Challenge.

To develop and manufacture the highly specialised machinery and processing systems used in the fresh-cut industry, KRONEN relies on an IT environment that works reliably across all locations, whether at its headquarters in Kehl, with its warehouse, administration and production facilities, or at its machining site nearby. At the same time, the company must meet stringent security requirements. Rather than simply modernising its existing infrastructure, KRONEN wanted to create a future-ready IT environment built around a clearly structured network that would minimise administrative effort while providing the flexibility to grow alongside the business. The longer-term goal was also to transfer day-to-day infrastructure management to a trusted partner, allowing the internal IT team to focus more fully on innovation and the continued development of the company’s systems and services.

We are extremely pleased with our collaboration with Bechtle. The project ran smoothly from the outset, and we felt well supported throughout, with implementation completed on schedule and within the agreed budget. We look forward to continuing our partnership and further reducing the workload of our internal IT team through the planned managed services, allowing us to proactively address the skills shortage.

Frank Wickersheim, Head of IT, KRONEN GmbH

Solution.

KRONEN and Bechtle began the project with a joint workshop to assess the existing network infrastructure and define the requirements for the future environment. Discussions focused on how different parts of the business communicate with one another, where network segmentation was required, which security standards needed to be met and how the infrastructure should support the company’s long-term objectives. Based on these requirements, Bechtle evaluated a range of vendors before LANCOM was selected. Using LANCOM’s Germany-developed networking components, Bechtle modernised the entire network infrastructure across both KRONEN sites, installing 11 switches and 12 access points. As part of the project, Bechtle also designed the segmentation of production, warehousing, administration and other business areas. The resulting network structure provides clearly separated environments and further strengthens security across the organisation. KRONEN manages the new infrastructure through the LANCOM Management Cloud, which provides a central platform for monitoring and administering all switches and access points across both locations. When required, Bechtle can also access the environment directly through the platform to support the internal IT team. The infrastructure is therefore already prepared for the next stage of the partnership, with managed services planned for the future.

Business benefits.

  • Centralised management – All network components across both sites can be managed and monitored through the LANCOM Management Cloud.
  • Ready for managed services – The network infrastructure has already been prepared for the planned introduction of managed services.
  • Professional firewall configuration – Best-practice firewall implementation helps ensure a secure and reliable network environment.
  • Fast support when needed – Monitoring of all components and direct access to the infrastructure enable Bechtle to provide targeted support for the internal IT team.
  • Enhanced network security – Clearly separated network segments help meet current security requirements and strengthen the overall security posture.
  • Future-ready infrastructure – A modern network foundation that can adapt to future business, security and operational requirements.