Chemnitz must become more self-confident

Matthias Keller

In the entrance area, visitors are greeted by the Linux penguin and the small green Android logo on a display. Of course, this is about computers. More precisely, about software solutions. 25 years ago, SIGMA Chemnitz GmbH was one of the first newly founded companies in Chemnitz after reunification. It all began in a flat on the Sonnenberg. Since 1995, the company has been based in Kleinolbersdorf-Altenhain on the outskirts of Chemnitz. Matthias Keller found his dream job at the system house four years ago and has been able to support major projects right from the start.

What exactly are your tasks at Sigma?
Matthias Keller: I am a software developer. I develop applications that help customers to automate processes in production or logistics. For example, RFID technology ensures that components are recognised in production and our software links this identification with other data. Information about the component can then be displayed, machines can be adjusted accordingly or errors can be pointed out.

RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification) is similar to a barcode, a stick-on label that can be read over long distances by radio. Matthias Keller holds a white piece of paper up to the office light and shows the barely visible antenna and chip. This sticker can be read and provide important data to his software with the help of the SIGMA software solution GRAIDWARE®.
"We all know the barcode from the supermarket. The RFID tag has the same principle, only it can be read without the need for visual contact with the reader and several components can be read at once," explains the 28-year-old.

You are the ones using RFID technology. What is important to you?
The interesting thing is how this RFID technology can be utilised for the customer. We are the ones who analyse: what does the customer need, which work steps are involved, which components are processed. Many questions need to be clarified: Is it possible to provide the components with the RFID tag? Which devices are required and how can they be integrated into the work process? How can different models and components pass through the process? The software system that we develop must draw the right conclusions once the number has been read from the RFID tag. For example, the software can process employee input and forward information to other systems, such as an SAP merchandise management system.

Who can use your software solution?
We work primarily for the automotive supply industry. Many cars on the road have components that have been labelled with the technology we use and produced with our help. However, we also have customers from the textile industry, and one major project was with Soex, the largest sorting and recycling plant in the world. We automated the production and warehouse at a large ironworks in Lusatia. In principle, it always boils down to the same thing: one or more parts are recognised and then reported to the system, which regulates the flow of goods and information and communicates with other supply chains and systems.

Sigma's reference list is long and includes well-known names from the region: DRK Kreisverband Annaberg-Buchholz, Piko Spielwaren GmbH, GRETENKORD GmbH and Dr Quendt are among them. Incidentally, SIGMA was also involved in the development of one of the first smartphones, the Siemens SX45. Matthias Keller's first customer he met was Magna Exteriors & Interiors Meerane - how could it be otherwise: an automotive supplier. They wanted to use RFID technology for their automated production and logistics control at a new site. He wrote his thesis on software development.

Was it a given that you wanted to start your career at Sigma?
It wasn't clear for a long time. There would have been a whole range of other opportunities. Our professorship at Chemnitz University of Technology, headed by Prof Hardt, has very good contacts in the industry here, virtually with every major automotive company and automotive supplier. However, I quickly realised that I would rather develop software myself. This perspective opened up here. As a working student, I was able to take on a number of tasks in the Magna Meerane project and work independently and creatively: talking to customers, realising ideas. I was not "just" the student, but was accepted as a team member by customers and colleagues. I then wrote my dissertation here and finally I was asked if I wanted to stay. The decision was not difficult for me. The day after my defence was my first full-time working day.

What convinced you?
In my eyes, it's still a relatively small company, even though it already has 70 employees. There are no big hierarchies here, I can talk constructively and amicably with colleagues or the boss about everything. It's like a small family. There's no reason for me to go to a large company where you're often just a number.

Why is Sigma still here after 25 years?
The company was founded here and has helped shape the entire development of the region. The automotive and mechanical engineering industry in the Central Saxon region in Chemnitz and Zwickau also has a tradition here and has become stronger again since reunification. This naturally results in customer projects for us. It's a good location, and we are also well connected in terms of infrastructure. Except if you want to travel privately by train. It's sad that Chemnitz doesn't have a decent long-distance railway connection.

When did you move to Chemnitz?
I came to Chemnitz in 2007 for my studies. I grew up in Freiberg, which also has a good technical university. But as I wanted to study computer science, I decided in favour of Chemnitz. I also deliberately didn't want to go to Dresden. With the bonus of being the state capital, many people are drawn there. I liked Chemnitz better.

What exactly?
The university's reputation was decisive. Today, I particularly appreciate the many green spaces. Around the corner from me is the Zeißigwald forest, where you can go running and do sports. I like to show the castle pond to people who talk badly about Chemnitz. I also look forward to the Christmas market. There are a few nice trendy pubs on the Sonnenberg for warm summer nights. There's a lot to do in Chemnitz. The Oberrabenstein dam is always a special excursion destination. We also have an ideal starting point for a hike in the Ore Mountains, for example I like Wolkenstein, Zschopau or the Schwarzwassertal. I took advantage of this as a student and went on excursions with exchange students.

So the computer is actually switched off after work?
The computer is still on in the evening, of course, but only for private use. For films, news or to help my flatmate with his coursework. And there really is enough to do in Chemnitz so that you don't have to sit in front of the computer if you don't want to.

Do you have to encourage the people of Chemnitz?
Yes, I have the impression that Chemnitz is not self-confident enough. The people of Chemnitz hide behind the image that is attached to the city. Maybe it's because Chemnitz used to be called Karl-Marx-Stadt and many names from the GDR era that were associated with the city's success have unfortunately disappeared. As the third largest city, Chemnitz comes after Leipzig and Dresden, although there are disciplines in which Chemnitz is number one in Saxony. Chemnitz has a great university. Some people would like an art college? In my opinion, we don't need one.
We should make Chemnitz a centre of excellence for automation technologies. Although we are in direct competition with Dresden, we can easily keep up. We have good professors in this field with many contacts and exciting projects. My professor at the university has driven a lot of things forward here, especially with the skilled labour alliance and the lecture series. Chemnitz needs people like this who can utilise and develop the industrial character that Chemnitz has. The saying is true: money is spent in Dresden, business is done in Leipzig and work is done in Chemnitz. The division of roles can be like that.