Case study Solutions category: Network

Augmented reality helps Gotec Group optimise manufacturing processes

Augmented reality helps Gotec Group optimise manufacturing processes

Soitron has been a valuable partner throughout this journey providing expertise and solutions for our challenges.  

Daniel Walendy, Chief Information Officer  

Background

The Gotec Group is a dynamic manufacturing company with a wide range of products, which means they regularly need to reconfigure their production lines. One key element in their production is the bonding agent that is applied to various materials. While the company had previously implemented partial automation of several manufacturing processes, the critical task of properly setting spray guns continued to be done manually.

The company faced a major challenge in optimising the spray gun settings for manufacturing various components for the automotive industry. Inefficient use of material, delays in setting the production equipment, and subsequent modifications to finished products all prolonged the manufacturing times.

This process was especially challenging because a single production cycle can involve 3 to 4 changes of settings, requiring the spray guns to be reset each time. Every change required fine parameter setting, directly affecting material consumption. Additionally, the customer faced challenges in training operators at their manufacturing facilities across the world. The need for experts to travel from Poland to various continents resulted in substantial travel costs. Traditional operator training methods required these experts to be physically present at the training sites.

Project implementation process

We addressed the problem by deploying the innovative VR technology, RealWear Navigator 500 – specialised VR smart glasses designed for hands-free communication with remote experts, even in challenging production environments. These smart glasses are very durable, easy to use with voice commands, and equipped with an integrated camera that streams real-time video. This allowed experts in Poland to train operators remotely, whether they were in Mexico, China, or Slovakia, without the need for the expert’s physical presence on site.

Factory workers put on the RealWear smart glasses and remote experts monitor their work on a computer screen and provide instructions using drawings,

voice commands, or screen sharing through TeamViewer or MS Teams, which we integrated into the devices.

This combination of technologies brought about immediate improvements in operators’ work performance without disrupting the production process. As part of the Proof of Concept (PoC), we tested the solution in a real production environment to verify its functionality and efficiency. Based on the findings, we proposed additional enhancements to further boost productivity. Finally, we handed over the entire system to the client as a fully operational solution, ready for further development.

Results and benefits

improved efficiency in operator training

continuity of manufacturing processes

improved spray gun setting quality

reduction of material waste

Customer Profile

The GOTEC Group is the world’s leading specialist for surface treatments and application of bonding agents for rubber-metal/plastic parts for the automotive industry. It has 17 branches in 12 countries across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The company is headquartered in Wülfrath, Germany.

Technologies used

RealWear Navigator 500, TeamViewer, Microsoft Teams

Technologies that Set New Standards: How We Helped MOL Czech Republic Equip Their New Offices

Technologies that Set New Standards: How We Helped MOL Czech Republic Equip Their New Offices

The successful completion of the project depended not only on Soitron’s technical expertise and professional approach, but also on their ability to respond swiftly to unexpected changes and find solutions that ensured our vision and requirements were met. 

Ladislav Olejník, IT Manager 

Background

As part of its modernisation efforts, MOL Czech Republic relocated to new office premises, requiring a reliable high-speed Wi-Fi connection for employees and modern videoconferencing equipment for meeting rooms. Thanks to our extensive experience in network infrastructure and communication technologies, we provided the client with full support—from design to implementation—creating the foundation for a modern and efficient work environment while meeting their expectations.

Project implementation process

At the start of the project, we focused on designing the network infrastructure, including the optimal placement of access points and the selection of videoconferencing equipment for meeting rooms. The key priority was to ensure fast and reliable Wi-Fi coverage with high availability, seamless connectivity, and the integration of modern technologies into the office design.

During implementation, we deployed network switches, access points (APs), and videoconferencing devices. The project covered two floors of office space and included seven meeting rooms, all equipped in accordance with MOL Group’s technological standards. The entire implementation was carried out with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that the technologies were precisely tailored to the client’s specific needs and office layout.

