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Management & Business Strategies
The digital world is changing the rules of the market and confronts mechanical and plant engineering with the task of actively shaping the dynamic change. Business Strategies helps - with information on all business issues, current management trends, and by providing support in day-to-day operations and strategic planning.

Themenfeldgrafik Management und Business Strategien

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In difficult economic times, the VDMA supports its members with valuable information and personalised advice. Together, we find the right course and strengthen the resilience of companies.

From our content

From our content
"Debate on flexibilization of working hours"

Companies in Germany urgently need relief, also in terms of labor market regulations. Switching to a maximum weekly working time would be an important step towards more flexibility.

Mental health as a factor for success in mechanical engineering

Mental health is a strategic success factor: investing in leadership, team spirit and culture reduces absenteeism and boosts motivation, innovation and employee loyalty.

VDMA Control Technology Working Group

Current: What can automation technology contribute to sustainability? | Preparation of questionnaire: Market study Ind. Com. 2025 | “Material Hub” Environmental Material Research | Technology in Dialogue “Machine Data” Working Group Wind Industry

Employment law and labor market policy 2025: What companies can expect

Current labor law and political decisions present companies with new challenges - an overview of the most important changes and practical recommendations for implementation.

Mastering challenges in NRW - securing the future

Strengthen the resilience of your company. Our series of events shows ways to restructure in the mechanical and plant engineering industry in North Rhine-Westphalia - compact, practical and future-oriented.

Your training offers: customer-friendly and profitable

Customer training is an important after-sales service that can increase customer satisfaction and thus also strengthen customer loyalty. The offers must therefore be well thought out - but they must also be economically viable!

USA: Earnings as an interactive report

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides comprehensive employment and wage statistics. In our interactive report, we clearly present data by industry, occupational group and location.

High costs and bureaucracy hamper competitiveness

EU machinery and equipment manufacturing companies currently rate their competitive position as worse than the long-term average. This is particularly true to companies based in Germany.

Hesitant economic recovery

Global machinery turnover fell by 1 percent in real terms in 2024. At this point in time, a small growth of 1 percent still seems possible in 2025.

Working Capital Management Data Sheet

Working capital management is of particular importance when focusing on liquidity. Here you will find the updated data for the guide.

Global machinery turnover 2024: declining again

As in the previous year, demand for capital goods was weak in 2024. Machinery and equipment worth an estimated 3.26 trillion euros was sold worldwide, 1.5% less than in 2023.

Call for applications for "Allianz Industrie 4.0 AWARD Baden-Württemberg

We honor outstanding companies that demonstrate the innovative strength in Baden-Württemberg with excellent digitalization solutions, highly innovative developments and holistic transformation projects.

Raw materials information service non-ferrous metals

Monthly tracking of the market development of valve-relevant raw materials with a focus on non-ferrous metals

"The key to global competition"

The mechanical and plant engineering sector is investing billions in research and development - and is thus consistently focusing on innovation and new technologies.

VDMA benchmarks for marketing 2025

The latest VDMA marketing survey 2025 in mechanical engineering offers comprehensive insights into the current marketing landscape. Compared to the previous period, the number of participants has increased by 42%.

Targeted job advertisements through AI

Job advertisements remain a key element of successful recruitment. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to make job advertisements more target group-oriented and effective.

Service - Why an analysis is so valuable

In mechanical and plant engineering, a comprehensive analysis of your own service offering is of crucial importance. This allows potential to be identified and utilized for the entire company.

Service strategy - From the bench to the regulars

Companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector face various challenges: Supply chain problems, material shortages, rising costs and uncertain markets are making operations more difficult.

Focus on employees: The key to corporate resilience

Achieving corporate resilience requires risk management, supply chain management, adaptability, employee engagement, new technologies and crisis management. This requires competent managers and employees.

VDMA EB 6924X Plant Requirements matrix H2 & Derivatives DE + EU (3)

After the second face-to-face meeting on 8.11.2024 and numerous further online meetings of the 7 sub-working groups, the first drafts and H2 requirements lists are available. (update no. 3)

Cooperative study programs: a successful model in mechanical engineering

A survey of around 550 companies shows: 62 percent of companies offer dual studies - and benefit from them. This is because most of the junior staff stay with the company that trains them.

