SFN AG is a spin-off of the Institute of Technology Management at the University of St. Gallen, based on extensive research and the book "Smart Factory Navigator." We translate innovative ideas and research insights into practical solutions. Through the Smart Factory Navigator platform, we enable effective networking in the realm of smart manufacturing for both industrial companies and solution providers.
Welcome to the Smart Factory Navigator website! My name is Adrian.
Adrian Rüedy
Welcome to the Smart Factory Navigator website! My name is Adrian.
How can we assist you?
I'm researching Smart Factory and digitization topics.
I'm looking for suitable use cases & processes for my company's challenges.
I need an assessment of my current use cases and processes in the company.
I'm searching for suitable solution providers for my requirements.
I'd like to learn more about the platform and the matching process.
Fantastic! The Smart Factory Navigator is your solution to identify the right use cases and processes.
Schedule a 30-minute video call now to discuss your use cases: Book Now
Fantastic! The Smart Factory Navigator is exactly what you need to identify the right solution providers.
Book a 30-minute video call now to identify potential solution providers: Book Now
Of course, I'm looking forward to telling you more about the platform! Let's schedule a personal conversation.
Book a 30-minute video call now: Book Now

Digital Transformation in Industry

We provide tailored solutions to guide you on your journey to the Smart Factory

Individualized Solutions and Standardized Approach

Our consulting service is characterized by a standardized approach based on our proven frameworks, creating efficient solutions for your challenges in digital transformation.

We speak the language of production and IT


We aim for a Lean Digital Future where digitized processes are optimized according to Lean principles. Selecting the right IT system is crucial, with a strong emphasis on the "do-it-yourself" aspect. Furthermore, we assess process fit, integration, future-proofing, implementation effort, rollout capability, existing expertise, and IT security.

We focus on achieving results in short periods and validate solutions in a pilot, addressing both process and IT aspects. Pilot projects are central to us for demonstrating the benefits of the Smart Factory and increasing operational speed.

We don't offer PowerPoint solutions


We place great emphasis on ensuring implementation from pilot to scale and avoiding PowerPoint solutions. As specialists in production and IT, we implement innovative IT solutions. Our expertise is based on extensive knowledge in Lean, Smart Factory, and IT.

We design state-of-the-art IT/IIoT architectures and the associated IT transformation path. With over 30 years of industry experience in large and medium-sized companies, we are a well-coordinated team that communicates clearly, reduces complexity, and delivers results quickly.

We combine practical experience with research findings


We utilize the SFN process and framework as a standard approach for future projects and initiatives, enabling easy categorization and prioritization. The straightforward communication of the digitalization target image to all employees and our state-of-the-art digitalization expertise from research ensure a unified language and perspective throughout the organization.

Our experience extends across various industries, including:


  • Manufacturing Industry
  • Automotive Sector (Premium OEM and Suppliers)
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medical Technology
  • Process Industry (Food)

Our consultancy services: Strategy development, matchmaking, and implementation

The areas of strategy development, matchmaking, and implementation form the cornerstones of our Smart Factory Navigator approach.

Strategy Development
  • Conducting a process analysis and digital health check
  • Developing a production and digitalization strategy
  • Selecting the best Smart Factory use cases
  • Advising top management and C-level/CIOs on Smart Factory strategy and transformation

In strategy development, we begin with an assessment and goal definition: What digitalization projects are currently underway and where do we want to go with them?

During the assessment, we map ongoing digitalization projects into the Smart Factory Navigator Framework. We define additional use cases based on the framework, considering your existing IT landscape and strategic directions. Goal definition involves deriving an implementation roadmap based on the use case results. We refine the digitalization vision and create a use case map of "As-Is vs. To-Be."

Matchmaking
  • Identifying the right use cases
  • Finding the best IT solutions
  • Piloting IT solutions

Matchmaking involves selecting the appropriate solution providers for your individual challenges. Here, we place great importance on finding the right IT system. We establish the requirements, assess the existing IT/OT architecture, and conduct initial benchmarking and pre-selection of suitable tools. Finally, we guide you through the benchmarking process and present suitable solution providers to you.

Implementation
  • Process and IT requirements management
  • IT/OT and IIoT architecture
  • Finding the best IT solutions
  • Piloting IT solutions
  • Introduction and Launch

During implementation, we conduct initial rollout planning based on a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) and assist in IT implementation and rollout. We handle change management, the key user concept, and support the transformation of your organization.

OUR SUCCESSES