Deliver industrial software to your machines with ease. Build Software Defined Machines that comply with CRA, create new revenue streams, and grow customer loyalty through your own branded platform.
From Fragmented Machine Software to a Controlled Platform
Modern machines are built from dozens of components and each one increasingly brings its own software.
For machine builders, this means growing complexity, responsibility, and risk.
Today’s machine software landscape is fragmented by design:
In-house machine software
Core machine logic, HMIs, and custom features developed and maintained by your own teams.
Component-level software
Drives, controllers, sensors, and subsystems shipping with their own apps, tools, and update mechanisms.
Third-party and add-on applications
Analytics, connectivity, or optimization tools required by customers, often delivered outside your control.
For machine builders, this means:
You are responsible for system stability, security, and lifecycle without a unified software layer to enforce it.
The result:
High integration effort, inconsistent updates, unclear responsibilities, and increasing operational and security risk.
How FLECS Changes the Situation
FLECS gives machine builders back control
With FLECS, you establish a single software platform for your machines:
One Platform
All machine-related software runs on a single, controlled foundation. Independent of vendors or components.
One Lifecycle
Updates, versions, security patches, and access control follow one consistent lifecycle model. From commissioning to operation.
One Brand Experience
Customers interact with one unified interface for extensions, updates, and services. Fully branded as your machine.
You decide what runs on your machines:
- which component apps are available,
- how software is updated and monetized,
- and how customers experience digital extensions of your machines.
This is the foundation for Software Defined Machines -
and the basis for CRA compliance, new revenue streams, and long-term customer loyalty.
Why now?
Why Evolve Your Machine Business Now?
With new EU regulations like the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), machine builders must rethink how they deliver and maintain software. But this doesn't mean you have to abandon your current model. With FLECS, you enhance it:
Comply with CRA requirements effortlessly
Launch new revenue streams with apps & updates
Retain full control over branding and customer relationships
FLECS helps you build Software Defined Machines that deliver long-term value: to you and your customers.
CRA Compliance Built In
Be CRA-Compliant by Default with FLECS
The EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for all connected products, including industrial machines. With FLECS, your machines become CRA-ready by default without disrupting your proven hardware or software workflows.
How FLECS Helps You Meet CRA Requirements
Implement Vulnerability Management & SBOM
Gain full visibility into your software stack with a built-in Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) and detect potential risks before deployment.
Deliver Signed, Secure Updates
Roll out cryptographically signed and validated updates. Either over-the-air (OTA) via FLECS Cloud or fully self-hosted on-prem infrastructure.
Control Access with RBAC and Audit Logs
Enforce role-based access control and track all security-relevant actions with full audit logging for compliance and traceability.
Establish Disclosure Workflows
Prepare for your CRA obligations with integrated disclosure workflows and ready-made ENISA reporting channels.
CRA-Ready Apps from the FLECS Marketplace
Many of our 60+ standard apps support your CRA compliance efforts out of the box:
- Secure VPN access to machines
- Managed software update provisioning for components
- Monitoring and alerting tools for incident visibility
Explore how FLECS helps you meet technical requirements and streamline operations all within your own branded ecosystem.
*Based on Regulation (EU) 2024/2847, Annex I–IV
Why FLECS?
Why Leading Machine Builders Choose FLECS
New Revenue Streams
Turn your software into subscription-based services and create recurring revenue.
Save €94,000 per machine
Separate software from hardware exports to reduce costs.
Provide Users a Marketplace
Deliver an app store experience tailored to your machines and your customers under your own brand.
TRUSTED BY INDUSTRY LEADERS
Join over 50 industrial automation leaders already transforming their machine business with FLECS.
The Hidden Costs of Traditional Software Delivery
Why Machine Manufacturers Miss Out on Digital Revenue
Traditional machine exports bundle software and hardware together, creating hidden costs and missed opportunities.
The Current Standard
- Customs duties on the entire machine value, including software
- Long-term software depreciation over the entire machine lifecycle (10 years)
- Updates are expensive and time-consuming after delivery
- The value of software remains invisible and unutilized for customers
Result: Higher costs, missed revenue opportunities, and competitive disadvantage
The FLECS Approach
- Customs duties only on hardware - saving up to 20% on export costs
- Software can be depreciated separately and faster (3 years)
- Faster updates without on-site service calls
- Create new revenue streams through subscription and license models
Result: Up to €94,000 in savings per machine plus new recurring revenue from digital services
... without replacing your existing machine workflows.
Financial Example
What's Possible
The following example calculation shows the concrete savings potential using a typical machine export.
Industry Average
Option A: Traditional Delivery
€1,000,000
€200,000
10 years
-
€1,200,000
FLECS Approach
Option B: Separate Software
€640,000
€128,000
3 years
€360,000
€1,128,000
€72,000
Tax Advantage Through Faster Depreciation
Machine: €640,000 → linear depreciation over 10 years
Software: €360,000 → linear depreciation over 3 years
By separating hardware and software, a present value advantage of approx. €22,850 per machine is created.
