Beyond the Ordinary: Digital Transformation in the Industrial Sector

E3: Who is Concircle?

Konrad Pfadenhauer, Concircle: We position ourselves as specialists in the digital transformation of industrial processes within the SAP environment. We combine in-depth SAP expertise with a deep understanding of business processes and many years of experience in the manufacturing industry. For us, our motto „Beyond the Ordinary“ means going beyond where standard consulting ends. This expertise was once again recognized in 2026 with first place in Industriemagazin’s management consulting ranking in the „IT Strategy and Implementation“ category.

E3: And what about existing SAP customers?

Pfadenhauer: For existing SAP customers, we look beyond individual systems or modules to consider the entire vertical integration: from forecasting through planning and ERP to implementation on the shop floor and machine integration. In addition to consulting and SAP implementation, we also develop our own software solutions. Over the years, we have created more than a dozen specialized solutions that specifically complement the standard SAP functionality. Our collaboration with well-known companies such as DMG Mori, Voestalpine, Bühler, AT&S, and Octapharma demonstrates that this approach works in a wide variety of industrial environments.

E3: How do you assess the maturity level of end-to-end solutions in the manufacturing and supply chain sectors?

Pfadenhauer: We already see powerful standalone systems in many industrial companies. The challenge often lies less in the individual solutions than in how they are connected. Planning, ERP, manufacturing, and the shop floor are often not yet sufficiently integrated. Information is trapped in silos, processes stop at system boundaries, and changes in production do not reach the planning department quickly enough.

„It is essential for consultants to get a
An overview of a company's current processes regarding
”provide."

Konrad Pfadenauer,
Managing Director for Switzerland and Austria,
Founding Partner,
Concircle

E3: In what areas do you complement SAP's Manufacturing and SCM offerings?

Pfadenhauer: For us, the SAP standard essentially serves as the foundation. At the same time, complex production environments present challenges that require companies to have additional functionalities. Our own solutions were developed precisely to address these challenges. For example, they address requirements in demand and production planning, workforce scheduling, process control, manufacturing execution, and machine integration. With conSUITE, we take it a step further and combine our specialized solutions into a modular, integrated suite. conSUITE complements existing SAP landscapes wherever additional functionality is needed.

E3: What tasks can AI and Agentic AI handle?

Pfadenhauer: One area of focus for the future is the integration of digital processes with physical production. That’s why, among other things, we’re planning a project in the field of humanoid robotics for 2027. We want to explore how humanoid robots can be meaningfully integrated into industrial processes and existing system landscapes. Also exciting are the SAP-native AI features with Joule, integrated into supply chain planning with SAP IBP. Our own products are also being equipped with AI features that solve complex problems in planning and production. Overall, we are confident that we can play a leading role in the application of AI for European industry.