Great variety in cooperation between companies and universities in engineering education

Through the transfer of technology and knowledge, students receive practical training and companies can retain skilled workers. SMEs should be supported in cooperations in university teaching.

Industrial valves: standstill looms after a strong 2024

Manufacturers of industrial valves are facing new challenges in 2025. So far, foreign business has provided positive impetus, but now empty order books and uncertain forecasts are dampening the mood.

Building valves continue to struggle with the weak construction sector

Turnover in the building valves industry will stagnate in 2024, and foreign business will also remain weak. A slight recovery is expected in 2025. But above all, the industry needs better location conditions.

Tailor-made products and machines - less is often more!

High quality at affordable prices: With a precise understanding of your customers' wishes, you can achieve this balancing act! The frugal approach helps with consistent customer orientation - and opens new doors at the same time.

Strong leadership in uncertain times: providing orientation...

Managers face particular challenges in economically difficult times. They have to convey stability while experiencing uncertainty themselves.

Resilience in turbulent times

Strengthening flexibility and resilience is essential for companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector to successfully overcome crises and remain competitive in the long term.

Generative AI in everyday QM work

The QM Corner stands for one topic, one hour and virtual. The session presented the possible applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in quality management.

Good communication in restructuring phases: Keeping employees despite

In economically challenging times, companies face the difficult task of communicating restructuring, short-time work or even job cuts.

Risk management as a resilience factor

A risk management system is essential to protect the company from unpleasant surprises and make it more resilient. All operational areas should be involved.

Salary benchmark Czech Republic 2025

The study compares the salary structures of 80 key positions in manufacturing and business-related services across the Czech Republic and its regions.

Resilience: successful despite crises and upheavals

It is difficult to do business with uncertainty or lack of knowledge. People, technology and organization are needed to become more resilient and thus remain competitive.

Potential in the transition area: opportunities for young talent and companies

Many young people in the transition period between school and work are suitable for training. Targeted support could attract them to careers in mechanical engineering.

Raw materials information service "Cast steel"

Monthly tracking of the market development of raw materials relevant to valves with a focus on steel and cast iron.

Facts and figures: Education and workforce in mechanical engineering

In our theme publications, you will find facts, figures and data related to vocational training, engineering courses, skilled workers, mechanical engineers and women in machinery and equipment manufacturing.

The knowledge database - Preserving the knowledge of experienced specialists

As a result of demographic change, enormous amounts of knowledge are flowing out of companies. This knowledge needs to be preserved and made available to future employees.

Increasing efficiency through process management in the company

Efficient process management in mechanical and plant engineering is the basis for successful operation, competitiveness and innovative strength.

Upswing postponed

Global machinery turnover is expected to rise by 1 percent in real terms in 2025. The forecast uncertainty is high in view of intensifying trade conflicts.

Mechanical engineering sector specific sustainability benchmarks

The call for sector specific sustainability benchmarks has increased as mechanical engineering companies come under pressure from legislation and customers to report their sustainability impact.

Make assembly on the construction site 30 percent more efficient!

Efficient assembly and significantly minimized project risks: is this just wishful thinking? No! Standardized, digitalized processes help your company to achieve exactly that!

News from labor market policy and employment law

Current developments in labor law and new laws pose challenges for the mechanical and plant engineering industry - an overview of decisions and legal adjustments that are relevant in practice.

VDMA Excel calculation for forecasting life cycle costs

After more than 15 years, the model for calculating life cycle costs (LCC) is fully established on the market and enables companies to make "Made in Germany" assessable in monetary terms.

Revision of ISO 9001

The revision of ISO 9001 (2015 edition) has stalled. Publication is not expected until the end of 2026.

Cost development 2025

VDMA assessment of cost development and cost trends in 2025.

Lean management with plant tour at Koenig & Bauer (AT)

On October 16, 2024, 30 lean management experts met for the VDMA Austria's fourth lean experience exchange in Maria Enzersdorf, Lower Austria, at Koenig & Bauer (AT), the world market leader for banknote printing presses.