Total advantage per machine
Customs savings + tax benefits + new revenue potential
The Solution
Your Own App Store Platform
A turnkey solution to separate software from hardware and create new revenue streams.
How It Works
- Machine is fully tested in Germany
Complete quality assurance before shipping - Software is provided as an app
Available in your branded app store - Machine is exported with basic software
Lower customs value, significant savings - Customer purchases full software separately
Creating new revenue streams and opportunities
Download Whitepaper
Stop Giving Away Your Software When Exporting
Our whitepaper shows how separating hardware and software during export leads to significant cost savings and enables new digital business models.
Whitepaper Highlights:
- How to save up to €94,000 per machine on exports
- Practical guide to separating hardware and software
- Strategies for new digital revenue models in machine building
- Detailed financial examples and calculation models
Transform Your Machines Into Digital Revenue Streams
Differentiate your machines with custom software, selective apps, and your own branded marketplace. Build customer loyalty and create new revenue opportunities throughout the entire machine lifecycle.
The FLECS Platform
Deliver apps to your machines cloud-connected or fully offline. FLECS ensures seamless deployment, version control, and secure lifecycle management for embedded industrial software.
Selective Apps
Curate specific apps that perfectly complement your machines instead of overwhelming customers with unnecessary options.
Branded App Store
Build customer loyalty with your own branded marketplace for machine extensions, updates, and services.
Custom Software
Differentiate your machines with proprietary software solutions that add unique value and set you apart from competitors.
Lifecycle Management
Efficiently manage software updates, versioning, and licensing models throughout the entire machine lifecycle.
Additional Ressources
Available Subscription Plans
Starter
For teams just getting started
Basic
Your look. Your apps.
Premium
Full control of experience
Enterprise
Enterprise-scale platform
Baumüller Marketplace
Custom branded marketplace powered by FLECS
Create new revenue streams with digital services
97% Cost Reduction Compared to Custom Development
Why spend millions on custom development when you can leverage our proven platform?
Industry Average
Custom App Store Development
Traditional service provider approach
€ 1,000,000
€ 300,000
€ 1,000,000
€ 2,500,000+
Recommended
FLECS Platform
Ready-to-use marketplace solution
€ 0
€ 25,000
Included
€ 125,000
How Baumüller transformed their business
The Challenge
Baumüller needed to compete with software-first automation providers offering complete solutions - not just hardware. They also wanted to modernize software distribution without losing control of the customer relationship.
The Transformation
Using FLECS, Baumüller launched their own branded software marketplace in just weeks. This new platform enabled them to monetize software modules, streamline transactions, and manage licenses - all while keeping full control over branding and customer data.
"FLECS gives us a direct channel to sell software like our OPC UA server. Transactions run out-of-the-box, and the backend makes managing products, licenses, and customers simple and efficient."
Access a Growing Ecosystem of Industrial Apps
Select from a curated marketplace of specialized industrial applications or add your own custom solutions. Build the perfect software ecosystem for your machines.
Complete App Ecosystem
Industry-leading partners and specialized solutions
From Machine Builder to Digital Revenue Leader
Stop giving away your software. Create new revenue streams and build stronger customer relationships with your own branded digital marketplace in just 6 weeks.
Are you facing these challenges?
- Our software is given away with our machines, leaving money on the table
- Competitors are catching up with similar hardware features
- Customers want more customization and digital features
- One-time sales don't generate recurring revenue
- Software updates require costly on-site visits
1
TODAY
You're Leaving Money on the Table
Like most machine builders, you're focused on hardware sales while giving away valuable software. This one-time revenue model limits your growth potential.
- ✕ One-time hardware sales only
- ✕ Software value not monetized
- ✕ Costly on-site service visits
One-Time Revenue
Hardware-Focused Business
2
New Revenue Opportunities
Digital Transformation
TRANSFORMATION
Your Digital Evolution Begins
Start your journey by adding digital services to your machines and creating your own branded marketplace. This transition phase sets the foundation for new revenue streams.
- Recurring Revenue Streams
Generate predictable monthly income from software subscriptions - Stand Out From Competitors
Unique software offerings that competitors can't easily replicate
3
YOUR FUTURE
A Software-First Revenue Leader
Complete your transformation with a thriving digital ecosystem that generates recurring revenue and strengthens customer relationships.
- Increased Customer Loyalty
Build stronger relationships through continuous digital engagement - Streamlined Operations
Remote updates and management reduce service costs
€ 117,527
Monthly Revenue
Software-First Business
Leading Industry Fair
"The FLECSelerator is your fast track to launching a customized App Store for industrial automation."
What You'll Get
Everything included in the 6-week FLECSelerator program
6-Week Implementation
Launch your fully branded App Store in just 6 weeks with our structured program.
