Example of industrial machines in the production of ELHA-MASCHINENBAU, whose machine data is analysed in the training.

How companies can make sensible use of machine data: visualising hidden potential

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Why machine data is crucial today

Machine data is generated in every manufacturing process, but it often remains unutilised. Yet it harbours enormous potential for reducing downtimes, planning maintenance in a more targeted manner, making energy consumption transparent and measurably improving production processes.

In our joint training by Fraunhofer IEM and ELHA-MASCHINENBAU, technical employees are shown how they can recognise and exploit precisely this potential. With a practical combination of basic knowledge, real use cases and direct machine access, the two-day training course offers a unique introduction to the effective use of machine data in manufacturing companies, including the first steps in data analysis and data management.

Where companies stand today in the use of machine data

In many manufacturing companies, extensive machine data is generated every day by sensors and control systems that continuously provide information on statuses, consumption and processes.

The fact that this data is not utilised is often due less to the technology than to a lack of practical experience. Although technical employees have sound manufacturing knowledge, they often lack expertise in the systematic handling of machine data. It remains unclear how data can be effectively recorded, processed and analysed. There is also often uncertainty as to which interfaces and protocols are relevant and how these are implemented. Many employees also lack concrete access to methods, tools and procedures for analysing data in production, especially when dealing with real machine data.

This is exactly where the training Practical use of machine data programme. It teaches basic methods and tools for data acquisition, data preparation, data analysis and interpretation and enables direct transfer into practice, both at the Fraunhofer IEM research campus and in the ELHA-MASCHINENBAU production environment.

Contents and focus of the training

Day 1: Basics, data management & first applications

  • Industrial data & data sources
  • Relevant interfaces and protocols
  • Basics of data storage
  • Python programming environment (as a basis for later data analysis)
  • Methods of visualisation & evaluation
  • Tour of the Future Mile research campus
  • Outlook for future applications of data analytics in production

In addition to theory, the first practical work with real data sets takes centre stage, always with a view to the requirements of manufacturing companies and the entry into industrial data analysis.

Day 2: Data acquisition and evaluation on a real machine

  • Production tour at ELHA-MASCHINENBAU
  • Industrial data utilisation in the company
  • Presentation of the demonstrator
  • Storage and structuring of data
  • Set up your own dashboard
  • Application of proven tools for data visualisation
  • Transferring what you have learnt to your own company context

The tour of the production hall makes it possible to experience how machine data is successfully utilised in an industrial environment.

Practice instead of theory

The training is aimed at technical employees from production, IT, electrical engineering or maintenance; previous knowledge of machine data is not required.

The participants benefit from

  • Understanding of the basics, methods for handling production data, tools and procedures
  • Practical experience with real machine data
  • Skills in building dashboards and analyses
  • Transfer of the methods learnt for use in your own company

The training combines the methodological strength of the Fraunhofer IEM with our industrial experience at ELHA-MASCHINENBAU.

This combination makes the course particularly valuable. Fraunhofer teaches the theoretical principles, methods and tools and we demonstrate the practical implementation on modern machines and real production processes. This allows participants to directly experience how data analysis, machine-oriented work and optimisation potential interact.

Organisational overview

  • Duration: 2 days, 23 - 24 June 2026
  • Course language: German
  • Course size: 5-12 people
  • Appointment in presence at Fraunhofer IEM & ELHA-MASCHINENBAU
  • Price: € 990,- (tax-free according to §4 Nr. 22a UStG)

Registration takes place via the website of the partner company Fraunhofer IEM. As the group size is limited, early booking is recommended.

To register with the Fraunhofer IEM: Secure your place now!