The eDeclaration is a necessary step towards reducing bureaucracy

The EU-Commission has given the go-ahead for a single EU-wide digital declaration portal for the posting of workers. VDMA expressly welcomes this first step towards reducing bureaucracy.

Facts and figures: Research and innovation

In our theme publication you will find facts and figures on research and development, innovations and patents in machinery and equipment manufacturing.

Inter-company comparison or benchmarking after all

The workshop of the working group has set itself the goal of examining and proposing a system of key performance indicators broken down by company divisions.

Candidate experience and low-threshold application processes

Professional and personalised application management still has plenty of room for improvement in many cases. Low-threshold application processes (such as via WhatsApp) are an interesting new development.

Hannover Messe - Joint stand software and digitalization

From March 31 to April 4, 2025, the world's leading trade fair for industry will take place under the motto "Shaping the Future with Technology". VDMA Software and Digitalization members will have the opportunity to present themselves there.

Our expert and focus topics

Our expert and focus topics
Benchmarking
Benchmarking is an instrument of controlling and corporate management for the analysis of processes, corporate success and developments.
Intercompany comparisons
The business management tool for performance optimization and measurement from a neutral partner. A diverse and participative VDMA system at a glance.
Business Development
The permanent establishment is a tax fiction that can quickly become complex in its handling. Despite the fact that it is not legally independent, it triggers registration and tax declaration obligations in the source country, for example. The various information is intended to provide a practical, clear introduction to this complex topic.
Finance & Controlling
Globalization, digital transformation and the associated dynamics have substantial effects on Finance and Controlling. To ensure that the sector can continue to set the pace for value-added innovation in the future, new processes and competencies are required that enable secure, data-driven decisions based on resilient analyses and real-time forecasts.
Risk Management
Risk management does not mean ruling out risks from the outset, but weighing up and factoring in possible disruptions. In doing so, the entire company with all its departments and areas must be taken into account in order to identify and eliminate risks that could jeopardize the company's existence at an early stage.
Production
In manufacturing and assembly outstanding machines and plants become reality. This is where information and material flow together, not always according to plan. However it is important to meet the high demands in terms of quality, time and costs every day.
Climate-Neutral Production
Companies in the mechanical and plant engineering sector must also set out on the path to climate neutrality. The VDMA's "Climate-neutral production" initiative provides support.
Lean Management
All companies solve problems for their customers every day. The tasks are often familiar, but they are also often new. Lean management is an approach that has been tried and tested for decades and can also be used by machine and plant manufacturers to make themselves fit for a successful future.
Engineering
Product development is where most of the course for a company's success is set. You will find valuable impulses for the complex requirements on these pages.
Quality Management
The quality of products and services is an essential basis for success in the German mechanical and plant engineering industry. Every company, whether certified to ISO 9001:2015 or not, has a functioning quality management system. However, there are major differences in its effectiveness.
Purchasing and Materials Management
On average, material costs in the mechanical and plant engineering sector account for about 50 per cent of the company's total costs. At the same time, the trouble-free supply of materials is an indispensable prerequisite for functioning production and thus for the timely fulfilment of orders.
Marketing
Marketing Communication is nowadays a part of the sales process. It´s not reduced on graphical outcome an should qualify permanently Leads. How you can proceed on this, is explained on the following page.
Service / After Sales Services
At around 20 percent, service is one of the biggest revenue generators in the mechanical engineering sector and makes a significant contribution to overall earnings. In times of crisis, it sustainably supports the company.
Human Resources Management
Human resources management in companies has received a significant upgrade since the early 1990s. The ability to stand out in the market depends not least on the qualified people in the company.
Organization and Culture
Both organisation and culture are what make up the company "inside". Both have far-reaching effects on the outside, on customers and their needs and on other external partners. Thus, both are a question of successful cooperation inside and outside.
Personnel Marketing & Recruitment
The shortage of skilled workers has arrived in the present. The labour market has turned and companies are receiving a decreasing number of applications. Demography, digitalisation, democratisation and decentralisation pose major challenges for the economy. Personnel recruitment must now take new paths.
Future Business
Trendscouting - Foresight - Startups: We are tracking the future of mechanical engineering. Well structured and across all sectors within VDMA, in the almost infinite variety of complex topics for the next 10-15 years. Our goal: to identify trends and disruptions relevant to machine makers at an early stage and make them usable, to point out new business opportunities and to build networks.
Competitiveness for Europe and Germany
The VDMA is calling for good framework conditions for the mechanical engineering industry to ensure competitiveness. Technological sovereignty and European cooperation are crucial for innovation and independence.

