Information for our customers regarding the COVID-19 pandemic

June 2, 2020

The following information provides an update for our customers and partners on the current status and latest developments at the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO in Stuttgart.

Key information on how the Institute is currently operating:

• Customer communication and interaction with Fraunhofer IAO:
  Most of our researchers have been working from home since the crisis began. Our experience so far with the various digital communication channels has been positive. We have largely managed to maintain effective communication with our customers, partners and sponsors. We are continuing to recommend that customers use email and phone calls as the primary means of contact.
• Knowledge transfer and events:
  All our events are currently still online only. Our expert researchers continue to be available to answer all of your questions – whether you are looking for examples of best practice and effective solutions all seeking some straightforward help and an initial consultation. The formats of all our upcoming events are clearly indicated in the events calendar on our website. Some events may not yet have a label indicating how they will be offered; we reserve the right to switch these events to online formats at short notice.
• Visiting the Institute:
  To slow the spread of the virus, we are continuing to keep face-to-face meetings and on-site events to a minimum by only allowing those that are strictly necessary. Wherever possible, we are asking people to hold meetings by phone or video conference. If a face-to-face meeting is absolutely necessary, up to five people per group can arrange to meet in selected meeting rooms at the Institute. Meeting participants must register in advance and will be required to undergo security checks at reception. Publicly announced guidelines on social distancing and hygiene must be observed at all times. Participants are also required to wear a face covering that covers their mouth and nose – this is a mandatory requirement across the whole site.
• Business trips and visits to customer sites:
  Although business trips and visits to customer sites are now permitted within Germany, these should remain the exception rather than the rule. Visits are only allowed to organizations that have a policy in place to ensure all safety measures are met.

The number one priority in the current situation is to protect your health as well as the health of your staff members and all our colleagues. We must ensure that we take all the necessary measures to achieve this.

We look forward to continuing our effective work together in both virtual and real-world settings. All our best wishes – and stay healthy!