As the project progressed, the client expressed interest in additional services, further deepening our collaboration. It included the delivery of digital information panels for shared spaces, necessary software licences, and optical modules for upgrading backbone connectivity. These additions helped create a workspace that is not only fully functional and representative, but also ready to meet future technological challenges.

The final solution enhances employee productivity and collaboration while setting a new standard for modern office environments across the MOL Group. By implementing cutting-edge technologies and taking a comprehensive approach, we created a workspace that meets the demands of a dynamic work environment, ensuring overall user satisfaction. The results are evident, as demonstrated by this reference.

Results and benefits

modern technology

fast and stable connectivity with high availability

more efficient and seamless online collaboration

Customer Profile

MOL Czech Republic is part of the international MOL Group. With more than 300 service stations, it is the second-largest operator of service station networks on the Slovak market. MOL also holds a strong position in the wholesale sector, ranking among the leading companies in the distribution and sale of motor fuels, industrial and aviation fuels, and lubricants. The ambition of the MOL Group in the Czech Republic is to become the vendor of first choice for customers.

Technologies used

Cisco, Samsung

SUDOP PRAHA modernizes its IT infrastructure: Faster data transfer and improved document availability

SUDOP PRAHA modernizes its IT infrastructure: Faster data transfer and improved document availability

We have had a very positive experience with both NetApp disk arrays and the support provided by Soitron colleagues over the long term. They are reliable, fast, and as far as maintenance is concerned, we could basically forget that we have them. 

Ondrej Veselý, Head of IT Department 

Background

SUDOP PRAHA a. s. as a design, consulting and engineering company works with vast numbers of documents. To store and manage them, they require sufficient storage capacity provided by disk arrays. As the existing solution no longer met their needs, the company decided to invite tenders. Through this process, they sought a reliable IT partner to oversee the renewal of their disk arrays and expand their capacity. With our extensive experience we won the tender and took responsibility for the project.

Project implementation process

At the beginning of the project, we mapped the existing configuration of the disk arrays. This was followed by an analysis of the necessary next steps. We reviewed all the details and proposed the best possible solution. As part of the project, we created a separate backup link between the server rooms to ensure higher reliability. We connected the disk arrays to two server rooms to achieve redundancy. This means that if one server were to fail, the data would still be available from the other location, enhancing the system security.

Next, we integrated the arrays into the network infrastructure and, in collaboration with the NetApp technology distributor, configured the solution in line with the customer’s requirements. The result was upgraded disk arrays with new functionalities, expanded capacity, and fivefold increase in data transfer speed.

Results and benefits

efficient expansion of storage capacity

higher data transfer speeds

fast availability of stored data

array connection redundancy

Customer Profile

SUDOP PRAHA a.s. is a design, consulting, and engineering company specializing in comprehensive solutions for transportation infrastructure, particularly railway, road, and highway construction, as well as urban public transport systems. Other areas of expertise of SUDOP PRAHA a.s. include designing residential and industrial buildings, utility networks, telecommunications, and energy systems. The company also provides consulting services focused on regional development, transport system services, and project financing.

Technologies used

NetApp

Migration of IT infrastructure to the cloud for Gotec Group

Migration of IT infrastructure to the cloud for Gotec Group

Build a new infrastructure using a cloud-first approach allows us to grow globally as a company being able to support our growth and future needs. Soitron has been a valuable partner throughout this journey providing expertise and solutions for our challenges. 

Daniel Walendy, Chief Information Officer  

Background

The Gotec Group operates in 12 countries, with each of its 17 subsidiaries having historically had its own IT policy for infrastructure procurement, management and administration. However, this decentralized approach was often inefficient, time-consuming, and problematic. Thus, the primary requirement from the customer was to centralize infrastructure and access to the corporate IT strategy.  We proposed a complete migration of their IT environment to the cloud as the most suitable solution.

The customer contacted our office in Poland directly regarding several projects that needed to be addressed. Gotec Group was looking for a reliable provider capable of overseeing multiple areas simultaneously while also providing IT consulting. Thanks to our broad portfolio of services and solutions, we were able to meet these needs and consult on individual parts. Additionally, our similar geographical coverage also contributed to Gotec choosing us as a partner.

