Collaboration

POK PÜHRINGER GROUP: The Modern Work platform as a digital hub

The Swiss POK Pühringer Group operates several associated companies in different industry segments.

Initial situation

As part of the migration to the Microsoft 365 world, the POK Pühringer Group wanted to optimize cross-company collaboration and communication. In doing so, the various requirements of the subsidiaries had to be taken into account.

Approach

With MondayCoffee's out-of-the-box Modern Workplace solution, the objectives and needs of the portfolio companies were translated into typical collaboration and communication scenarios, digitally visualized and made tangible. Thus, we were able to discuss the different use cases with group and company representatives live on the system, gather experiences and further develop them. Step by step and using the "build-test-learn" approach, we configured a suitable, standardized digital working environment (named ‘RIC hub’) for the POK Pühringer Group and anchored the new way of working in the organization.

Results

Today, almost all affiliated companies work with the RIC Hub. The various companies use virtual workspaces that are CI/CD-compliant and at the same time structured according to a uniform and group-wide concept. Transparency has been increased with the RIC Hub. An overview of all projects and topics in the Group is now quickly created, making it easier to realize synergies and better exploit potential.

*currently only available in German

LETI PHARMA GMBH: Simplifying work with a modern way of working

 

LETI Pharma Gmbh is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Spain. The company's mission is to help people with atopic diseases and enable them to enjoy a better quality of life.

LETI wanted to facilitate collaboration between project groups and departments and provide a central information platform (named ‘Letizia 2.0’) for its approximately 78 employees. With the introduction of Letizia 2.0, data silos were dissolved and it was ensured that documents and information are centrally stored, edited and shared in the latest version. Today, employees can work efficiently as individual workers, in teams, and on projects, regardless of location, time, and device.

*currently only available in German

DOSENBACH OCHSNER AG: A modern communication & collaboration platform

 

In 1973, Dosenbach became a member of the Deichmann Group. Today, Dosenbach has over 200 stores throughout Switzerland with over 1500 employees. Dosenbach is the market leader in the Swiss shoe market and convinces its customers with fashionable shoes at reasonable prices in good quality.

MondayCoffee supports Dosenbach-Ochsner Switzerland in introducing a modern way of working. In only 8 months a modern communication and collaboration platform was set up. The digital workplace project was initiated by Sascha Bader, Head of E-Commerce & CRM. We interviewed Sascha Bader, Head of E-Commerce & CRM, and Stefan Küppers, CFO, about the project.

*currently only available in German

SWISS UNIHOCKEY: Modern Work in the sports association as a shining example

 

The Swiss Floorball Federation swiss unihockey was founded in 1985 in Sarnen and has been a member of the Swiss Olympic Association (SOA) since 1989. With 397 clubs, 2,196 teams, 33,321 licensed players and 1,427 referees (as of 2021), swiss unihockey is today the second largest team sports association in Switzerland.

Initial situation

Remote work, pandemics and the increasingly digitalized environment posed new challenges on swiss unihockey. The existing IT structures were well established, but outdated and inconsistent. Various individual solutions caused high friction losses in daily work.

Approach

With the implementation of the modern workplace solution SUN Net (based on CoffeeNet 365), the responsible team developed three important use cases that were integrated and rolled out as templates in the new platform. Various stand-alone solutions were replaced with Microsoft solutions so that all technologies could work together seamlessly in the new platform. During the entire process there was an intensive knowledge exchange and ongoing consulting by MondayCoffee.

Results

Today swiss unihockey uses a platform that is modern, pragmatic and solution-oriented and provides the appropriate templates. Employees and officials have the possibility to work from anywhere. Meetings can be organized with just a few clicks using the meeting app. In addition, there is now simple and effective communication & collaboration within the organization and in projects.

*currently only available in German

SBB CARGO INTERNATIONAL: New opportunities for ideal collaboration

 

SBB Cargo International was founded in 2010 and has since become the market leader in freight transport on the north-south axis with its subsidiaries in Italy, Germany and the Netherlands. The company is geared to the needs of its customers with its offerings of combined transport, chemical and oil transport, new car and spot transport.

Initial situation

SBB Cargo International had been using the CoffeeNet aka Alpnet modern workplace solution since 2016. The company took the change from SharePoint Classic to SharePoint Modern as an opportunity to re-evaluate its previous use of Alpnet. Existing gaps were quickly identified and goals set to close them again.