Weekly Coaching
Personalized coaching sessions to guide you through every step of the process.
60+ Standard Apps
Access to 60+ pre-built apps while easily integrating your own solutions.
Full Customization
Complete branding control and customization to match your company identity.
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about the FLECSelerator program
How quickly can we launch our own app store?
With the FLECSelerator program, you can have your fully branded app store up and running in just 6 weeks. This includes customization, integration with your existing systems, and training for your team.
Do we need to develop all the apps ourselves?
No. You can leverage existing standard apps from the FLECS Marketplace while adding your own custom applications. This hybrid approach gives you the best of both worlds - quick time to market with differentiated offerings. The FLECS Marketplace already includes 60+ standard apps you can immediately offer to your customers.
How difficult is the integration with our machines?
FLECS is designed for seamless integration. During the 6-week FLECSelerator program, our experts will guide you through the entire process, ensuring your app store works perfectly with your existing hardware and software systems. We support integration into your existing systems or can deploy a ready-to-use Linux operating system powered by FLECS.
Ready to Transform Your Business?
Join industry leaders who have already revolutionized their business models with the FLECSelerator program. Launch your own branded App Store in just 6 weeks.
Secure Implementation • 6-Week Launch • Expert Support • Proven Results
Accelerate Innovation. Unlock Your Digital Potential.
FLECS offers more than a platform – we deliver the expertise to make your vision a reality, from customization to training and strategy.
Custom Engineering
- Industrial app development
- Custom Linux image creation
- System architecture consulting
Platform Customization
- WebApp branding & UI extensions
- Custom APIs & plugins
- ERP & CRM system integration
Security & Lifecycle
- Vulnerability scans & assessments
- CRA compliance readiness
- OTA update strategies & CI/CD
Training & Enablement
Empower your team with targeted learning paths for FLECS Core, App Development, CI/CD & DevOps for Industrial Use, with remote or on-site training sessions.
Digital Strategy & Consulting
Build sustainable digital business models with strategic consulting for app-based revenue, go-to-market support, and monetization workshops.
Let's build your digital business – faster, smarter, together.
Our professional services team is ready to help you succeed.
Features
Separate Software Delivery
With FLECS, machine manufacturers can decouple system software from the physical product and provide it separately through their own digital app store.
Financial Benefits
Lower duties, faster depreciation
- Customs duty only applies to the hardware component
- Software can be depreciated separately and faster
- Easier compliance with value limits in free trade zones
Faster Updates
More flexible commissioning & updates
- Software changes without service calls
- Updates and upgrades are faster and more targeted
- More agility in the machine lifecycle
New Business Models
From function to business model
- Visibility and monetization of software
- Foundation for modular license and subscription models
- New after-sales potential through expandability
Legal Security
IT security and compliance
- Access control and license management
- Easier compliance with export and IT guidelines
- Improved traceability for audits
Value Communication
Enhancement for the customer
- Customers recognize the actual value of the software
- Foundation for digital differentiation
- More transparent pricing structure
Long-term Added Value
Continuous software maintenance
- Sustainable, digital service business
- Continuous development after commissioning
- Recurring revenue and stronger customer loyalty
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is a Software Defined Machine?
A Software Defined Machine separates hardware from software, allowing machine builders to deliver applications independently through a digital platform. This approach enables new revenue models, faster updates, and regulatory compliance.
How does FLECS help with CRA compliance?
FLECS provides built-in support for the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), including secure update delivery, vulnerability management, audit logging, and ENISA-ready disclosure workflows. All without changing your existing architecture.
Can I monetize software without changing my machine business?
Yes. FLECS lets you keep your current machine workflows while offering your software as a digital product via a branded app store. This creates new revenue streams through subscriptions or licenses, without disrupting operations.
How quickly can I launch my own app store?
With the FLECSelerator program, you can launch a fully branded industrial app store in just 6 weeks including coaching, setup, and access to 60+ standard apps.
Do I need to build all the apps myself?
No. FLECS includes access to a growing marketplace of 60+ ready-to-use industrial apps. You can also integrate your own apps or partner solutions at any time. And if a specific app doesn’t exist yet, you can use our open-source app templates to quickly build and deploy your own.
Ready to Transform Your Software into a long-term digital revenue engine?
Join industry leaders who have already revolutionized their digital business models with FLECS.
- Create your own branded software marketplace
- Deploy and manage software directly on your machines
- Generate recurring revenue from software subscriptions
- Ensure full CRA compliance for connected machines
- Save up to €94,000 per machine on exports
- Launch in as little as 6 weeks with full support
- Join 50+ industry leaders already using FLECS
Discuss your use case
Get a personalized consultation and see how FLECS can transform your business - 30 min, no preparation required
Join the industrial software revolution with FLECS - Our platform, your success.
