from one another, but are linked together.
“Many companies currently want to integrate AI but the conditions must be right,” says Andreas Zerfas, VP Product Management at iTAC Software AG. “Our approach is to think about digitalization holistically and use AI as a meaningful addition to existing production systems. In the SEF, we can deepen and further develop this perspective together with users and other partners.”
iTAC provides integrated manufacturing management solutions that combine production planning, control, analysis, and knowledge utilization in a single system. Based on MES and MOM structures, production processes are mapped transparently, real-time data is made consistently available, and linked to documentation and empirical knowledge. AI-supported functions build on these foundations – for example, for the context-related provision of information, the analysis of deviations, or the support of operational decisions. This results in an inte-grated approach.
“An MIT study from 2025 shows that 95 percent of AI pilot projects in companies fail. This is due to a lack of benefits and poor understanding of context. Our collaboration with the SEF and its members is a strategic step for us to jointly implement projects with real and economic benefits for future users,” explains Martin Heinz, CEO at iTAC.
With the addition of iTAC, SEF Smart Electronic Factory e. V. is strengthening its expertise in the field of integrated production systems and continuing its mission to support small and medium-sized manufacturing companies on their path to effective, sustainable digitalization.
