But as always, the product development landscape is changing, presenting us with new challenges as well as new opportunities.
One of the biggest and most important challenges today is the integration of software into the development process. The traditional product development process, which was originally heavily driven by mechanics, is increasingly being replaced by an integrated system that combines mechanics, electronics, electrics and software. This development opens up the possibility of offering customers even better and more personalized services through software-based solutions. In particular, the configuration and customization of features can be implemented directly in the software, making products more flexible and efficient.
The automotive industry is a prime example of this transformation. It is a leader in the development of so-called “software-defined vehicles” – vehicles whose central functions are increasingly enabled and controlled by software. These vehicles bring a new dimension of adaptability, enabling faster and more precise responses to customer preferences and market developments. This transformation is not unique to the automotive industry, however, as all of the other industries represented in the association face their own unique software integration challenges.
This comprehensive development is a key challenge that all members of the prostep ivip association must face together. There is also tremendous potential here for all members to benefit. That is why the management board has made “software in the product” one of the five pillars of our strategy. This is reflected not only in the association’s current projects, but also in the planning and design of the program for the upcoming prostep ivip symposium, which will take place in Berlin on May 13 and 14, 2025. Here, new members will also contribute their expertise to the community, further strengthening the exchange of information on the latest developments in the software industry.
Another important element of our work is the Software Day, which was recently launched by our Technical Steering Committee (TSC) and held for the first time on October 8, 2024. The high level of interest and in-depth, expert presentations on the day demonstrated the relevance of software to our community. They reflect both the expertise and the need to share ideas on these complex issues. We will continue to consolidate this interest in order to initiate new joint projects on this basis. If you are interested in becoming actively involved, we look forward to hearing from you.
But it is not only software integration that motivates us as an association; the internationalization of our community is also progressing. This is another important pillar of our strategy. As part of this effort, a Board delegation traveled to Japan at the end of November to visit members and the local community. A highlight of this trip was the Tokyo Systems Engineering Summit on November 27, 2024, where we were able to further intensify international exchange.
With this in mind, I would like to warmly invite you to save the date of May 13-14, 2025, for the prostep ivip Symposium in Berlin. It will be an exciting opportunity to share the latest developments, experiences and strategies. Let’s shape the future of product development together with a strong, engaged, and forward-thinking community!
Sincerely, Philipp Wibbing Board Member of the prostep ivip Association