In terms of infrastructure projects, it is one of our first customers to migrate the majority of its infrastructure to the cloud.

Project implementation process

The migration to the cloud was conducted in several phases. The customer chose the company headquarters in Wülfrath, Germany, as the pilot office for the complete migration. The US and China offices followed next.

The migration of the German headquarters was preceded by an audit of the internal IT environment, which included summarizing the various individual infrastructure elements, backup processes, disaster recovery plan, network infrastructure, monitoring, applications, databases, security systems, and existing cloud solutions. This was followed by a comprehensive analysis of the customer’s IT environment and its readiness for cloud migration.

Based on the findings, we developed a solution design and a detailed migration plan to the AZURE cloud environment. After completing the preparatory phase regarding their existing infrastructure, the actual migration began.

A similar approach was applied to the migration of the IT environment of the US branch. An interesting aspect of the project that involved the Chinese branch was the creation of Microsoft Azure, which is isolated from the rest of the Microsoft Azure infrastructure.

All tasks of the preparatory phase as well as the migration itself were conducted remotely.

The project of migrating the IT infrastructure to the cloud was also noteworthy as it brought together know-how from our multiple specialist departments. The joint efforts of our colleagues from the Infrastructure department (servers, Active Directory, synchronization of local solutions to the cloud), Security (Fortinet Firewall, VPN access, access management), Networking (infrastructure segmentation and communication), Outsourcing, and the Smart Solution division led to the successful completion of the project and satisfaction of our client.

As part of the security solutions for the AZURE CLOUD, we offered the customer the option to classify and protect all documents and emails using content labelling. In addition to the migration, we also assist Gotec Group in developing their own ERP applications.

Results and benefits

simplified infrastructure management

better overview of resources in use

enhanced security

access to modern services

Customer Profile

The GOTEC Group is the world’s leading specialist for surface treatments and application of bonding agents for rubber-metal and plastic parts. It is an important partner for the international automotive industry. Presently, the company has 17 offices in 12 different countries across Europe, America, with headquarters in Wülfrath, Germany.

Technologies used

Microsoft Azure IaaS
Microsoft Azure China IaaS
Fortinet Firewall in Microsoft Azure

International engineering company HD Hyundai Infracore Europe has a new warehouse with state-of-the-art network infrastructure

International engineering company HD Hyundai Infracore Europe has a new warehouse with state-of-the-art network infrastructure

I would like to thank Soitron for the excellent, professional, and, most importantly, successful cooperation on the project in Boom, Belgium. In this location we have a new warehouse that required various tasks, including the installation and commissioning of the internal network, infrastructure design, and hardware supply. Communication with Soitron IT specialists was professional, fast and friendly. They had the whole project well thought out and prepared. They successfully completed all the required work and were willing to help with things above and beyond their duties, which I greatly appreciate. 

Milan Paták, IT Operation Specialist 

Background

The European branch of HD Hyundai Infracore Europe s.r.o. oversaw the construction of a new warehouse in Boom, Belgium. As part of the project, they were looking for a reliable IT partner to deliver the network infrastructure. We were successful in the tender procedure, which made it possible for us to help them build a warehouse from scratch. We provided our technological and consulting services to the customer.

Project implementation process

At the beginning of the project, we developed the network infrastructure design and topology. With our extensive experience in similar projects, we were able to recommend the most optimal installation of switches, access points (APs), and cabling to the customer. The installation plan included a very detailed description of the component layout in a warehouse of approximately 25,000 square metres.

For the best possible Wi-Fi signal coverage, we proposed installing APs with directional antennas within the warehouse, which are specifically designed to cover narrow spaces between high racks. For open spaces such as offices we recommended standard APs.  We took the same careful approach when selecting switches to cover two server rooms and the entire warehouse.

We also integrated their automated Kardex Shuttle warehouse system into the warehouse spaces via the network infrastructure and developed an IP plan and network segmentation according to customer’s requirements.

