Interview with Yoav Nahshon from Fraunhofer IWM on implementing materials data spaces and creating added value in everyday business.
What problem does the Project PMD-X-MAPRO solve?
PMD-X-MAPRO helps companies make material and manufacturing data digitally accessible, machine-readable, and interoperable across the entire supply chain. This reduces manual data handling, improves consistency, and opens up new possibilities for simulation, optimization, and collaboration.
What exactly does the solution consist of?
We are developing a digital materials data space that combines two complementary components. On the one hand, it includes a manufacturing data space based on Asset Administration Shell (AAS) technology, where Fraunhofer IESE supports companies in adopting data space approaches and provides tools such as BaSyx to simplify implementation. On the other hand, it includes a semantic ecosystem developed by Fraunhofer IWM, which uses ontologies such as PMDCo to enable linked data and knowledge management. Together, these components ensure both secure data exchange and meaningful data interpretation.
What benefits can we expect in practice?
In practice, companies can expect faster and more reliable data exchange with partners, improved material selection and process optimization, and better simulation capabilities. At the same time, data silos and manual effort are reduced, creating a foundation for new digital services and business models.
Can I adopt only part of the data space?
Yes, both components can be used independently. The data space focuses on secure and federated data sharing, while the semantic ecosystem focuses on structuring, linking, and enriching data. Many companies choose to start with one part and integrate the other at a later stage.
What technical requirements must we meet to participate?
Most companies already meet the basic requirements. A standard IT infrastructure, whether cloud-based or on-premise, is sufficient. What is important is access to relevant data sources such as ERP, PLM, MES, or laboratory systems, as well as the ability to exchange data via interfaces or APIs. In addition, data needs to be provided or consumed in AAS or semantically structured formats. A complete overhaul of existing systems is not necessary.
How does the materials data space integrate into our existing system landscape?
The integration is designed to be gradual rather than disruptive. Existing systems such as ERP, PLM, MES, or lab software remain in place and are connected through data connectors and APIs. AAS-based digital representations and semantic mappings ensure that the data can be used consistently across systems. In most cases, the main effort lies in data mapping and interface configuration rather than replacing existing infrastructure.
What internal expertise and resources are required?
Implementation typically involves a combination of IT and domain expertise. Data engineers or IT architects are needed to handle integration, while materials scientists or process engineers contribute domain knowledge. Some familiarity with semantic technologies can be helpful, but this can also be supported by Fraunhofer. The exact effort depends on the company’s starting point and objectives.
How is data sovereignty ensured?
Data sovereignty is a core principle of the solution. It follows a federated data space approach, which means that each company retains full control over its data at all times. You decide which data is shared, with whom, and under what conditions. There is no central ownership of data, and sensitive information can remain fully protected.
What are the costs and expected ROI?
The costs depend on the specific setup. Participating in established data spaces such as Catena-X may involve fees, and there is typically some effort required for integration and setup. The semantic platform is based on open standards, but is not fully open source, so licensing or service costs may apply. In return, companies usually see reduced manual effort, higher data quality, faster development cycles, and opportunities for new digital offerings.
How does the data space support regulatory requirements (e.g., Digital Product Passport, CO₂ reporting)?
Because the data is structured and traceable, it becomes much easier to generate and provide the information required for initiatives like the Digital Product Passport. It also improves transparency regarding materials and processes, which supports CO₂ accounting and broader sustainability reporting. This helps companies prepare for both current and upcoming regulatory requirements.
How are ontologies and semantic models created and maintained?
Core ontologies such as PMDCo are developed and maintained by domain experts. Companies can directly use these models, adapt them to their needs, or extend them with their own domain knowledge. Contributions are possible but not required, and support is available to ensure consistency and usability.
Is the solution compatible with standards like Catena-X, Manufacturing-X, and AAS?
Yes, interoperability is a key design principle. The solution builds on the Asset Administration Shell, aligns with data space concepts used in Catena-X and Manufacturing-X, and uses semantic web standards. This ensures long-term compatibility and reduces the risk of vendor lock-in at the data level.
How does this differ from existing initiatives?
What makes PMD-X-MAPRO unique is that it brings together two worlds that are often treated separately: secure data sharing through federated data spaces and semantic understanding through ontologies and linked data. This combination allows not only data exchange, but also machine-interpretable knowledge across organizational boundaries.
How can we get started?
Most companies begin with a pilot project or proof of concept. This might involve integrating a selected dataset, testing a specific use case, or connecting to a data space initiative. Fraunhofer support this process and helps define a tailored approach that fits your organization’s goals and level of readiness.
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Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM