Neonex

What Neonex does

NEONEX Industry Performance GmbH is a Stuttgart-based management consultancy founded in 2016 (previously operating as STAUFEN.DIGITAL NEONEX) that specializes in digital transformation for industrial companies. The firm serves both German Mittelstand mid-sized manufacturers (typically EUR 50M-1B revenue) and large multinational industrial players across automotive, machinery, electronics, test & measurement, home appliances, and process industries, with documented project footprints in Germany, Czech Republic, Vietnam, Singapore, Mexico, China, and Croatia. Its service portfolio centers on Smart Factory, Industry 4.0, and Smart Operations consulting, including AI Assessment, MES selection and implementation, PLM system selection and implementation, end-to-end Industry 4.0 potential analysis, Smart Operations cost reduction, Inventory AnalytiX (data-driven inventory optimization), Smart OEE optimization via non-invasive IIoT, Spark energy management, Data AnalytiX assessment, and qualification programs (Smart Starter, NEXCON online platform). Select customers include Daimler, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Bosch, Freudenberg, Rohde & Schwarz, Mabe, KSB, Saurer, Pepperl+Fuchs, SEW Eurodrive, ABUS, HOMAG, Danfoss, Rimac Technology, and Volkswagen Group's Sitech, with the company claiming more than 150 successfully implemented projects.

The firm's core technology approach combines consulting expertise with selected partner technologies and digital tools rather than proprietary platform development, although the NEXCON online qualification platform (available 24/7) represents a modest proprietary asset. In October 2025, NEONEX formalized a strategic partnership with axio concept to jointly deliver AI use case identification, evaluation, and implementation, combining NEONEX's industrial project experience with axio concept's KogniLink AI platform; AI-related applications referenced include intelligent search of 8D reports, automation of incoming order entry, and predictive supply chain analytics. The firm is supported by an ecosystem of 20+ partners including Fraunhofer IPA, DFKI, TeamViewer IoT, Nagarro, Kuka, Peakboard, and various MES/analytics vendors.

NEONEX generates revenue through three primary streams: professional services consulting engagements (the dominant stream, covering AI Assessment, MES/PLM selection and implementation, Smart Factory analysis, and operational cost reduction, priced on a quote basis), training and qualification programs (including NEXCON as a subscription or one-time platform fee and the Smart Starter Program), and events such as the Smart Factory Tour (a two-day guided tour priced at EUR 1,990 plus VAT). Go-to-market is primarily enterprise field sales — direct engagement with C-level, plant managers, and production leaders — supplemented by thought leadership via the IIoT Hub content platform, monthly newsletter, regular webinars, and participation in industry events. The company has been recognized by WirtschaftsWoche (2024, 2025) and BrandEins (2022, 2023) as one of Germany's best consulting companies. NEONEX is privately held and founder-controlled, with Thomas Rohrbach as sole authorized managing director and co-founders Dr. Jochen Schlick and Dr. Peter Stephan as senior partners; Carsten Weber was onboarded as a new partner in January 2025 as part of the firm's growth strategy.

Name

Neonex

Legal name

NEONEX Industry Performance GmbH

Website

https://neonex.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

NEONEX is a Stuttgart-based management consultancy that helps German Mittelstand and global industrial manufacturers execute digital transformation, covering AI Assessment, MES/PLM selection and implementation, Smart Factory strategy, and Smart Operations consulting across 150+ projects.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Management Consulting

akta.pro primary industry

Testing, Inspection, Certification & Commissioning (TICx) Technical Services (BPAHAIAL)

Keywords

• Industrial digital transformation
• Smart factory consulting
• Industry 4.0 advisory
• Manufacturing execution systems
• Production analytics consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Stuttgart

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Management Consulting Services: NEONEX generates revenue through professional consulting engagements for industrial digital transformation. Services include AI Assessment, MES selection and implementation, PLM system consulting, Smart Factory analysis, and operational cost reduction consulting. Projects are typically enterprise-level engagements with defined scopes and timelines.
2. Training and Qualification Programs: Revenue generated from structured training programs including NEXCON online platform, Smart Starter Program, and Smart Factory Qualification Lab. These are subscription or one-time fee-based programs for digital transformation qualification.
3. Events and Tours: Revenue from the Smart Factory Tour - a two-day guided tour visiting digital transformation pioneers. Priced at 1,990 EUR plus VAT including bus transfer, meals, and overnight accommodation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

NEONEX is a management consultancy that delivers digital transformation advisory and implementation services to industrial companies. Its offerings include AI Assessments, MES and PLM system selection and implementation, Industry 4.0 potential analyses, Smart OEE optimization, inventory analytics, energy management, and qualification programs such as the NEXCON online platform and Smart Factory Tours.

