Innovation / Automation

Successful journey with Kickbox - Gold Box status for INFRAVISTA 🏆

Not every path goes according to plan - especially for intrapreneurs, it's often an up and down journey. Chris Rüttimann has made it with his kickbox 'INFRAVISTA': his idea has reached the final kickboxing phase and he has now received his well-deserved GoldBox. In this interview, he takes us on his journey and gives us exciting insights into his project. 🚀

By Chris Rüttimann, Head of Mobile Operation Infrastructure

The ' INFRAVISTA ' project is already well advanced and is already being used at over 1,000 Swisscom Mobile locations. The rollout will be completed by the end of 2025 with 3,000 installed locations. International telcos are also already interested. The INFRABOX hardware connects various infrastructure components at a mobile communications site and enables the measurement, evaluation and efficient use of relevant data. The aims of the project include process simplification, effective alarm management, energy consumption data, automation, the use of AI and a reduction in site visits.

That's what Chris said in the interview💡:

How did you come up with your idea and what problem does it solve?

Purely out of self-interest, based on my work as the person responsible for infrastructure at Mobile. Originally, I wanted to be able to remotely access the infrastructure devices at the Mobile sites and accurately measure the power. That was the basic idea behind “Smart Infrastructure” with the INFRABOX® (hardware) and INFRAVISTA® (software), which integrate useful infrastructure interfaces. Interfaces to air conditioning systems, ventilation units, alarm systems, weather stations, temperature sensors and door sensors, among others. In addition to remote access, the Infrabox allows us to use the collected data to draw important conclusions for the future, become more effective, save costs and automate processes. We have a great roadmap that we are now implementing step by step.

What was your journey as a Kickboxer like (idea submission, Red, Blue and Gold Box)?

Lots of ups and downs, as not everything always works the way you imagined or something like coronavirus can throw a spanner in the works with supply bottlenecks or sharply rising prices. But these are the lessons that you never forget and that help you move forward.

What was your personal highlight on your kickboxing journey?

Certainly the realization that if you bravely ask for support and expertise, you will get support (regardless of the position of the person asking) and, of course, the network.

You are and have been very successful with your idea, what have you learned during this time?

How successful remains to be seen. I have learned a lot. The list is very long and would go beyond the scope here. You also learn a lot about yourself, how to deal with low blows, internal hurdles, delays and technical glitches.

What would you do differently in hindsight?

The idea/vision has to be sold well at various levels, both internally and externally, and communication about it has to remain very active. This is of course tedious, but an important part. I will take better account of this in future.

How do you deal with mistakes in everyday life?

They are part of learning. Without mistakes, there is no learning. It's best to anchor this in your mindset and learn from it in everyday life. Sounds easier than it is...😄😄

What further steps are planned for the future?

First of all, we want to complete the rollout at Swisscom so that all mobile locations are connected with infrastructure and the topics of “Energy Saving”, “Best Net” and “Sustainability” can be specifically supported at Swisscom. We are continuously developing the tool for this purpose. At the same time, we are responding to questions and interest in the product from the international telco market.

How would you describe your journey in one picture?

What do you think all entrepreneurs should bring with them? 🚀

Above all, a very, very large portion of perseverance and also the courage to ask and involve people (internally and externally) who can drive and support the idea/vision forward. In my case, a big thank you to Mark Düsener and Christoph Aeschlimann, who supported the idea right from the start.

Chris Rüttimann

Chris Rüttimann

Head of Mobile Operation Infrastructure

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