‘It’s a completely different way of working’
Novoglace AG is using the integrated IT solution, SME IT Solution, from Swisscom. This has improved business process efficiency, speeded up day-to-day work and reduced the IT workload for the company.
All-in-one SME IT Solution for Novoglace AG 3 min.
- Location: Visp
- HVAC and refrigeration systems
- 20 employees
- Migration of all data and applications to the new IT infrastructure
- Cloud operation including Managed Security
- Support by Swisscom and a local Swisscom partner
Things move fast in the IT world. What five years ago was state of the art for Upper Valais-based company, Novoglace AG, was by 2024 no longer fit for purpose. “We wanted our engineers to be able to access the ERP SelectLine from anywhere,” explains co-owner Mathias Burgener. “They can then create their work reports on site at the customer and have them digitally signed there and then. Or retrieve any information they need without having to call the office.” With the existing IT infrastructure, the ERP system could not be operated in a cloud or used outside the premises as it was installed locally on the office PCs. Experts had to perform updates on each PC. In addition, the coronavirus pandemic prompted demand for functionalities to support working from home: “There was certainly room for improvement. We often had problems with lagging and data synchronisation,” Mathias Burgener adds.
Efficient working from anywhere on any device
Today, all Novoglace applications and data, bar a few exceptions, are operated in the cloud. Mathias Burgener: “We no longer have any data on our devices. Instead, the programs and data are visualised on our PCs, laptops and tablets. The virtual screen looks the same everywhere, which is extremely convenient. Wherever we are, the speed improvements have been significant. It’s a completely different way of working to how it used to be.”
With the new system, the company can finally simplify and speed up reporting. All the service engineers have been given a tablet. Initial tests indicate that on-site reporting works well. As Mathias Burgener explains, “Besides efficiency, it has also enhanced our standing with customers. Our digital processes mean that we can compete with the big providers, which ultimately impacts our success: If I am with a customer and can use ERP to prepare an instant quotation for a new system, it’s much more likely the customer will go ahead with the project.”
Smooth working both in the office and on the move.
Painless transition to a future-proof platform
Swisscom and its local partner took just two days to move all the data and applications over to the new cloud environment, recalls the Novoglace boss. “From our side, there was almost nothing to deliver. The migration took place during ongoing operations, so we were able to simply continue working. The mapping of the existing folder structure was a big help. And it’s great that we no longer have to worry about security issues. Swisscom monitors our systems. If any data is lost, we can retrieve it in real time.”
Up to date at all times
With SME IT Solution, setting up new devices couldn’t be simpler. “I switch on a device, enter my e-mail address and password, and I can get straight to work,” says a delighted Mathias Burgener. Swisscom’s automatic updating of all devices provides additional peace of mind. Because the all-in-one IT solution runs in the Microsoft Azure Cloud, Novoglace benefits from the latest technology innovations. Should an issue arise, Swisscom and its local partner are on hand to provide rapid support. This too is included in the monthly fixed price.
Keep track of all appointments from anywhere and with any device.
Why choose Swisscom?
“We just need our hardware and software to work,” says Mathias Burgener. “We don’t have the capacity to solve IT problems ourselves and want a single point of contact for all IT issues. Swisscom is big enough to take on this role and keep us protected from risks. From my perspective, our solution is probably the future of IT for SMEs.”