The “Data Rooms” technology workshop held on December 5, 2025, at Lenze SE—a global leader in drive and automation technology based in Aerzen—provided a practical demonstration of how companies can implement the secure and automated exchange of product, supply, and sustainability data using the Administration Shell (AAS), and outlined the steps necessary for successful participation in data ecosystems. In addition, the workshop addressed the key question of how data rooms can help small and medium-sized enterprises, in particular, become more competitive. 

Key takeaways from the workshop:

• Data rooms are a strategic long-term issue. Companies should start addressing their own data, processes, and IT infrastructure now so that they are ready to connect even in the short term.
• The best way to get started is through concrete, low-barrier use cases. Pilot projects help break down data silos and quickly demonstrate initial value.
• Digital product information offers significant potential for efficiency gains. Replacing paper-based product data sheets with digital equivalents based on machine-readable standards can reduce costs and significantly streamline processes.
• Technical standards are a key foundation. Standards such as OPC UA and the Asset Administration Shell (AAS) facilitate cross-organizational information exchange and should be taken into account at an early stage.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential. Successful data room projects require employees from different departments—such as product management, IT, and data management—to work together, united by a shared understanding of the value of securely and consistently exchanged information.
• Transparency regarding one's own data is essential for deriving digital value. Even though structuring and analyzing data is a time-consuming process, it more than pays off in the long run in terms of competitiveness and future viability.

The workshop made it clear that data rooms are still in their infancy, but offer significant opportunities—especially for small and medium-sized enterprises—to boost efficiency and create new digital value. Pioneering companies such as Lenze and Phoenix Contact are actively driving this initiative forward—not only within their own organizations, but also through their participation in projects like Factory-X.