Solution

For the technical migration to SharePoint Modern, MondayCoffee had developed an upgrade path that allowed the company to seamlessly move to the new platform and immediately reap the benefits of mobility and innovation from Microsoft. In the course of the migration, they particularly appreciated that as an SME they could stay very close to MondayCoffee's proven standard. In parallel, the project participants worked together to design a training concept in order to train the entire office staff in the optimal use of Alpnet in close cooperation by the end of the year.

Results

Today, SBB Cargo International benefits from Alpnet in a new look, with new feat7res and, thanks to comprehensive training, with a higher adoption rate. Working closely together, the project team managed to overcome all unforeseen challenges in the project and to find custom-fit solutions.

*currently only available in German

WZW OPTIC AG: Applied digital transformation

 

For over 50 years, WZW OPTIC AG has been manufacturing high-precision optical components and assemblies for high-tech industrial customers from all over the world. Each piece that the more than 60 employees produce is unique. Made in Switzerland - in Balgach, in the middle of the Swiss Rhine valley

As a leading European manufacturer of ultra-high precision optics, the company set itself the goal of modernizing its corporate IT infrastructure and creating a working environment that would simplify and promote communication and collaboration.

MondayCoffee modernized the IT infrastructure at WZW OPTIC AG and supported the company in introducing a modern way of working with the help of the Modern Workplace solution CoffeeNet 365.

*currently only available in German

EW BUCHS: An essential step towards an agile workplace

 

The Electricity and Water Works of the City of Buchs (EWB) was founded in 1902 and today employs approximately 130 people. The main duties of the EWB include the construction and further development, operation and maintenance of the infrastructure for the provision of water, electricity and ITC supply as well as the necessary services.

Starting point

EWB aimed to modernize the working environment and achieve a sustainable cultural change in the sense of "New Work" within the company. The focus was on internal knowledge sharing and knowledge management in general, cross-departmental and paperless collaboration, uncomplicated and secure collaboration with external parties, and increased productivity with the help of Microsoft 365.

Approach

With the Modern Workplace solution CoffeeNet 365, a proven collaboration platform with best-practice-spaces. The new Modern Workplace consists of digital spaces for work groups, projects, meetings, organizational areas and products.

Results

EWB was able to improve the collaboration culture with the help of the new collaboration platform and thus realize a significant step towards an agile workplace. Working and collaborating are more efficient today: Previously, everyone communicated primarily via email and documents existed in different versions that had to be consolidated. Today, virtually everything happens online, centralized and in real time.

*currently only available in German

QUANT AG: From customer to partner

 

As an innovation, development and implementation agency, Quant AG supports companies, associations, communities and regional authorities as well as non-profit organizations in strategic development, positioning and transformation processes, and marketing, sales and communication measures.

Quant was looking for a digital work platform for collaboration and communication with each other as well as with customers and partners. The modern workplace solution for SMEs EspressoNet 365 met their requirements. Today, they also use EspressoNet 365 to support their own customers in digitizing the workplace and accompany them in this change process.

*currently only available in German

STADTWERKE KIEL: A new level of communication and collaboration

 

As a regionally anchored energy supplier, Stadtwerke Kiel, part of the MVV Energie Group, and its almost 1,000 employees supply electricity, water, gas and district heating to the capital of Schleswig-Holstein and the surrounding region.

Starting point

As for many other companies, the technical requirements for modern digital working have been a challenge. In particular, there was a need for consolidating the heterogeneous tool landscape in the area of collaboration as well as Microsoft products.

Approach

With the implementation of the modern workplace solution Kiel CONNECT (CoffeeNet 365), the aim was to create the basis and drivers for cultural change at Stadtwerke Kiel as part of the digitalization process. Important requirements for this were the establishment of a new level of collaboration based on the new platform and in combination with high usability as well as low time-to-market for the new technologies.

Results

At Stadtwerke Kiel AG, communication and collaboration were significantly improved. Especially in daily work, Kiel CONNECT offers considerable added value to the employees, which is also supported by the high acceptance. With the new working environment, Stadtwerke Kiel AG has implemented an important part of its digitization strategy and can now build on this to specifically digitize further business processes.

