Two men - 8 terabytes

The Hensoldt defense group relies on KGS and benefits from lean processes, less effort, reduced costs, great transparency and more flexibility.

Hensoldt, which was spun off from Airbus Defence and Space for sensor technology in 2017, had been using the established IBM FileNet P8 software solution for data and document archiving. However, they were not very satisfied with it because the solution is maintenance-intensive and expensive. Thomas Holzmann is SAP Basis Administrator at Hensoldt and did not want to accept this unsatisfactory situation any longer.

In a conversation with his provider, Datagroup, Holzmann learned about KGS's archiving tools. "Since our archiving exclusively concerns SAP, KGS' SAP partnership and the fact that it is a fully SAP-integrated solution were naturally attractive arguments"recalls Holzmann, who was involved in the decision-making process together with the project manager and an archiving manager. But he and his colleagues were particularly impressed by the price. Holzmann: "The cost ratio was 1:10 - that is, archiving with IBM FileNet P8 cost us ten times more than the KGS solution."

In December 2018, the concept was reviewed and in January 2019, the decision was made to introduce the document router, content server and migration solution. Preparations and implementation began in March 2019. At the beginning of July, archiving went live - initially for six months in parallel with FileNet operation. "We had previously arranged a PoC (proof of concept), which - in addition to the technical test - was like a training session for us, learning completely transparently and very clearly how to work with the tools ourselves"says the SAP Basis administrator.

They were very impressed by the simplicity, transparency and focus on the essentials. After the start of the migration, all data and documents - a total of 8 terabytes - were migrated to KGS within six weeks. It took two weeks for the ERP-relevant data and another three to four weeks for the PLM-relevant data. He classifies this migration project as transparent, comprehensible and very well documented, for which there was also praise and recognition from the IT management. "We also received final documentation tailored to audits by auditors, so it gives us peace of mind on that side as well."

Where previously a team from the external provider was required, two SAP Basis and IT infrastructure experts are now sufficient to archive the 8 terabytes of data. Only ten percent of the costs are incurred and archiving is leaner because an additional system level is eliminated.