Salzburg University of Applied Sciences and Digital Factory Vorarlberg become gold partners of the industrial automation provider COPA-DATA
Dornbirn / Salzburg (A) Innovation needs cooperation. According to this principle, the Salzburg IT company COPA-DATA has been working with partners from business and research for many years. The cooperation with the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences and the Vorarlberg Digital Factory, where practical automation scenarios for manufacturing companies are tested and further developed in a model factory, is particularly intensive and close.
Especially in times when it is important to promote new forms of efficient, resource-saving and sustainable business, it is important to bundle potential and develop new approaches in production. The cooperation with the two Austrian universities of applied sciences has now been awarded the gold level of the COPA-DATA partner community.
Digital factory Vorarlberg: from cloud manufacturing to AI
The focus of the Digital Factory Vorarlberg is in the area of cloud manufacturing, data analytics and cyber security. zenon is a substantial part of the model factory. In the research projects, a cloud platform will be created that connects customers with producers and optimizes ordering processes. “We are working on intelligence and data analytics – starting with very basic projects through to AI applications and automated visual applications,” says Prof. (FH) DI Dr. Robert Merz, Head of the Digital Factory Vorarlberg “In the area of cybersecurity we are currently building a cyber range as a place to train cybersecurity. This enables us to build corporate networks in a virtual environment. We confront possible attacks, hopefully never die in our own company and show how we can react to them in the best possible way. “
For Prof. Merz, the long-term cooperation with COPA-DATA represents an essential asset for the research center: “zenon as the central data interface in our model factory. Together we develop and work on topics such as the creation of simulation models using artificial intelligence from process data or cloud-based systems for controlling globally distributed production plants. These Projects are Supported for our Researchwork and the Product Development at COPA-DATA. “COPA-DATA the Digital Factory is about to be innovative. Creative projects for the future of industrial production are initiated together. For Reinhard Mayr, who as Head of Information Security & Research Operations at COPA-DATA coordinates the research-related activities and the cooperation with universities and independent scientific partners, is pleased that can be further intensified: “The previous activities have shown how partnership in the Research can be lived. “
FH Salzburg: impulses for the technology location
COPA-DATA and the Information Technology & System Management (ITS) course at the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences have been working closely together for almost two years. Together, the two partners also want to provide important impetus for Salzburg as a technology location. “Long-term partnerships are essential for a stable exchange between university and business. The partnership with COPA-DATA is an outstanding example of a successful transfer of knowledge. COPA-DATA uses access to future IT talents. The course benefits from interesting, useful and valuable inputs from business and teachers who bring practice to the university. Partnership has become friendship, ”says Simon Kranzer, Senior Lecturer in the Information Technology & System Management course.
COPA-DATA values the joint research that has driven many of its own innovations. The two partners have jointly founded and established numerous projects and initiatives – including those involved in promoting young talent. “Joint projects lead to innovations that give you a competitive edge and advance Salzburg as an IT location. The exchange of ideas with the FH is inspiring for both sides, ”says Reinhard Mayr happily. Close contact with technology companies is very important to the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences. Dr. Doris Walter and Raimund Ribitsch from the management of the University of Applied Sciences see the cooperation with the economy as an essential success factor for the training.
About COPA DATA
COPA-DATA is an independent software manufacturer in the field of digitization in the manufacturing and energy industries. With the zenon® software platform, machines, systems, buildings and power grids are automated, controlled, monitored, networked and optimized worldwide. COPA-DATA combines decades of experience in automation with the possibilities of digital transformation. In this way, the company supports its customers in achieving their goals more easily, faster and more efficiently. In 2020, the family company, founded in 1987 by Thomas Punzenberger in Salzburg, achieved a turnover of 54 million euros with over 300 employees worldwide.
Via the COPA-DATA partner community
The COPA-DATA Partner Community (CDPC) sees itself as a global network of specialists in the field of industrial and energy automation. The gold level is the highest level within the partner community. COPA-DATA honors companies and educational institutions with which the company has worked very closely and over many years. COPA-DATA provides licenses for teaching or is involved in teaching.
About the FH Vorarlberg
The FH Vorarlberg started one of the first technical college courses in Austria in 1994 and is a pioneer of Austrian technical colleges. As one of the strongest research universities in Austria, studies and research are closely linked at the FH Vorarlberg. Access to research and development is already supported in the courses during the course. Research is carried out in the six research centers “Microtechnology”, “User-Centered Technologies”, “Business Informatics”, “Research Group Empirical Social Sciences”, “Energy” and “Digital Factory Vorarlberg”. Both studies and research are internationally oriented and enable students and employees to gain valuable experience abroad.
About the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences
The FH Salzburg offers its 3,200 students in the disciplines of engineering, social and economic sciences, design, media & art, and health sciences the best academic education with a high degree of practical relevance. With the focus on innovation in research and teaching as well as the international orientation, the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences is the initiator of sustainable solutions for economy and society; especially in the dynamic subject areas of technology, health and media.