New Sino-German White Papers Advance Industry 4.0 Standards and Security
China
We are excited to announce the release of three new Sino-German White Papers that address critical aspects of Industry 4.0 and intelligent manufacturing. Covering cybersecurity, industrial network communication, and digitalization of functional safety, these reports provide practical guidance for manufacturers, system operators, and decision-makers navigating today’s connected industrial environments.
Security Grading for Industrie 4.0 and Intelligent Manufacturing
The Security Grading white paper introduces a security grading framework to assess, compare, and certify the cybersecurity of modern factories and production systems. As industrial environments become smarter and more connected, they also face new risks. This report gives manufacturers a clear way to understand how resilient their machinery and software are against cyber-attacks, select secure products, and align with evolving standards. It consolidates global best practices, explains different grading approaches, and outlines preparation for upcoming European regulations, including the EU Cyber Resilience Act. This white paper is an essential guide for building a step-by-step, long-term cybersecurity strategy that protects equipment throughout its lifecycle.
Technical Expert Group Network Communication (NetCom)
Reliable, high-performance communication is key for Industry 4.0, and the second white paper addresses exactly that. The NetCom White Paper provides a comprehensive overview of how industrial networks can meet the demands of connected factories. It highlights advanced technologies such as Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), ensuring critical processes operate with predictable performance. The report also consolidates international research, testing practices, and standardization approaches, offering guidance to create interoperable and robust industrial networks. This resource is invaluable for engineers, operators, and decision-makers designing the factories of today and tomorrow.
Digitalization of Functional Safety for Industrie 4.0 and Intelligent Manufacturing
The digitalization of functional safety is addressed within the third white paper.. From risk assessment to implementation and maintenance, it demonstrates how digital tools — including Digital Twins and Asset Administration Shells (AAS) — can make safety processes more efficient, transparent, and reliable. The report emphasizes the integration of functional safety with cybersecurity, ensuring connected industrial systems remain both safe and secure. It is a key guide for anyone looking to implement digital, standardized, and future-proof safety processes in Industry 4.0 environments.