We supplied the customer with both the infrastructure and terminal devices. We equipped the warehouse with barcode scanners and the offices with laptops.

In this international project, we also collaborated with other subcontractors. We communicated with a Belgian cabling company and the telecommunications company AT&T as the MPLS service provider. As part of consultations, we also helped the customer select a solution from an internet provider in Belgium.

Results and benefits

designing a reliable network infrastructure

help in building a new warehouse

supply of suitable hardware

provision of technology and consulting services

Customer Profile

HD Hyundai Infracore Europe s.r.o. is part of the global engineering brand HD Hyundai Infracore. The parent company is based in Korea. Over its many years of operation, it has established a strong position in all business areas of its specialisation, such as the manufacture of construction equipment, engines, accessories, and utility equipment. This international company has a network of local offices and warehouses all over the world.

Technologies used

Cisco technology, HPE server, Zebra barcode scanners, Dell notebooks

The manufacturing plant Brovedani Slovakia has acquired new infrastructure

The manufacturing plant Brovedani Slovakia has acquired new infrastructure

The Brovedani Slovakia plant is undergoing an important digital transformation including all production processes and the entire structure. That's why we needed to update our infrastructure and integrate digital technology into all our processes to implement projects safely and achieve the right performance. As our professional partner, Soitron guided us through all phases of the project with expertise and precision. With SLA Gold, Soitron continues to have everything under control on a day-to-day basis. 

Edoardo Mascherin, Lean Manufacturing & Industry 4.0 manager 

Background

We helped Brovedani Slovakia to build a new virtualization infrastructure, which ensures the operation of all systems of the manufacturing plant. As the original systems were obsolete, both in terms of hardware and software, they had to be replaced with a newer solution. The modernization was brought about by a complete replacement of both hardware and software components of the virtualization platform.

Project implementation process

During the presales phase, we presented the proposed solution to the customer and explained its advantages. Throughout the process, Soitron provided expert consultations, as part of which we discussed the complete implementation step by step. The main challenge for us was the implementation part – important components of the new solution had to run on one of the original servers after implementation, while the server was simultaneously used for production applications until the last moment.

In addition, we had to be careful not to disrupt production, which was running 24×7. Our team carried out the replacement without any downtime. The project also included a partial extension of the network infrastructure. In conjunction with/Together with this project there was also another one – backing up the new virtual environment.

Results and benefits

a more modern and reliable solution

more efficient system operation

Gold SLA agreement

Customer Profile

Brovedani Slovakia s.r.o. is part of the Brovedani Group SpA based in Italy. In Slovakia, it specializes in mass production of metal micro-components for the automotive industry. It is one of the most important employers in the Galanta area.

Technologies used

HPE ProLiant servers, VMware vSphere virtualization platform, VSAN solution from VMware

Firewalls by Palo Alto Networks protect IT and OT networks in a manufacturing company

Firewalls by Palo Alto Networks protect IT and OT networks in a manufacturing company

Thanks to the expertise and experience of our technicians, the deployment of the new solution was carried out quickly and seamlessly, without affecting the normal 24/7 production operations. 

Soitron team 

Background

A Slovak manufacturing company with 1,500 employees, part of an international group, was looking for a suitable firewall solution. One of the essential requirements for the chosen solution was to meet a number of next-gen functionalities. The legacy solution was outdated and not compliant with the current requirements. The client requested application-level visibility and a higher level of security.

Project Progress

We proposed a new technological solution based on Palo Alto Networks firewalls. The solution we provided to the client was the current market-leader in terms of firewall security. One of the main requirements of the client was to have separate firewalls for IT and OT networks, i.e. to have a separate network environment for managing industrial production technology elements.

This made it possible to achieve an even higher level of security against potential cyber threats and to make the environment more resilient against outages. The challenge was not to disrupt production processes.