Product overview

NEONEX is a management consulting company (NEONEX Industry Performance GmbH) offering professional services for industrial digital transformation, not a software product vendor. Their portfolio consists of consulting services centered on Smart Factory, Industry 4.0, and Smart Operations. The core offerings include AI Assessment (structured AI use case identification), MES Selection and Implementation, PLM System Selection and Implementation, and various analytics services (Inventory AnalytiX, Data AnalytiX). Additional services include Smart OEE Optimization, Energiemanagement (Spark), and qualification programs (Smart Starter, NEXCON). The company operates with strategic partnerships, notably with axio concept for AI implementation using their KogniLink platform. NEONEX primarily serves industrial companies in Germany seeking digital transformation of their operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AI Assessment Structured 5-step methodology to identify, evaluate, and prioritize AI use cases along the order processing chain, culminating in a prioritized implementation roadmap based on cost-benefit analysis. Aimed at industrial companies seeking to apply AI to operations.
• MES-Auswahl und -Einführung (MES Selection and Implementation)
• PLM-Systemauswahl und -einführung (PLM System Selection and Implementation)
• End2End Industrie 4.0 Potentialanalyse (End2End Industry 4.0 Potential Analysis)
• Smart Operations Cost Reduction
• Inventory AnalytiX
• Fabrikvision 2025 (Factory Vision 2025)
• Smart OEE Optimization
• Spark Energiemanagement
• Data AnalytiX Assessment
• Smart Starter Programm
• NEXCON
• Call the I4.0 Expert
• Digitaler Readiness Check
• Smart Factory Tour Two-day guided tour visiting digital transformation pioneers such as GROB-WERKE, DMG MORI, and ifm electronic. Priced at 1,990 EUR plus VAT, including bus transfer, meals, and one overnight accommodation. Targeted at industrial executives and transformation teams.

Quantifiable outcome

• Inventory cost reduction and service level improvement through Supply Chain Analytics
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

AI capability4 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• axio conceptcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 October 2025Strategic partnership announced October 6, 2025, between NEONEX and axio concept for implementing AI use cases in German industry. axio concept contributes its KogniLink AI platform for automation of production, compliance, and document processes. Together they offer AI Assessment services combining NEONEX's 150+ industrial project experience with axio concept's 60+ AI projects. Joint focus on identifying, evaluating, and implementing AI use cases for industrial customers.
• Fraunhofer IPAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading German research organization for applied research in production technology. Part of NEONEX ecosystem for Smart Factory implementations.
• DFKIminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman Research Center for Artificial Intelligence. Partnership for AI research and implementation in industrial applications.
• PTW TU DarmstadtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduction management research institute at TU Darmstadt University. Partnership for research and implementation projects.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Staufen AG: German lean management and operational excellence consultancy (NEONEX previously operated as STAUFEN.DIGITAL NEONEX). Direct overlap in industrial performance improvement, Shopfloor/Industry 4.0 transformation, and Mittelstand customer base.
• MHP (A Porsche Company): Management and IT consultancy focused on automotive and manufacturing digital transformation, MES/PLM, and Industry 4.0. Directly comparable in automotive OEM/supplier customer base (including Porsche and VW Group) and Smart Factory offering.
• ROI Management Consulting: Munich-based management consultancy focused on operations, production, and supply chain transformation in industrial Mittelstand. Direct overlap in German Mittelstand operational excellence and process consulting.
• Porsche Consulting: Management consultancy with automotive/industrial DNA offering operational excellence, digital transformation, and Smart Factory services. Comparable in automotive OEM customer base and production consulting.

Broad incumbents

• Capgemini Engineering: Global engineering services and digital transformation consultancy with strong Industry 4.0, Smart Factory, and manufacturing AI offerings. Comparable in MES/PLM and IIoT, but operates at much larger scale with broader service portfolio.
• Accenture Industry X: Global digital industrial consultancy covering Smart Factory, MES, PLM, IIoT, and AI in manufacturing. Comparable customer base in German automotive and industrial sectors, but with vastly larger delivery capacity and broader transformation scope.
• Detecon (Deutsche Telekom subsidiary): German-origin management and technology consultancy with deep industrial digital transformation practice. Comparable in Industry 4.0, IIoT, and Mittelstand/enterprise customer segments, though broader scope across telco and other verticals.
• Siemens Advanta / Siemens Digital Industries: Industrial software and digital transformation arm of Siemens with extensive Smart Factory, MES, and digital twin offerings. Comparable in target customer (Daimler, BMW, Bosch-class manufacturers) and MES/digital factory services.
• McKinsey Operations Practice: Global consulting leader with industry-leading Industry 4.0 and Smart Factory expertise. Competes for the same large German industrial accounts (Daimler, Bosch, VW) on transformation roadmaps and AI strategy.

Emerging players

• axio concept: Strategic partner of NEONEX and direct competitor in AI Assessment for industry, providing the KogniLink AI platform for production, compliance, and document processes. Comparable in AI use case identification methodology for German industrial clients.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/neonex_de
• Facebookfacebook.com/NEONEXconsulting
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/neonex
• Instagraminstagram.com/neonex_consulting

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Neonex