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Auf den Punkt Zitat Business Strategies

"The guide ‘Restructuring in the mechanical and plant engineering industry’ emphasises the importance of early crisis detection and proactive management. Find out how you can make your company crisis-proof and remain successful in the long term."

Bianca Illner, Managing Director VDMA Business Advisory

Auf den Punkt Zahl Business Strategies

4

success models

The guide "Successfully marketing digital offerings" presents four success models of digital service types: the integral product improvement, the complementary service, the digital intermediary and the digital innovation. They make it easier for VDMA members to classify their own digital services.

Source: VDMA, Boston Consulting Group

Auf den Punkt Zusammenfassung Business Strategien

Summary
Digital spare parts management: success factors from practice
  • A well-organized and efficient spare parts management
  • Establishment of a dealer network for better supply of spare parts
  • Standardization and automation of services

VdmaSambaEvents

Events

Tue. 16.09.25 Wed. 17.09.25

  • Economic Principles

On September 16 and 17, 2025, the 15th German Mechanical Engineering Summit will take place in Berlin. Two days full of inspiration, innovation and networking with the who's who of mechanical and plant engineering. Be part of it!

Places available

Our services

Our services
Job description made easy
Job description, classification, career and competencies made easy - access HR Online Manager for 4 weeks free of charge.

exklusiv

VDMA Excel calculation for forecasting life cycle costs
Life cycle costing (LCC) is very much in vogue, because it allows us to assess the value of "Made in Germany" in monetary terms. For this reason, more and more mechanical engineering customers are inquiring with their suppliers about the follow-up costs of their investment.
Checklist Safety for Service Missions during the Pandemic
Our checklist will help you increase the safety of service staff during urgently needed field work assignments. It provides references to useful sources of information and offers a basis for WEB experience exchanges among VDMA divisions.
Fitness check - where does your company stand compared to the best in the industry?
Do you know how well your company compares to the best in the industry? Find out: on our "Fitness Checks" platform, you can use the online assessment tool to measure and compare your performance currently in the areas of service, quality management and innovation & quality using topic-specific success criteria.
Incoterms 2020
In September 2019, the new Incoterms 2020 were published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). The 11 trade clauses govern the transfer of risks and costs in sales contracts.
Investment calculator 4.0
The model-based online tool "Investment Calculator 4.0" and the accompanying guide offer you valuable support in the economic evaluation of digitization projects.
Salary survey
The VDMA salary study shows what engineers and IT specialists earn in a medium-sized company and provides, among other things, approaches for company-specific salary benchmarking.

exklusiv

Overview Liquidity Support
In challenging times, companies rely on sufficient liquidity. In our overview, we have compiled various instruments, programs and information for you.
Startup Radar Dashboard - Find startups for mechanical engineering online
Discover startup contacts and trends for mechanical engineering worldwide?! The new digital startup search platform helps to find suitable partners.
Peacoq trend radar platform - exploring trends for mechanical engineering online
The VDMA Future Business Trendradar has reached the next level: All content is now digital - making it more accessible for research, display and customization.

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Largest industry network in Europe

3,600 primarily medium-sized member companies in the capital goods industry make the VDMA the largest industrial association in Europe and the most important network organization in the industry.

Strong representation of interests

The VDMA is the most important voice of the machinery and equipment manufacturing industry. It represents the common economic, technical and scientific interests of the industry in Germany and around the world.

A wide range of services

More than 500 VDMA employees worldwide support you with practical services to make the right decisions in your company - along the entire value chain.