What gbo datacomp does

gbo datacomp GmbH is a privately held German software company headquartered in Augsburg that develops and sells gboMES, a modular Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software suite. The platform connects operational and machine data from production, maintenance, quality, personnel and management into a unified system, with specialized modules for machine data collection (MDE/MDC), operational data collection (BDE/ODC), key performance indicators (KPI), production monitoring (FLS/MPC), tracking and tracing (TRA), tool management (WRZ/TM), quality management (QM), process data (PRZ/PDC), time and attendance (PZE/T&A), combined personnel/operational data (PZBDE), web-based access (WebClient 3.0), energy management (EMG) and web dashboards (WD). Add-on modules include VirtCont for machine/system integration, gboAWaX for proactive maintenance launched in 2025, and gboMES.AI for AI-driven workflows introduced in 2024. The technology stack supports Industry 4.0 communication protocols (OPC, OPC UA, MTConnect) and ERP system integration.

The company serves manufacturing customers across at least eight verticals, including automotive suppliers, tool and machine engineering, plastics, woodworking, stone processing, food production, medical technology and print/packaging, with a primary focus on German-speaking small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) plus larger manufacturing enterprises. According to company-reported metrics, more than 900 customers and 14,500 users in numerous countries use gboMES, with 100,000+ machines connected to the platform. The firm's lineage traces to 1920 in machine data recording hardware and was formalized as gbo datacomp GmbH in 2004 following the merger of the gbo and datacomp divisions; the platform has evolved from the BiSoftMES brand to the current gboMES identity (rebranded in 2023).

Revenue is generated through a combination of MES software licenses/subscriptions and professional services including MES consulting, software customizations, project management, commissioning, training and support. Pricing is quote-based, delivered via free initial consultation, with annual billing cadence and 3-6 month multi-phase implementations. Go-to-market is direct enterprise sales-led, augmented by webinars, industry events (notably HANNOVER MESSE), content marketing and strategic partnerships with VDMA, VDI, Fraunhofer IPT, RWTH Aachen WZL and IHK Schwaben. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified, management-owned with no disclosed external investors, and led by Managing Director Michael Möller, who also serves on the VDMA Software & Digitalization board.

Name

gbo datacomp

Legal name

gbo datacomp GmbH

Website

https://gbo-datacomp.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

gbo datacomp GmbH is a privately held German software firm that sells gboMES, a modular Manufacturing Execution System connecting production, machine, quality, personnel and management data, serving 900+ manufacturing customers across multiple verticals with a focus on DACH SMEs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Software

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (5415)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)

akta.pro primary industry

B2B/EDI & Supply Chain Process Automation Platforms (HDAEAHAK)

Keywords

• Manufacturing execution systems
• MES software
• Production data collection
• Shop floor monitoring
• Industrial software solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Augsburg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. MES Software Licenses and Subscriptions: Core MES software platform with modular components (MDE, BDE, KPI, FLS, QM, etc.) sold as licenses or subscriptions to manufacturing companies.
2. Professional Services: MES consulting, software customizations, project management for industry, production system commissioning, training, support and maintenance services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

gbo datacomp develops and sells gboMES, a modular Manufacturing Execution System (MES) software suite that connects operating and machine data from production, maintenance, quality, personnel and management into a consistent system. The offering includes the core gboMES platform plus specialized modules (MDE, BDE, KPI, FLS, QM, EMG, PZE, PZBDE, TRA, WRZ, PRZ, WD), add-ons (gboAWaX for maintenance, gboMES.AI for AI-driven analytics, VirtCont for machine integration), and accompanying professional services for consulting, implementation, training and support.

Product overview

gbo datacomp offers a modular MES (Manufacturing Execution System) software suite called gboMES. The core platform connects production, maintenance, quality, personnel and management data into a unified system. The modular architecture includes specialized modules: MDE/MDC for machine data collection, BDE/ODC for operational data collection, KPI for key performance indicators, FLS/MPC for production monitoring and control, TRA for tracking and tracing, WRZ/TM for tool management, QM for quality management, PRZ/PDC for process data, PZE/T&A for time and attendance, PZBDE/T&ODC for combined personnel and operational data, WebClient 3.0 for mobile browser access, EMG for energy management, and WD for web dashboards. Add-on modules include gboAWaX for proactive maintenance and gboMES.AI for AI-driven capabilities. An integration tool called VirtCont connects machines and systems. The suite supports Industry 4.0 and Smart Factory requirements with communication protocols including OPC, OPC UA and MTConnect.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• gboAWaX: Maintenance module add-on for gboMES, including a mobile app for maintenance management, ticket systems, and resource planning.
• gboMES.AI