*currently only available in German

RHOMBERG BAU: Redefining the interaction between process, people and technology

Rhomberg+Bau+1.jpg
Rhomberg+Logo+(2).png
 

The Rhomberg Bau Group is an internationally operating family-owned construction company. The group of companies specializes in the areas of construction, resources as well as railroad technology.

Initial situation

The Rhomberg Bau Group was struggling with the challenge of a wide variety of systems for communication and document storage. As well as inefficient cross-company collaboration or the hidden and undivided knowledge of experts. Access to company information independent of location and time therefore proved to be increasingly critical for successful project execution.

Approach

With the introduction of the collaboration platform, named RHome, the interaction between process, people and technology was redefined. Ideas and approaches were repeatedly evaluated by the project participants and thus shaped the project mission as well as the implementation. Rhomberg was able to test the functionalities and the expected effects on the live system with employees during the implementation.

Results

RHome was accompanied by a digitalization of business and support processes. With the help of the new technology, processes in the construction projects were standardized. Whereas in the past each team pursued its own project, today there is an efficient group standard. On the digital work platform, employees can communicate with each other, collaborate and access and share knowledge - easily, quickly and independent of time and place.

*currently only available in German.

How to achieve the digital workplace: A conversation with EPRO GROUP

EPRO+Blog+Pic.jfif

Simon Locher, Business Consultant at MondayCoffee, introduced the Modern Workplace Solution CoffeeNet 365 at EPRO GROUP, an independent group consisting of four Swiss engineering companies. 

The goal was to further standardize and digitize collaboration and make it more efficient within the group and on projects and to merge stand-alone solutions in a user-centric way. Alain Schlunegger, project manager on the customer side and member of the management board at EPRO GROUP, is satisfied with the result. MondayCoffee consultant Simon Locher still speaks highly of the project. A conversation with the customer and our consultant about the requirements for a good collaboration and important success factors when changing working methods.


Alain Schlunegger (EPRO GROUP) and Simon Locher (MondayCoffee)

Alain Schlunegger (EPRO GROUP) and Simon Locher (MondayCoffee)

Mr. Schlunegger, project management on the customer side is a key success factor for our projects. The introduction of our Modern Workplace solution at EPRO GROUP went really well - because you took on the role of project manager in an exemplary manner, as our Business Consultant Simon Locher says. In your view, what does a project manager need to bring to the table in order to make the modernization of the way we work a success?

Alain Schlunegger: A vision, a hard deadline and a huge commitment.  

Digitization is part of EPRO GROUP's vision and the entire management is behind this vision. In addition to business processes, we also set out to further digitize internal work processes. This is where we picked up with the Modern Workplace project:  

We had only six months to introduce the Modern Workplace solution (under the name EPRONET). On January 1, 2021, the EPRO GROUP companies were united under one roof. We had to take advantage of this opportunity - and it gave us a lot of drive. To accomplish this, one thing was needed above all: commitment - from me personally, from my colleagues at EPRO GROUP, and of course from Simon as a consultant.  

In my opinion, project management is less about professional competence (that's what consulting is for) and more about the will to change things. Of course, you only have the will if you are supported and have the authority to make decisions. That was the case for us.  

Simon Locher: I can only agree with that. Making decisions is so important - you can always make adjustments later on. I would add 'business know-how' to the profile of an ideal project manager. Alain knows every corner of his business. This deep understanding of the business was very helpful. It also allowed us to engage the right stakeholders at the right moment. 

EPRO+Blog+1.png

Alain Schlunegger: A decision is better than none. We decided some things at the beginning without knowing exactly what they meant. Because in the beginning, a lot of things are still very theoretical. I was relieved when we then switched to 'doing' and I noticed in the test environment that the decisions were correct and worked. For me, the step from concept to practice could have been even faster. After all, it's only in reality that you can really communicate what's going to be different and demonstrate best practices.

Mr. Schlunegger, you have devoted a lot of time to the project. We are often asked how much capacity such a project requires. Can you quantify your effort in these six months?  

Alain Schlunegger: Between 20 and 40 %. Especially towards the end, it got pretty intense. 

 

Simon, you also put your heart and soul into it. You felt like an intern at EPRO GROUP. That is not a given for a consultant. What defines a constructive and successful collaboration between consultant and client?  

