As part of its "Mobility for tomorrow" strategy, Schaeffler is digitizing its entire organization. With IBM as its strategic partner, Schaeffler is creating a digital platform for processing large amounts of data, generating valuable insight to transform its operations. From October 2016 the resulting Schaeffler Cloud will be available for the first user cases and applications.

The global automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler has chosen IBM as its strategic partner for its digital transformation. IBM will act as the technology provider, consultant and development partner for a digital ecosystem to support Schaeffler in the integration of its mechatronic components, systems and machines into the rapidly expanding world of the "Internet of Things" (IoT), as well as implementing market ready new business models based on digital services. As a first milestone the two companies have built a digital platform for all of Schaeffler's added-value digital services from October this year.

Schaeffler is working closely with IBM to develop innovative solutions for Schaeffler’s own transformation and for customers using design thinking and agile development methodologies. An open, digital ecosystem is being built to form an environment in which Schaeffler can work smoothly with its customers and partners, with the digital platform as the technical foundation.

"We are constantly working to offer significant added value for our customers. Our aim is to connect data from across products and processes. Using analytics we turn this primary data into valuable insight which is used to increase the efficiency of our operations and develop innovative services for our customers. We are very pleased to have found the ideal partner with IBM," said Deputy CEO and Chief Technology Officer of Schaeffler AG,  Prof. Peter Gutzmer.