Products and services

• gboMES Manufacturing Execution System that connects operating and machine data from production, maintenance, quality, personnel and management into a consistent system for real-time transparency and process optimization. Targeted at manufacturing companies seeking Industry 4.0 enablement.
• gboAWaX Add-on maintenance module for gboMES enabling proactive maintenance with central overview of machines, integrated AWaX mobile app, ticket system for maintenance requests, and comprehensive reporting. Targeted at manufacturing companies seeking reduced downtime.
• gboMES.AI AI module combining gboMES with intelligent AI agents using RAG-based knowledge bases for analysis, report generation, production planning, work instructions, and evaluations. Targeted at manufacturing companies seeking AI-driven efficiency.
• VirtCont Integration tool for machines and systems that facilitates Industry 4.0 implementation in existing manufacturing environments. Targeted at manufacturers seeking to connect legacy and modern equipment.
• MES Consulting Services Consulting services for manufacturing companies evaluating or implementing MES solutions, including analysis of production challenges and tailored solution design.
• MES Software Customization Customization of gboMES software to meet specific customer production requirements, including module configuration and integration adjustments.
• Industrial Project Management Project management services for industrial MES implementations, overseeing delivery from analysis through go-live across the four implementation phases.
• Production System Commissioning Commissioning services for gboMES production system implementations, including integration testing and go-live support.
• MES Training & Support Training programs and ongoing support services for gboMES users, including user education, administrator training, and continuous customer care.
• MES Support Ongoing technical support services for gboMES customers, including maintenance, troubleshooting, and software updates.

Quantifiable outcome

• Hans Berg GmbH reduced disruption sources by 80% and sustainably increased efficiency
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability9 records

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• VDMA (Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau)coreStrategic or Co-development Partnergbo datacomp works with VDMA to promote MES and create transparency in companies. CEO Michael Möller serves on the VDMA Software and Digitalization board. Active in VDMA working groups on MES key figures (NA 060-30-05-03) and MES interfaces (NA 60-30-5-4).
• VDI (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with VDI to promote MES and support digitization in manufacturing companies.
• Fraunhofer Institute for Production TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with Fraunhofer IPT on the 'Quadrika' research project (quality data-based risk assessment for Industry 4.0), funded by Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
• WZL (Machine Tool Laboratory) of RWTH Aachen UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with WZL on the 'Quadrika' research project, working on quality data modules for risk reduction in production, particularly for SME needs.
• ZEW Förderkreis (ZEW Support Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with ZEW Förderkreis for scientific and practical exchange in business research.
• IHK Schwaben (Chamber of Industry and Commerce)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partnership with IHK Schwaben for industry collaboration and support.
• DLR Project Management AgencyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates with DLR Project Management Agency for the 'Quadrika' research project funded by Federal Ministry of Education and Research.
• Aktion MenschminorOthersgbo datacomp supports Aktion Mensch social projects throughout Germany, particularly children and youth projects.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Siemens Opcenter (formerly Camstar): Siemens Opcenter is a broad incumbent MES solution that competes with gboMES through Siemens' installed base of automation and PLM, often as a default in larger plant programs.
• SAP Manufacturing Execution: SAP ME is the MES component of SAP's broader manufacturing suite; it competes with gboMES in ERP-integrated MES opportunities and is the most likely mega-vendor threat to mid-market German manufacturers.

Emerging players

• Tulip Interfaces: Tulip is a cloud-native, front-line operations platform with strong overlap to gboMES around machine data collection, visual work instructions and KPIs, representing the new generation of MES competitors in mid-market manufacturing.

Direct peers

• iTAC Software: iTAC offers a MES suite used in automotive, electronics and discrete manufacturing, making it a direct competitor in MES functionality, target verticals and the German Mittelstand customer base.
• Lighthouse Systems: Lighthouse Systems offers Modular MES and SPC software targeting regulated and discrete manufacturing, with similar SME-and-mid-market positioning in Europe and a comparable open-architecture philosophy.
• Werum IT Solutions (Körber): Werum, part of Körber, is a direct MES peer with deep roots in regulated and process manufacturing, illustrating the path a German MES vendor can take when scaling into a broader industrial software group.
• Aegis Industrial Software (Aegis FactoryLogix): Aegis provides a MES platform for discrete manufacturing with traceability and quality management capabilities, directly comparable to gboMES in electronics, automotive and medical device factories.
• Critical Manufacturing: Critical Manufacturing's MES platform targets high-tech and regulated discrete manufacturers with similar shopfloor-to-ERP integration, providing a modern peer against which gboMES's architecture and AI roadmap are benchmarked.
• MPDV: MPDV (Hydra/MES family) is a German MES vendor that competes head-to-head with gbo datacomp in the DACH Mittelstand manufacturing market, offering modular shopfloor software with similar machine data acquisition and production-control capabilities.
• Forcam: Forcam provides MES and shopfloor transparency solutions aimed at discrete manufacturing, overlapping with gboMES around machine connectivity, OEE, and Industry 4.0 use cases across European mid-market accounts.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gbo-datacomp-gmbh

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 gbo datacomp