Simon Locher: Mutual trust is the key. It starts with giving each other the feeling that we are working together towards a mutual goal. Then, of course, there is communication - which can sometimes go beyond business.  

What I also experienced in a very positive way at EPRO GROUP is the evaluation of success and failure. We had successful phases in the project, but also unpleasant issues, which we dealt with constructively. Everyone did their best to solve the problems and continue to pursue the goals that had been set. 

Alain Schlunegger: We are an SME. There is only one direction - forward. And at full speed. Performance orientation is above everything. Simon shared this attitude. 

We took the employees by the hand and paid great attention to ensuring that they were provided with as much as possible - in other words, they only had to start practicing.
— Alain Schlunegger

And are you satisfied with the service, Mr. Schlunegger? What are you particularly proud of when you look back on the EPRONET's launch? 

Alain Schlunegger: Yes, I am satisfied. I was particularly overwhelmed by the broad acceptance. There were some hesitations in the organization about IT projects. Even though EPRONET was not a classic IT project, it was seen as such. 

 

What did you do differently?  

EPRO+Blog+3.png

Alain Schlunegger: We took the employees by the hand and made sure that as much as possible was made available to them - in other words, they only had to start using it. I'll explain this briefly with an example: In our EPRONET, we have project workspaces for handling our projects. There are three different templates for these workspaces. Depending on the size, one of the three is chosen and the new project workspace is created. This is not done by the employee, but by a central point of contact (at the push of a button, by the way) - because when a new project is started, a number of other secondary processes come into play.  

Simon Locher adds: Therefore, for the employees, the processes are clear. They can concentrate on actually managing their project.  

The acceptance of the solution is also due in part to Alain as a role model. His enthusiasm resonated with the others. He also knew the organization so well that he always knew where the heat was and how to calm the waters. In the trainings we held, he was not only present, but he also took an active part. He picked up the participants on the vision, but was also able to answer everyday questions. That gave the employees a lot of reassurance. 

According to you, Simon, EPRO GROUP had committed itself to 'tagging' like almost no other company and had said goodbye to document folders and subfolders. How did you manage to do that? Replacing file servers and folders often proves to be one of the most difficult steps towards a digital way of working.  

EPRO+Blog+2.png

Alain Schlunegger: We had optimal conditions for this - the merger of the two companies. Both companies had completely different folder structures. What they had in common: Both were extremely complex. Tagging saved our day, but it also cost me a lot of time. I didn't want to start with just five tags and leave the rest to the employees, but rather provide and pre-structure as much as possible early on. 80% of our work is project documentation - with recurring tags. These had to be regulated.  

Simon Locher: Alain saw the advantages of tagging early on. But more importantly, he also dared to go down the path - and he was even able to convince the 'folder dinosaurs'. Mainly because he thought ahead of the tags. He didn't just make the announcement "starting tomorrow, we'll be tagging," but dove deep into the topic. This meant that even during training, for example, it was possible to concentrate on 'doing' and showing the benefits. 

Mr. Schlunegger, has tagging led to employees finding what they are looking for more quickly today? How do employees benefit from EPRONET?

EPRO+Blog+4.png

Alain Schlunegger: Yes, employees can access data and documents more quickly today. In contrast to the past, they always have access to everything, regardless of location. Here we have a clear efficiency gain.  

Today, all applications are integrated in one place and on one platform. In the past, you had to access different apps for different tasks. EPRONET does that for me and provides me for the task at hand with the right app in the background. 

Today, employees can access data and documents more quickly. Unlike in the past, they always have access to everything, regardless of location. Here we have a clear efficiency gain.
— Alain Schlunegger

One example is the planning, conducting and follow-up of meetings. In EPRONET, I do all this in one workspace. In the background, the necessary apps (OneNote; SharePoint; Planner) are automatically provided and used. The information is then immediately available to the right group of participants. 

 

The meeting functionality is eagerly used in EPRONET. Are there functionalities in EPRONET that you would have expected more of? 

Alain Schlunegger: Yes. We have the possibility to chat (Yammer) on the EPRONET's homepage. That hasn't worked so far. I assume that the users do not want to expose themselves too much. They prefer chatting within Microsoft Teams or project workspaces. We use the start page primarily for CEO communication. 

 

But you don't just use EPRONET internally; you also invite customers to project workspaces. Have you received any feedback from customers?  

