Voice of MOM Partner Series – Askom: Pioneering Digital Manufacturing Solutions with Siemens Technology
Born in the wake of Poland’s transition to capitalism in 1993, Askom’s story is one of resilience and strategic adaptation. What started as a local automation specialist has grown into a sophisticated technology partner, helping manufacturers across Europe streamline their production processes.
Company overview
With 150 employees, Askom may be considered relatively small on a global scale, but their impact in the manufacturing technology sector is substantial. The company’s journey began as a Siemens automation partner, focusing on process automation systems in Poland and EMEA markets. A pivotal moment came in 2005 when they expanded their portfolio to include MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), partnering with Siemens’ MES Competence Center.
Core business drivers
At the heart of Askom’s success lies a remarkable transformation in how they approach the manufacturing technology market. What began as a price-competitive advantage in Poland has evolved into something far more sophisticated. The company’s journey reflects a deep understanding that in today’s digital manufacturing landscape, value comes not just from implementing technology, but from truly understanding how it shapes production processes.
Their partnership with Siemens has grown far beyond simple product implementation. When Askom approaches a new project, they bring to the table not just technical expertise, but years of accumulated industry knowledge. Take their work with Akzo Nobel, for instance – what started as a single plant implementation in Poland has expanded to six production facilities across Europe, including the Netherlands, the company’s home market. This expansion wasn’t just about installing software; it required a deep understanding of paint production processes and the specific challenges faced by each facility.
Tomasz Cwolek, Director of the Industrial IT Systems Department, Askom Sp. z o.o.
The company’s approach to technology implementation is equally nuanced. Rather than trying to be all things to all clients, Askom has carefully chosen its areas of expertise within the Siemens portfolio. They excel in Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) solutions while fostering partnerships with other specialists for complementary technologies like Product Lifecycle Management (PLM). This collaborative approach allows them to deliver comprehensive solutions without diluting their core expertise.
Innovation drives their portfolio expansion, but always with a practical edge. The recent addition of cloud-based Insights Hub to their offerings exemplifies this approach – it’s not just about collecting data from MES and SCADA systems, but about helping clients extract meaningful insights from their operations. Similarly, their exploration of Opcenter X shows their commitment to serving different market segments, recognizing that small and medium-sized businesses need solutions that are more streamlined and faster to implement than traditional MOM systems.
Perhaps most telling is their response to the evolving cybersecurity landscape. Recognizing that digital manufacturing solutions are only as good as their security infrastructure, Askom established a dedicated cybersecurity department. This move reflects their understanding that in modern manufacturing, protecting intellectual property and production data is as crucial as the production process itself.
Market positioning and future outlook
Askom’s market strategy reflects their understanding of changing global dynamics:
Market Opportunity: They are well-positioned to capitalize on the trend of manufacturing returning to Europe from China, particularly in implementing MES solutions for new factories.
Shift from Price to Value: As the Polish market has matured, Askom has successfully transitioned from competing on price to competing on expertise and value delivery.
Remote Delivery Capability: Their ability to deliver solutions remotely while maintaining high service quality has become a key differentiator.
Strategic Collaborations: Rather than attempting to deliver every aspect of the Siemens portfolio, Askom focuses on their core strengths while partnering with other specialists for comprehensive solutions.
Looking ahead, Askom seems well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Their combination of deep technical expertise, industry knowledge, and collaborative approach positions them uniquely in a market that increasingly values specialized knowledge over mere scale. As manufacturing continues its digital transformation, and as Europe potentially sees a renaissance in its industrial base, Askom’s journey from local automation specialist to sophisticated technology partner may just be entering its most interesting chapter.
Conclusion
Askom’s success story demonstrates how a relatively small company can achieve significant impact in the global manufacturing technology sector through strategic partnership, continuous innovation, and deep industry expertise. Their ability to adapt to market changes while maintaining focus on their core competencies positions them well for future growth in the evolving manufacturing landscape.
As manufacturing continues to become more digitalized and companies seek to improve their production processes, Askom’s combination of technical expertise, industry knowledge, and flexible delivery models makes them a valuable partner for both global corporations and local manufacturers looking to enhance their operations through digital transformation.
Read more: Voice of MOM Partner Series – Askom: Pioneering Digital Manufacturing Solutions with Siemens Technology
