At SPS 2024, the future of app-based automation took center stage. Computer & Automation sat down with Patric Scholz, CEO and Co-Founder of FLECS, to discuss how the Marketplace as a Service concept is reshaping industrial automation.
How is FLECS Changing the Industrial Automation Landscape?
For the past three years, FLECS has pursued a clear vision: making the installation, updating, and management of industrial apps as simple and automated as possible – following an as-a-service model.
In the interview, Patric Scholz explains how standardized CPUs and Linux-based operating systems are transforming industrial automation and why software is now the key driver of innovation. The challenge for many automation companies lies in finding the right business model for their software and ensuring seamless deployment and updates.
This is exactly where FLECS comes in. Instead of relying on traditional, time-consuming development processes, companies can leverage the FLECS Marketplace to bring their own App Store to market in just six weeks – compared to the two years an in-house solution would take.
The Benefits of the FLECS Marketplace
- Rapid Market Access – Companies can launch their own App Store in just six weeks, dramatically reducing time-to-market.
- Full Control Over Customer Relationships – Unlike consumer platforms, FLECS ensures that companies maintain direct customer communication and enhance long-term engagement.
- 50+ Ready-to-Use Standard Apps – The Whitelabeling feature allows companies to curate and customize their app offerings based on customer needs.
- Device Onboarding Service – New machines and devices can be set up and configured automatically, reducing commissioning time and complexity.
A New Era of Digital Business Models
Many machine builders, system integrators, PLC manufacturers, and IPC providers still rely on traditional sales structures, centered around one-time hardware sales. However, FLECS enables companies to build a scalable, software-driven business model – unlocking new revenue streams through:
- Subscription-based models
- On-demand apps
- Software-defined automation solutions
As software takes center stage in industrial automation, FLECS provides a powerful platform for companies to monetize their digital offerings.
📢 Want to learn more? Read the full interview with Computer & Automation to discover how the FLECS Marketplace is revolutionizing automation!
