thyssenkrupp Materials, a global leader in materials trading and distribution, relies on stable and efficient network connectivity across its numerous sites worldwide. Facing the challenges of managing a diverse infrastructure and seeking a more cost-effective solution, they embarked on a journey to standardize their network.
In this episode, we delve into thyssenkrupp Materials' strategic decision to embrace OpenWiFi, a move that has transformed their network infrastructure. We explore how they partnered with EPS Global to implement a software-defined LAN and OpenWiFi solution, achieving significant cost reductions, improved stability, and enhanced flexibility. Learn how ThyssenKrupp Materials is leveraging OpenWiFi to create a blueprint for scalable and cost-effective networking across their global operations.
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As we began planning the hardware refresh for our Wi-Fi infrastructure, we engaged EPS Global, specifically our contact in Germany, Frank Krämer. I outlined our requirements to Frank, emphasizing the need for a scalable and efficient software-defined solution to support our approximately 280 sites. We sought a solution that would seamlessly integrate with our existing infrastructure and meet our evolving needs. This consultation led to our introduction to the concept of OpenWiFi.
Initially, we explored the OpenWiFi solution and were immediately impressed by the significant price difference compared to our previous vendor. This prompted us to initiate a proof-of-concept phase, involving test deployments across several sites. This allowed us to gain hands-on experience and validate its suitability in collaboration with the business. The experience proved invaluable, revealing not only the effectiveness of the solution but also its remarkable flexibility. OpenWiFi offers a high degree of customization, enabling us to adapt and modify the solution to our specific needs. This flexibility extends to support options, with opportunities for self-management, commercial support, and community-based collaboration.
Given our time constraints and the complexity of the implementation, thyssenkrupp opted to leverage professional services from EPS Global. We value having a knowledgeable partner who can provide expert guidance and support throughout the deployment process. In particular, we appreciate Barry's contributions to the project, as he has been instrumental in delivering and implementing solutions tailored to our customers' needs.
The deployment process has been remarkably streamlined. We simply place the hardware order, and EPS Global manages the logistics, including direct shipment to the business sites. Our objective was to enable on-site personnel, even those without extensive technical expertise, to easily deploy the access points into the network. EPS Global handles all the preparatory steps, including software image management, comprehensive testing, serial number documentation, and controller onboarding. This ensures that the connection between the access point and the internet-based controller is fully operational before shipment, guaranteeing a functional device upon arrival.
This pre-deployment configuration and testing by EPS Global eliminates concerns about hardware defects or operational issues. We are confident that each access point arriving on-site is fully functional. The deployment instructions are straightforward: simply replace the existing access point, connect the cabling, and the new access point is operational. In fact, the most complex aspect of the entire process is often the need to drill new mounting holes due to variations in wall bracket compatibility.
The comprehensive preparation performed by EPS Global has resulted in a remarkably smooth and trouble-free installation process. This stands in stark contrast to our previous experiences with other vendors, where we frequently encountered issues such as coverage gaps, connection interruptions, and access points intermittently rebooting due to connectivity problems. The OpenWiFi solution has completely eliminated these issues, providing a consistently stable and reliable connection throughout our warehouses.
thyssenkrupp operates numerous large warehouses for material storage. Achieving consistent Wi-Fi coverage in these environments can be challenging, particularly when materials stacked high interfere with signal propagation. However, we have not observed these coverage limitations with the OpenWiFi solution. This improved performance, combined with the solution's economic advantages, makes it easier to address coverage concerns proactively. The significantly lower cost per access point enables us to deploy additional units strategically, ensuring optimal coverage in areas requiring greater signal strength.
The licensing costs and management associated with the OpenWiFi solution are also highly advantageous. We did encounter some transitional issues in areas where legacy and new systems overlapped with the same SSID. The lack of seamless handover between these distinct systems occasionally resulted in temporary connection drops for users with mobile devices. To mitigate this, we adopted a 'big bang' approach, replacing all access points in a given location after business hours to eliminate signal overlap and ensure a smooth transition.
As previously mentioned, the pre-configuration services provided by EPS Global have greatly simplified the deployment process. Compared to our experiences with other vendors, the OpenWiFi solution provides superior coverage and performance. Signal stability is paramount for our warehouse operations, where employees rely on handheld scanners connected to our SAP system to manage material loading. While bandwidth requirements in the warehouse are relatively low, our office environments demand greater bandwidth to support applications such as high-definition video conferencing and large file transfers to cloud storage.
The OpenWiFi solution effectively addresses the diverse needs of our users, providing both the high bandwidth required for office applications and the stable connectivity essential for warehouse operations. Moreover, we have realized a cost reduction of approximately 60% in both OPEX and CAPEX compared to our previous solutions. The business is highly satisfied with these savings and the improved service stability. In summary, the sites that have transitioned to OpenWiFi are performing exceptionally well, while the remaining sites running legacy solutions continue to experience challenges. We are actively working to migrate all sites to the OpenWiFi platform to resolve these issues and ensure consistent performance across our entire network.