DigiMach: Driving Digital Transformation for Machining SMEs

DigiMach: Driving Digital Transformation for Machining SMEs

 

The Meuse–Rhine region, spanning Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, is home to many machining SMEs that form the backbone of local industry. However, many companies in this cross-border area are facing increasing pressure: skilled workers are approaching retirement, critical know-how risks being lost, and digitalisation is progressing faster than many SMEs can keep up.
DigiMach was created to address these challenges and support companies in building a future-proof, competitive industry.

 

Supporting SMEs in Their Digital Transition

DigiMach is a three-year Interreg project led by Sirris and co-funded by the European Union. Its mission is to help 150 machining SMEs adopt practical, low-cost digital solutions tailored to their operational needs. Through accessible digital tools, targeted training and hands-on guidance, the project helps companies optimise production processes, retain valuable expertise, and strengthen their competitive position in an increasingly digital market.
To demonstrate real impact, 20 pilot projects are being implemented across the region, each showcasing how digital solutions can solve concrete shopfloor challenges.

 

A Unique Cross-Border Collaboration

One of DigiMach’s key strengths is its cross-border approach. Partners from Flanders, Wallonia, the Netherlands, and Germany work closely together, enabling SMEs to:

• Exchange knowledge beyond national borders
• Access a network of research institutions, technology experts, and fellow SMEs
• Learn from best practices across five regions
• Benefit from a multilingual digital platform with tools, instructions, and inspirational case studies

This collaborative framework ensures that companies gain insights not only from their own national context but also from the broader Meuse–Rhine manufacturing landscape.

 

Five Solution Pillars for Real Industrial Impact

DigiMach focuses on delivering ready-to-use digital solutions that directly address production bottlenecks. The project is structured around five pillars, each representing a practical application area that SMEs can adopt:

1. Process Set-Up
   Using simulation tools to reduce set-up time, improve accuracy, and accelerate preparation.
2. Process Monitoring
   Capturing machine and process data through IoT and dashboards to prevent downtime and optimise performance.
3. Quality Control
   Integrating vision systems and AI to detect issues early and ensure consistent quality.
4. Machine Health
   Applying predictive maintenance technologies to plan interventions and avoid unexpected breakdowns.
5. Operator Assistance
   Providing digital work instructions, interactive training modules, and tools that preserve operator knowledge.

These solutions are designed to be both practical and affordable, ensuring accessibility for SMEs regardless of their digital maturity.

 

What Participating SMEs Receive

DigiMach offers comprehensive, free support for companies ready to take their next step in digitalisation. The programme includes a digital diagnostic visit with a tailored roadmap, toolkits based on company-specific pain points, and the free deployment of digital solutions in 20 selected SMEs. It also provides technical guidance during implementation and evaluation, opportunities to join demonstrators and pilot projects, as well as access to workshops, cross-border training sessions and community events. Participating companies gain visibility within a growing network of innovative SMEs in the Meuse–Rhine region. Since no financial contribution is required, the programme is accessible to companies of any size. Participation requires no financial contribution, making the programme accessible companies of any size.

 

Looking Ahead

The project runs from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2028, during which DigiMach will launch pilot projects, host demonstrators, and deliver regional training initiatives. With strong European funding and collaboration across borders, DigiMach aims to accelerate digitalisation while safeguarding industrial know-how for future generations.