Results and Benefits

high level of security

greater application-level visibility

more resilient environment against potential cyber threats

replacement of traditional firewalls with next generation firewalls

Technologies Used

Firewall Palo Alto Networks

Remoska launches a revolution in manufacturing with modern IT systems

Remoska launches a revolution in manufacturing with modern IT systems from Soitron

Our vision was to build a plant with world-class industrial automation technologies that is fully digitalized and well-secured against cyber threats, and potential technological failures that could disrupt production continuity. 

Petr Vaněček, CEO and Managing Director 

Background

The traditional Czech brand Remoska needed to build a new greenfield plant to expand their capacity and maintain competitiveness. The intention of the company’s management was to use cutting-edge technologies for industrial automation, robotization and digitalization in the new factory. Remoska decided to select through a selection procedure a technological partner for the architectural design, project management, and the implementation of information, communication, and software technologies. Strong security was one of the key requirements.

Project implementation

Soitron experts designed a modern and secure technology architecture to keep costs under control, including virtualization, the use of existing servers, and the integration of Software as a Service (SaaS) services, such as Microsoft 365.

The digitalization included building a network communication infrastructure, establishing an on-premise data centre with cloud integration, deployment of energy monitoring (IoT), implementation of cyber security measures, implementation of IP telephony, coordination and integration of systems such as ERP, MES (Manufacturing Execution System), warehouse management, and attendance.

Results and benefits

increasing competitiveness, sustaining production in Europe

process improvement, better production planning and streamlining

high security and minimization of downtime risks

energy consumption optimisation

Soitron was responsible for integrating and aligning all systems and technologies

Customer profile

Remoska s.r.o. is a traditional Czech producer of quality kitchenware with more than 65 years of tradition. It produced its first baking pan as early as 1957. Later, production expanded to include a new line of pots, pans, kitchen accessories, stainless steel cookware and electrical dishes. Today, Remoska is a renowned brand that offers new trends in modern cooking. In Kopřivnica, it built a new production plant with top technology. A new division of the company – EFC Design, dealing with OEM production, was also created. They organize their own cooking school in the professionally equipped culinary centre.

Technologies used

Cisco HyperFlex, Cisco UCS, HyperFlex Data Platform, Cisco ISE, VMware vSphere, Microsoft 365, Azure AD Premium, LoRaWAN

Read more

We deployed a software-defined architecture in our network

BY DEPLOYING SOFTWARE-DEFINED ARCHITECTURE, WE HAVE CONFIRMED OUR POSITION AS A NETWORKING TECHNOLOGY PIONEER

As a progressive IT company, we recognize the need for technological change in the world of networking technologies. That is why we decided to switch to software-defined networking, being one of the first companies in Slovakia and the Czech Republic to do so. We tested the transition to SDA on our own infrastructure so that we could later capitalize on this experience with our clients. We are now looking back and evaluating the benefits brought to us by this change.
Case study was published 02.09.2022

REQUIREMENTS

  • The update of Soitron’s network infrastructure after the end of its life cycle
  • Testing the new architecture of software-defined networks for themselves in order to acquire necessary competencies and be able to use it for their customers
  • One of the objectives was to increase security and simplify network management at a time when the nature of work and the working habits of users were changing

SOLUTION

  • The complete modernization of Cisco network technologies in three countries and on four separate sites
  • The deployment of the Cisco DNA orchestrator to make the infrastructure management easier and more efficient

RESULTS AND BENEFITS

Streamlined infrastructure deployment

More effective troubleshooting and resolving of technical problems

Simplified infrastructure management

Saving administrators’ time by up to 60 and even 80 %.

