#101 - Digital Product Software Series: CONTACT Software Elements

In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, we sit down with Frank Patz-Brockmann, Chief Product & Technology Officer at CONTACT Software, to explore one of the most mature yet under-the-radar platforms in the PLM space.Frank shares how CONTACT Software—best known in Germany but lesser-known in North America—has evolved from its early days as "CIM Database" into the highly modular and extensible platform now known as CONTACT Elements.We cover:The origins and evolution of the CONTACT Elements platformWhat makes their modular “elements” approach unique—like a periodic table for PLM, MES, and IoTThe powerful integration between PLM, MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), and IIoTUse cases where customers seamlessly connect engineering and shop floor dataWhy many global clients are choosing CONTACT’s cloud deployment options (SaaS, PaaS, and hybrid)How CONTACT's long-standing use of Python and open APIs empowers extensibilityThe rise of energy-aware manufacturing and AI-enabled analyticsKey takeaway: CONTACT Software might just be one of the most powerful, composable digital engineering platforms you’ve never heard of—until now.🔗 Learn more: contact-software.com📩 Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected] or leave a comment wherever you listen.🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review—every click helps spread the word.Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks.Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co.© 2026 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.