Operations1

About Operations1

Operations1 provides a cloud-based Connected Worker Platform for the manufacturing industry, aimed at digitizing and standardizing employee-led production processes. The company was established in 2017 by Anian Ziegler, Benjamin Brockmann, and Daniel Grobe. The founders' backgrounds in research at the Technical University of Munich and the Fraunhofer Institute, combined with consulting and industry experience, led them to identify the challenge of outdated, paper-based processes in manufacturing. Benjamin Brockmann and Daniel Grobe serve as Co-CEOs, while Anian Ziegler is the Co-Founder & CPTO.

The company operates on a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business model, where clients pay a monthly fee per licensed user for access to the software. This model provides recurring revenue streams and fosters long-term partnerships with customers. The platform serves a diverse client base in sectors such as machine and plant engineering, automotive, industrial goods, and food & beverage, with notable clients including Bosch, Daimler Truck, and ThyssenKrupp.

The Operations1 platform is designed to replace paper-based systems with a unified digital solution accessible via tablets and other mobile devices. It enables manufacturing companies to create, manage, and distribute digital work instructions, checklists, and inspection protocols. Key features include a drag-and-drop interface for document creation, integrated versioning, multilingual support, and the ability to embed images and videos. The software facilitates real-time data collection from the shop floor, monitors task execution, and allows for collaborative incident management. An AI-powered Document Automator can convert existing documents from formats like PDF and Word into structured digital guides, significantly reducing migration time. For workers, the platform provides intuitive guidance, while management benefits from live dashboards for analysis and process optimization. The system is built to integrate with existing enterprise systems like ERP and BI tools.

Financially, Operations1 has secured a total of $16.9 million in funding over three rounds. Its most recent funding was a Series A round on January 31, 2022, for $12.5 million, led by OpenOcean with participation from existing investors Cherry Ventures and 42Cap. The firm, formerly known as Cioplenu, is headquartered in Augsburg, Germany, with a significant office in Frankfurt.