 

Alain Schlunegger: We only use EPRONET occasionally for our customers, but we have already received very positive feedback. The customers appreciate always having everything at hand in one place. This transparency also creates trust. Of course, there are also 'dinosaurs' on the customer side - people who still prefer e-mail for everything. That requires a little more patience.  

With EPRONET, we have also been able to increase our internal quality standards. In the past, content was freely copied together. Today, it is very clear that we only use the documents on EPRONET.  

Another important benefit is that I can use EPRONET to present the services of all group companies in customer meetings. All companies are mapped on the EPRONET. As I said, we want the most up-to-date information to be available there at all times. This means that I can also pitch the offerings of my sister companies. In the past, this was done on demand: "Could you please ...?" or "I'll send you more documents." Today, this is possible without being asked. 

 

Simon, CoffeeNet 365 is delivered as an out-of-the-box solution. A kind of house with different rooms that can then be set up as desired by the users. What do you like most about setting up the EPRO GROUP solution? Are there any best practices that you can also recommend to other companies? 

 

Simon Locher: Definitely the tags, but also the standardized project templates. The effort to achieve a functional workspace should be miminal. We succeeded in doing that.  

Third, clear structures, a common goal, a common plan. This was the only way we could keep to the tight schedule as well as the costs. 

 

Mr. Schlunegger, EPRONET has been launched. What's next? 

Alain Schlunegger: Our vision extends beyond EPRONET. The digitization of our business processes continues.  

But even with EPRONET, there is still potential for optimization. We are collecting the topics that we still need to address in a central list. In particular, the topic of permissions will still absorb us a bit more.  

EPRO+Blog+6.png

In the future, we would also like to integrate quality management in EPRONET and map the processes there - in other words, connect the ou. This also plays a role with regard to ISO certification. But before we look too far into the future, at the moment we are primarily pleased that we have managed to take an important step in the digitization of the workplace – precisely on 1.1.2021. 

 
 
MondayCoffee_Logo_Black.png

DOSB: Moving away from a straight line organization and towards issue- and project-oriented collaboration

 

The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) is the main sports organization in Germany with 100 member organizations, around 90,000 clubs and over 27 million memberships. As part of the worldwide Olympic Movement, it continues to develop sport in all its forms.

Initial situation

At the DOSB, well-functioning cooperation between employees, member organizations and other external partners plays an important role. The DOSB therefore set itself the goal of promoting a modern and more agile form of working and developing the organization further in this direction.

Procedure

In the first step, mixed project teams defined the requirements by means of analysis and concept workshops. After a short time, the central, digital platform TeamPlay (CoffeeNet 365) was ready in the DOSB basic equipment and the pilot phase could begin. On the live system, the platform was equipped step by step and hands on according to the ideas of the DOSB and rolled out with intensive training in the organization.

Results

By replacing on-premise island solutions and file servers as well as third-party cloud services with the central platform on Microsoft 365 (TeamPlay), a new digital and modern way of working was enabled, collaboration internally and with external parties was improved and simplified, and organizational skills in using Office 365 were increased.

*currently only available in German

BÜHLER GROUP: Creating a future-oriented working environment for a digitally efficient organization

Bühler+Cube_Case+Study.jpg

Bühler is an internationally active Swiss technology group. As a global company with 13,000 employees in 140 countries, Bühler needed a single platform for information, communication, and collaboration among its workforce and with external stakeholders.

MondayCoffee's cloud software, which intelligently combines Microsoft's most important technologies on a user-friendly and standardized platform, enabled the company to access, share and distribute all relevant information and knowledge - anywhere and anytime. Global teams can work more efficiently and improve collaboration with customers, partners and suppliers. Bühler has created a future-proof working environment for a digitally efficient organization.


REICHLE & DE-MASSARI: Increased engagement and innovation power with the implementation of CoffeeNet 365

R%2526M%2BPic%2B1.jpg

Reichle & De-Massari AG has been developing and producing cabling solutions for high-end communication networks since 1964. With high product quality and innovative, future-oriented system design, the company ensures future-proof networks and long-term investment security. R&M is the market leader in Switzerland and one of the top players in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

To replace the SharePoint intranet on site with a modern, user-friendly platform with improved social communication options and thus promote internal communication and commitment, R&M decided to implement the CoffeeNet 365 collaboration solution.