Powering your production lines with independent MES & Industry 4.0 expertise
Trusted by companies worldwide
Do any of these sound familiar?
The wrong start in digital production can cost you time, money, and clarity. If you recognize yourself in the following situations, it's time to work with a specialist.
- We know we need to automate – but where do we start in an existing production environment?
- We’re interested in robotics – but what's really worth the investment?
- We’re comparing MES systems – but the more vendors we speak to, the more confused we get
- Every vendor wants to sell us their system – but who really cares about our process?
- We’ve heard all the buzzwords – Smart Factory, AI, OPC UA – but we lack a clear path forward.
- We started projects that never really took off – we lack structure and the right guidance.
- „SOLUTION“
Our smart automation consulting streamlines your production flow
Tailored, independent consulting for up-and-coming semiconductor, electronics & automation manufacturing leader who want to avoid costly missteps in digital transformation — and accelerate the right automation projects.
Make the right MES choice from day one
Independent guidance to help you select, implement, and succeed with the right MES solution.
- TOP-Expert support for MES selection method, process and rollout
- Avoid costly mistakes by asking the right technical and strategic questions
- Get vendor-neutral advice tailored to your production needs
- Mentoring for internal teams on MES, automation and integration
- Backed by 25+ years of real-world automation experience and numerous successful MES selections
Register now and secure a free initial consultation
The Future Factory Is No Longer a Vision — It’s a Roadmap.
Empowering semiconductor, electronic & automation leaders to unlock AI-driven, scalable factories — without vendor bias.
- Practical guidance to define your Industry 4.0 roadmap
- Identify the right technologies for robotics, AI and advanced automation without vendor bias
- Streamline processes with scalable automation solutions
- Mentoring for teams on smart automation, integration and data use
- Minimize risks by aligning strategy with real-world feasibility
- Backed by 25+ years of hands-on industrial automation expertise
Register now and secure a free initial consultation
- „ABOUT US“
Driven by Expertise. Led by Experience.
„PROEHL automation“ is a founder-led consultancy specializing in smart automation and MES strategy.
With over 25 years in IT automation, founder Steffen Pröhl brings deep, hands-on experience to every client engagement. A recognized expert in production control systems (MES) and smart automation, Steffen has guided companies across Germany and abroad—from initial MES selection through to seamless integration into their IT landscape as well as through numerous successful automation projects.
At „PROEHL automation“, this real-world expertise isn’t outsourced—it’s built-in. Steffen personally leads each project, ensuring that your path to Industry 4.0 is informed, efficient, and free from costly missteps.
Trusted by companies worldwide
- „CASE STUDIES“
Trusted by manufacturers to drive confident MES & automation decisions
Explore how „PROEHL automation“ has helped manufacturers navigate MES selection and strategic automation projects and their implementation with confidence—delivering clarity, efficiency and long-term value.
We began our MES evaluation with the support of an MES system integrator. This created some problems, as we unfortunately didn't have independent advice. Fortunately, we were able to recruit Steffen as a neutral and vendor-independent MES consultant for our project. With him, we had the right partner at our side, with whom we could clarify all our questions and also clarify the process. He contributed his extensive MES and IT automation experience and a common thread, allowing us to make our MES selection in a targeted and successful manner. Thanks to this thorough preparatory work, we were able to implement the selected MES system into our global production in a very short time. Steffen also provided us with advice during the implementation phase. We are very satisfied with our successfully implemented MES project, which today represents an important step towards Industry 4.0 for our company.
MES Project Manager
Due to internal policy, the company name cannot be disclosed. Direct contact with the reference can be established at any time
Support in defining and implementing process monitoring in the production of fiber optic connectors, as well as consulting on optimizing the data landscape for production control. Comment: "Expertly sound advice and competent support during the definition and implementation phases. We particularly appreciated the highly structured and goal-oriented approach."
Reichle & DeMassari AG
Despite our set aspiration to work at the highest level, we lacked exactly this time to automate our third-party manufacturing process due to our day-to-day business and our great growth. Several attempts failed due to available personnel resources and the resulting priorities. In Steffen Pröhl, we finally found the expert who has a perfect command of project management and a wealth of experience in processes in industry and its IT landscape. You can tell that he enjoys his projects and that this leads them to success in the end, as he always keeps an eye on the project goal and motivates the entire team.
B. Kania
Head of Materials Management / Project Manager "External Production" Intelligent Sensor Systems Dresden GmbH
"Steffen from PROEHL automation provided us with effective support in assessing the feasibility of introducing an MES system—from conveying a basic understanding of an MES system and defining the required traceability requirements to creating the MES specifications and selecting potential implementation partners. The practical and technically sound collaboration with Steffen is now paying off noticeably in the current implementation with the selected implementation partner."
