“Digitalization and maximum customer satisfaction are top priorities for our group. With Magic technology, we have been able to implement all projects necessary for us to achieve our goals quickly and securely.”
Nina Anacker, Head of Application and Software Development at the SCALTEL Group
SCALTEL AG is one of the leading independent system integrators and managed service providers in Germany. The company specializes in the development, implementation and operation of sophisticated solutions for its customers’ IT infrastructures. The portfolio ranges from consulting and planning, installation and maintenance to management, monitoring and operation. The company operates its own certified Network and Security Operation Centre (SOC).
Initial situation:
With multiple business group divisions and subsidiaries SCALTEL, SCALTEL Smart Building, SNS Systems and SCALCOM E-Business, a confusing IT landscape gradually developed resulting in growing data silos and interrupted data flows. The group lacked the technical means to set up seamless external connections to distributors, manufacturers, and customers. There were no interfaces to manufacturers such as Cisco. Central monitoring and data-based analysis for operational and strategic business decisions was limited.
Solution:
SCALTEL set a goal of optimizing and digitalizing its IT operations. The existing IT systems and applications of the individual business units were to be integrated step by step, data made centrally accessible and operational processes efficiently set up. The company planned to seamlessly connect its IT systems with the external systems of strategic business partners and to achieve real-time data exchange. This was made possible with complete data and system integration and Big Data in-depth analyses readiness. Modernization included both automating and digitalizing internal workflows and establishing value-added processes with customers and distributors.
SCALTEL achieved these goals with the database and platform-independent Magic xpi digitalization platform, which acts as the central IT core. With a code-free, low-maintenance approach, it can be used to integrate a wide variety of applications, databases, APIs, platforms and systems in the cloud, on-premise or using a hybrid architecture. More than 100 certified pre-configured connectors ensure simple connection, with visual mapping and multiple endpoints and nodes supported.
Results:
Central management of 50,000 products
The two primary internal systems, MS Navision ERP and the Omnitracker ticket system, are now seamlessly connected. The Magic xpi digitalization platform connects around 50,000 products from 20 manufacturers, including Cisco and HP. Magic ensures data retrieval in real time and retrieves the required information such as current daily prices and stock levels from the online platforms of various external sources. All information is directly processed and further manipulated in the new Product Information System (PIM). Valuable employee time is saved with this important automation step.
Data access updated daily and in real time
Data access is now possible in real time. Depending on the need, data retrievals are performed several times a day. Going forward, individual customer projects and services provided by SCALTEL employees can be easily mapped as expenses in the ERP system.
To illustrate how easy it is to implement Magic xpi, the ERP, Omnitracker system and PIM integration was implemented within two working days.
Order HP refurbished products 24/7
SCALTEL acts for sustainability and regularly orders refurbished products. The HP Renew EMEA program offers a comprehensive portfolio of refurbished products to complement new HP computer products. The integration platform Magic xpi was used to connect the portal to internal systems. This gives SCALTEL a real-time overview of all HP refurbished products on offer at any time and enables it to provide its customers with an even larger portfolio.
Faster customer service response times with ISO-compliant customer systems connection
Many serviced customers work with their own ticketing systems. SCALTEL used a Magic Standard API to connect these directly to its corporate systems. Magic xpi transports the ticket data via web services and checks for data authenticity. The automation saves valuable time both for SCALTEL and the serviced customers. The customer system coupling complies with internationally recognized IT service management (ITSM), QMS and security standards ISO/IEC 20000, ISO 9001, and ISO 27001 respectively.
Preparation for Big Data analyses
With the cross-system data flow, the Magic integration platform prepares the ground for Big Data across the SCALTEL group of companies. The central collection and immediate availability of data form a significant basis for sound monitoring and data-based, strategic decisions.
Outlook:
In a recently created Digital Transformation Board, including the CIO, CFO, additional digital and innovative projects are being identified in close collaboration with employees for short term implementation with Magic xpi. One such project is a new Customer Centre – a high-end product which will provide SCALTEL customers a high availability multi-function application. A sales cockpit allows authorized persons immediate access to all data relevant to their service and sales area, an overview of all SCALTEL orders, BI reports and analyses, system availability and much more. The Magic Platform collects all the necessary data from eight different systems and makes it available immediately in real time.
Goals achieved:
– Data silos dissolved
– Seamless data flow between core systems and enterprise applications
– Workflows automated and digitalized
– Incidents and error rates significantly reduced
– Freeing up of employee capacity
– Achieved basis for Big Data analyses