Help with issue prediction and outage prevention

Read more

The new headquarters cannot do without first-class network connectivity

The new Doosan Bobcat EMEA headquarters cannot do without first-class network connectivity

The world’s largest manufacturer of compact loaders and excavators, Doosan Bobcat, is a household name in the industry. Over some time, the company has built a unique campus in Dobříš, bringing to one place a manufacturing facility, a development and innovation centre, a dealer training centre (the Bobcat Institute), and the most recent addition – its EMEA regional headquarters. In 2017, its EMEA headquarters were relocated from Waterloo in Belgium to Dobříš in the Czech Republic, which marked one of the most important milestones in the company’s history. Soitron had been involved in this.
Case study was published 11.08.2021

REQUIREMENTS

  • Design and implement a LAN network infrastructure in the newly-built headquarters of Doosan Bobcat, a manufacturer of compact construction machines
  • Connect the headquarters with existing buildings
  • Build Wi-Fi connectivity for the entire campus
  • Equip 26 conference rooms and the auditorium in the new headquarters building with state-of-the-art audio and video equipment a room booking system

SOLUTION

  • Connect the new headquarters with 10 GB fibre optic routes
  • Design and implement a LAN infrastructure based on Cisco technologies with 720 gigabit ports with PoE support
  • Provide Wi-Fi signal coverage for the building and the entire campus
  • Deploy Cisco Prime Infrastructure software for more effective infrastructure management

RESULTS AND BENEFITS

The headquarters is equipped with modern, fast, and reliable network connectivity.

There are highly presentable and modern meeting rooms.

There is a simplified network management.

The infrastructure has been put in place to ensure teleconferencing and the high productivity of people in their day-to-day work.

Read more

The Wi-Fi network by Soitron and Cisco was starring at the World Cup in Jasná

The Wi-Fi network by Soitron and Cisco was starring at the World Cup in Jasná

When Petra Vlhová crossed the finish line in the Giant Slalom race of the Alpine Ski World Cup in Jasná and found out that she had won, she started crying. At that moment, not only were the emotions of the Slovak skier maxed out. The load on the LAN and Wi-Fi communication network built by Soitron and Cisco as a custom solution for the event organiser, Tatry Mountain Resorts, was also running at full capacity. Video footage of the race, interviews, commentaries, and news articles were streamed to the whole world. The communication infrastructure passed successfully this final stress test.
Case study was published 26.07.2021

REQUIREMENTS

  • Provide Wi-Fi connectivity for the indoor and outdoor areas of the Jasná resort for the women’s Alpine Ski World Cup event
  • Provide Internet access for the entire organisational team, television crews, journalists, paramedics, and other championship participants (not including spectators)
  • Provide a LAN cable connection in selected areas

SOLUTION

  • Design and install a professional Wi-Fi network powered by state-of-the-art Cisco hardware designed for demanding industrial environments
  • Rent approximately forty hardware units worth 100 thousand euros for the period of the championship

RESULTS AND BENEFITS

Provided the connectivity necessary for organising the world-class event.

Ensured the smooth operation of the championship from the technical point of view.

Read more

TV markíza has a high-capacity transport network for data transmission

TV MARKÍZA HAS A HIGH-CAPACITY TRANSPORT NETWORK FOR DATA TRANSMISSION

TV Markíza is keeping up with modern technologies. In their industry, ensuring the highest quality video and sound transmission into our living rooms is basically a must. We often cannot even imagine what it takes to be able to do that from a technical point of view.
Case study was published 26.02.2021

REQUIREMENTS

  • Enable the transmission of large amounts of production data required for broadcasting (streams, videos, and other recordings to be sent to the production team for editing and display in broadcasts)
  • Ensure data transport between four sites: Záhorská Bystrica (TV headquarters), NAD (metropolitan studios), and the Sitel and Six peering centres

SOLUTION

  • A new Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) network
  • The DWDM network’s utilization of fibre optic cables, which are leased by the client under a long-term contract
  • The technology used: Nokia’s Photonic Service Switch (PSS)

RESULTS AND BENEFITS

Having built their own transport DWDM network, TV Markíza no longer needs to lease such a network ”as a service” from other suppliers.

In obtaining a high-capacity transport network for data transmission, a DWDM network can use one optical path for multiple communication streams and thus multiply its capacity.

Two-way data transmission is now redundant.

There is an optional further increase of the network transmission capacity in the future if necessary, and this change can be implemented easily and quickly.