Sven Bamert
Project Manager, Belimo Automation
We began our MES evaluation with the support of an MES system integrator. This created some problems, as we unfortunately didn't have independent advice. Fortunately, we were able to recruit Steffen as a neutral and vendor-independent MES consultant for our project. With him, we had the right partner at our side, with whom we could clarify all our questions and also clarify the process. He contributed his extensive MES and IT automation experience and a common thread, allowing us to make our MES selection in a targeted and successful manner. Thanks to this thorough preparatory work, we were able to implement the selected MES system into our global production in a very short time. Steffen also provided us with advice during the implementation phase. We are very satisfied with our successfully implemented MES project, which today represents an important step towards Industry 4.0 for our company.
MES Project Manager
Due to internal policy, the company name cannot be disclosed. Direct contact with the reference can be established at any time
Support in defining and implementing process monitoring in the production of fiber optic connectors, as well as consulting on optimizing the data landscape for production control. Comment: "Expertly sound advice and competent support during the definition and implementation phases. We particularly appreciated the highly structured and goal-oriented approach."
Reichle & DeMassari AG
Despite our set aspiration to work at the highest level, we lacked exactly this time to automate our third-party manufacturing process due to our day-to-day business and our great growth. Several attempts failed due to available personnel resources and the resulting priorities. In Steffen Pröhl, we finally found the expert who has a perfect command of project management and a wealth of experience in processes in industry and its IT landscape. You can tell that he enjoys his projects and that this leads them to success in the end, as he always keeps an eye on the project goal and motivates the entire team.
B. Kania
Head of Materials Management / Project Manager "External Production" Intelligent Sensor Systems Dresden GmbH
We began our MES evaluation with the support of an MES system integrator. This created some problems, as we unfortunately didn't have independent advice. Fortunately, we were able to recruit Steffen as a neutral and vendor-independent MES consultant for our project. With him, we had the right partner at our side, with whom we could clarify all our questions and also clarify the process. He contributed his extensive MES and IT automation experience and a common thread, allowing us to make our MES selection in a targeted and successful manner. Thanks to this thorough preparatory work, we were able to implement the selected MES system into our global production in a very short time. Steffen also provided us with advice during the implementation phase. We are very satisfied with our successfully implemented MES project, which today represents an important step towards Industry 4.0 for our company.
MES Project Manager
Due to internal policy, the company name cannot be disclosed. Direct contact with the reference can be established at any time
Support in defining and implementing process monitoring in the production of fiber optic connectors, as well as consulting on optimizing the data landscape for production control. Comment: "Expertly sound advice and competent support during the definition and implementation phases. We particularly appreciated the highly structured and goal-oriented approach."
Reichle & DeMassari AG
Despite our set aspiration to work at the highest level, we lacked exactly this time to automate our third-party manufacturing process due to our day-to-day business and our great growth. Several attempts failed due to available personnel resources and the resulting priorities. In Steffen Pröhl, we finally found the expert who has a perfect command of project management and a wealth of experience in processes in industry and its IT landscape. You can tell that he enjoys his projects and that this leads them to success in the end, as he always keeps an eye on the project goal and motivates the entire team.
B. Kania
Head of Materials Management / Project Manager "External Production" Intelligent Sensor Systems Dresden GmbH
"Steffen from PROEHL automation provided us with effective support in assessing the feasibility of introducing an MES system—from conveying a basic understanding of an MES system and defining the required traceability requirements to creating the MES specifications and selecting potential implementation partners. The practical and technically sound collaboration with Steffen is now paying off noticeably in the current implementation with the selected implementation partner."
Sven Bamert
Project Manager, Belimo Automation
Proven Track Record. Clear Vision.
Over two decades of hands-on automation expertise powering 50+ successful projects across the DACH region.
Our Vision
To empower up-and-coming semiconductor, electronic & automation companies to become leading Future Factory players through smart automation—by 2030.
+25 Years
Decades of hands-on work in industrial IT and smart automation.
>50 Projects
Proven track record delivering results across industries.
+16 Years
Independently leading MES and automation success stories.
- „WHY US“
This is how „PROEHL automation“
helps clarify
This is how „PROEHL automation“
helps clarify
Solving the most common MES and automation challenges—clearly,
efficiently, and independently.
