DigitalituM Podcast Episode 17 -Gerd Bart - Transaction Network - Digital Services Platform for OEMs

DigitalituM Podcast - At the Intersection of Manufacturing and Digital Transformation

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🎙️ DigitalituM Podcast – At the Intersection of Manufacturing & Digital Transformation
Episode Title: Rethinking Aftermarket Services

In this episode of the DigitalituM Podcast, host Markus Rimmele welcomes Gerd Bart, Founder and CEO of Transaction Network, a pioneering provider of digital service platforms for machine builders and manufacturers. Gerd shares his fascinating journey from carpenter to digital innovator and explains how Transaction Network is reshaping the future of lifecycle management in manufacturing.

🔧 Why You Should Listen:
Traditional after—sales service approaches are broken, relying on spreadsheets, email ping-pong, and reactive firefighting. Gerd explains how Transaction Network solves these challenges with a fully integrated, cloud-based, and AI-enhanced service platform designed specifically for industrial machinery OEMs and their customers.

🧠 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Gerd's experience with platforms like eBay Germany led to the foundation of Transaction Network
• The meaning behind the name "Transaction Network" and the importance of digital ecosystems in manufacturing
• A breakdown of the platform's key modules:
  🔹 Asset Management – Complete digital twin of each machine, including BOMs, 2D/3D CAD views, software, and maintenance logs
  🔹 Spare Parts Webshop – Custom-pricing, availability tracking, and direct ordering linked to machine-specific data
  🔹 Service Ticketing – AI-supported communication that eliminates delays and miscommunication
  🔹 Condition Monitoring & Predictive Maintenance – Real-time IoT-based monitoring and intelligent rule engines
  🔹 AI Integration – AI Agents (like ChatGPT) that support technicians with diagnostics, instructions, and parts sourcing
  🔹 DataX – A robust integration engine to connect with SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, PLM, and CRM systems within weeks

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Transaction Network isn't an MES — it complements it by managing everything after the machine is delivered.
• The platform drastically reduces downtime, improves service efficiency, and enhances customer satisfaction.
• Their unique value: a SaaS solution that's plug-and-play, affordable, and scalable. You don't need to invest millions in building your software — you subscribe and go.
• Their Transaction Network Box enables secure remote updates directly to machines — no reinvention required.

📈 The Bigger Picture:
Gerd and Markus also discuss how Transaction Network is navigating the AI revolution in manufacturing. From automating predictive maintenance to enabling more innovative service delivery, Gerd believes AI is not replacing humans but elevating them, eliminating repetitive work so technicians can focus on higher-value tasks.

🚀 For Machine Builders & OEMs:
This episode is a must-listen if you want to improve your aftermarket services, digitize your customer support, or bridge the data gap between engineering and operations. Transaction Network offers an actionable, scalable solution without the overhead of building custom software.

📲 Connect with Gerd Bart:
🔗 LinkedIn Profile
🌐 Transaction Network We

Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations about manufacturing and digital transformation. Also, remember to follow and subscribe to the DigitalituM Podcast for exclusive insights from industry leaders and innovators.
We appreciate your likes and comments. If you feel you can add value to this podcast series and want to be our guest, send an email to [email protected]