The continuous automatic processing of reinforcing steel will not be possible in the foreseeable future. The end product, i.e. the cut and bent reinforcing steel, is too versatile and the tasks too different for that to be accomplished. Reinforcing steel is and remains a commodity, whose purchase price can change rapidly and unexpectedly. The price development particularly in the last two years has made that clear. The supplier has to face up to this pricing pressure. Since there are hardly any significant differences in the quality of the finished products, i.e. the cut and bent steel, only a very few possibilities remain to set oneself apart from the competition.