Common Problems
- No guideline for MES selection and rollout
- Unclear starting point for automation - wich activities generate a real ROI
- Too many buzzwords in the game and no idea what's really helpful or needed
- Willingness to power up production logistics by robotics but completely unclear what's worth the investment
- You lack visibility into OEE metrics and real performance ROI, you lack AI data readiness
- Your internal team is untrained or resistant to change
- You miss a proven expertise to answer all your MES and automation related questions
Our Solutions
- We craft a custom MES roadmap aligned with your operational goals
- We apply a neutral assessments of your production control and automation capabilities to simplify your decision-making
- We help you to filter the buzzwords based on your strategic goals and boundaries
- We support you to integrate robotics into your production logistics
- We work together with you to integrate all the automation solutions into your existing IT/OT landscape
- We coach your team to ensure adoption, clarity, and long-term success
- We deliver expert consultation for your MES and automation journey
- „VALUE LADDER“
The „PROEHL automation“ advantage
Step 1 : Free Resource
- Product : Whitepapers, checklists for AI/MES readiness
- Valu : Build trust & generate leads
Step 2 : Al Fab Intro Call
- Product : 30-60 min strategic orientation call
- Valu : Relationship building & qualify needs
Step 3 : Assessment Readiness
- Product : recommendations 1-week analysis with score & action
- Valu : Concrete entry value
Step 4 : Opportunity Mapping Workshop
- Product : 1-2 day workshop on MES/Robotics incl. findings
- Valu : Support investment decisions
Step 5 : MES Selection
- Product : Vendor-neutral MES selection support incl. shortlist
- Valu : Ensure safe system decision
Step 6 : Strategy Sprint
- Product : 2-3 day strategic workshop + roadmap with C-level
- Valu : Develop transformation strategy
Step 7 : Trusted Advisor Retainer
- Product : Monthly support & strategy calls
- Valu : Ongoing sparring partner for leadership
Steps
Product
Your Value
Step 1: Free Resource
Whitepapers, checklists for AI/MES readiness
Build trust & generate leads
Step 2: Al Fab Intro Call
30-60 min strategic orientation call
Relationship building & qualify needs
Step 3: Assessment Readiness
recommendations 1-week analysis with score & action
Concrete entry value
Step 4: Opportunity Mapping Workshop
1-2 day workshop on MES/Robotics incl. findings
Support investment decisions
Step 5: MES Selection
Vendor-neutral MES selection support incl. shortlist
Ensure safe system decision
Step 6: Strategy Sprint
2-3 day strategic workshop + roadmap with C-level
Develop transformation strategy
Step 7: Trusted Advisor Retainer
Monthly support & strategy calls
Ongoing sparring partner for leadership
- „OUR PROCESS“
Our 3 step consultation process
A structured approach to help you move from uncertainty to clear MES decision
and future-proof automation strategy.
Onboarding
Where do you stand at the moment? The important start with a joint analysis of the current situation – from which we develop your individual implementation plan – based on your boundary conditions and questions
Implementation
Implementation of your automation project / MES selection project. Quick clarification of open questions and effective knowledge transfer to your team. The focus is on practical implementation and integration into your organization and IT automation landscape. This guarantees the actual use of the solution in practice.
Handover
Joint evaluation of results and feedback round. Success criterion: "Is the topic on the street?" – Definition of concrete next steps
- „FAQ“
Answers to your common questions
How do I get into cooperation?
Please use the blue button "Strategy Talk" - this will take you directly to the appointment selection. Important: Please make sure that the e-mail/phone number provided fits. You will then receive an appointment confirmation. We clarify all other questions directly in the initial consultation.
How do I benefit from the cooperation?
I have been working in the field of IT automation for 20 years now. My focus has always been on specific projects, which I have led as a project manager or been responsible for as a manager. You will benefit from many years of practical experience and experience from many projects in different companies and industries. I know the successful automation strategies of the high-tech industry and support you in implementing this knowledge/strategies in your company.
What is the next step if I request a collaboration?
If you make an appointment via the blue button "Strategy Meeting", the further procedure is as follows:
1. Initial consultation (max. 30min) in which we discuss your task and basically see whether a cooperation makes sense. If this is the case, we make an appointment for the strategy meeting.
2. Strategy discussion (approx. 90 min). You will receive initial feedback and solutions to your task from me. We are happy to discuss and deepen these together in detail. The aim of the conversation is to outline a cooperation (concrete goal) and to coordinate concrete next steps.
3. After the strategy meeting, we settle the contractual side and start working together. Our cooperation always starts with a separate (project) onboarding.
Can several colleagues also be present at the strategy meeting?
This is even expressly desired! We arrange the strategy meeting at the end of the initial meeting, when it is clear whether cooperation makes sense in principle. There we also determine who will participate in the strategy call. The strategy meeting then takes place as a zoom call (optionally also teams possible).
How long does the cooperation last?
That always depends on the specific task. For a serious MES selection with 3-5 bidder companies, you have to calculate about 6 months. However, our online consulting packages also offer the flexible option of purchasing support per month. This is a fixed monthly amount that is transferred in advance. It is up to you to what extent you want to make use of the support.
Remote work - what does it look like?
From my professionally furnished home office, I am available to my customers in the best possible quality. The following video conferencing providers are supported by me (others on request): Zoom (default), Teams, Skype, Slack.
I am also available on site for workshops and potential analyses by arrangement.
What exactly is meant by "technical & interactive online consulting"?
The goal of our technical & interactive online consulting is to design the cooperation in the same way as direct on-site consulting. This means clearly regulated appointments and sessions with interaction through a mix of knowledge transfer, working out tasks, answering questions, doing homework and monitoring the progress of the project. We are aware that we cannot communicate with each other "online" for 8 hours a day, but that we can ensure that the cooperation runs effectively with a few "rules of the game".
Let’s Build Your Path to Industry 4.0
Book your free consultation and take the first step toward smart automation.
Register now and secure a free initial consultation
