IT has become an integral part of production. It is important that it functions reliably. The leading automotive supplier HELLA therefore relies on DATAGROUP for first generation outsourcing. The IT service provider operates servers, databases, storage and backup for HELLA in the DATAGROUP data centers and also takes over SAP Basis operations.
Setting up critical production systems for the future
In just-in-time production in the automotive industry, it is particularly important that the IT systems are set up for the future. This is because a failure can lead to disruptions in production that affect the automotive industry worldwide. However, in order to be able to keep IT systems up to date at all times in the future, HELLA would have had to significantly expand its IT department. HELLA recognized the need to focus its IT as an enabler for its core business and chose DATAGROUP as an IT service provider with the necessary expertise and resources to manage the IT landscape efficiently and effectively.
As part of the transition to IT outsourcing, DATAGROUP migrated around 200 SAP and 700 non-SAP systems to the CORBOX cloud. In addition, DATAGROUP took over the operation of around 400 databases (Oracle and MS-SQL) of the company.
A particular focus was on updating all systems to current and supported versions in order to ensure security and performance both now and in the future. Careful analysis of the existing systems, consolidation and upgrades enabled the number of servers to be significantly reduced by around 900.
Communication at eye level and successful project management
The transition, which began on June 1, 2021, spanned a period of around two years and, in addition to migrating and updating the systems, also included setting up the basic infrastructure, connecting third-party systems and customer tenants as well as security issues such as the right firewall configurations. The downtime of the critical infrastructure was reduced to an absolute minimum.
The complex project with over 200 project participants and contacts around the world was successfully completed within the specified time on 31.05.2023. The reasons for this were, on the one hand, the good preparation, in which realistic goals were set and the smooth communication. Cooperation took place on an equal footing in flat and effective structures, which enabled problems to be solved quickly.
Upon completion of the transition, DATAGROUP will take over the management of the IT infrastructure for HELLA with the CORBOX services Managed Server, Managed Storage, Managed Database, Managed Backup, SAP Operating and Hosting as well as the Service Desk Catch and Dispatch Service.
The project in figures
 200SAP systems |
 700Servers (non-SAP) |
 400Databases |
 2 yearsTransition |
"In DATAGROUP we found a partner who understood the criticality of our business and was always able to adapt to our requirements in the best possible way. Throughout the entire migration of our complex IT systems, we always felt well looked after and understood thanks to the open and solution-oriented communication."
About Hella
HELLA is a listed, internationally positioned automotive supplier that operates under the umbrella brand FORVIA. Within this de facto group, HELLA stands for high-performance lighting technology and vehicle electronics. At the same time, with its Lifecycle Solutions business group, the company covers a broad service and product portfolio for the spare parts and workshop business as well as for manufacturers of special vehicles. HELLA has 36,000 employees at over 125 locations worldwide.
