IT outsourcing without layoffs

That an IT outsourcing must bring in the SME sector not personnel cutbacks with it, shows an example of laser welding technology specialists. The outsourcing was carried out hereม even in close cooperation with the employees. The result: a completely newly formed IT, which has grown also the future demands of the industry 4.0.

The occasion for the IT outsourcing at Ferro Forming was anything but pleasant: the end of 2013 the IT, which specializes in laser welding technology company had failed. The site could be several days not to call, e-mail traffic was paralyzed. The reason: Because of serious safety deficiencies, the systems had succumbed to a virus attack. The head of the company decided to completely re-establish the IT with the help of an external consultant. Targeted outsourcing security should be ensured, achieved cost savings and IT be better tailored to the company.

Counteract Anxiety

For the IT staff that decision was the cause for disquiet. They feared for their jobs and fell into a fearless attitude. Exactly this effect, however, was designed to avoid. Because the company's own experts have been and continue to be used. As an external consultant for IT topics Axxcon had to convey that instead of dismissing waiting for new challenges. In addition, the external consultant wanted to do as an interim manager in a few months again superfluous.


Integrate your own employees
Until then, however, it was the task of bringing order into the existing structures. Thus, the company had been looking forward with today 250 employees in recent years through rapid growth and full order books. In the central IT department, however, still ruled the motto: Everything we need in technology, we are making the best even that did not lead to optimal results not only to an excessive demand of the employees, but also in many respects.. Consequently, it made sense to give tasks.

In-house remain challenging tasks for IT

Nevertheless, enough work should remain that should even be more demanding than previously for the employees. Because of outsourcing, especially those services that can be delivered standardized, such as the installation and maintenance of equipment, the operation of the computer center and the network area. Tasks that are directly related with the production were transferred specifically the company's own IT department. This mainly concerned the new ERP system AP-plus, not - as has happened previously - should be introduced and adapted by an external service, but the involvement of the company's own IT staff. Remain in-house should also control the service and basic decisions about IT strategy - about the future development of the IT.

The relocation of the operational area of the company's own IT department - away from standard tasks and towards company-specific processes - took place not only in terms of the employees concerned, but was a wise strategic corporate decision. Because so important expertise will be used and further built up in the company, the company maintains control over their IT. At the same time it is gearing up for the theme Industry 4.0.

Finally, in the fully networked factory just the production-specific IT processes are strongly gaining in importance. In order for the ERP software can be adapted particularly well to the company-specific needs as well as the entire IT, the staff of the central IT department at Ferro work closely with the departments who have for each shall designate a point. Equally important is the cooperation with the IT experts from the production, which are, for example, for CNC laser welding machine responsible.

Established cost-effective and robust

The converted at Ferro Forming outsourcing illustrates how the IT in a medium-sized companies, despite the small central IT department can set up robust and forward-looking. In addition, it shows that a realignment in a manageable time frame is possible and cost can be saved. But not least, the threatening rise of outsourcing was not an isolated case and far points to the urgent need for action in the SME sector.