Data center reloaded: high-speed data and utmost security

TR-Electronic GmbH specializes in the automated measurement and control of machine processes. This calls for precision, quality, and state-of-the-art technology. Accordingly high demands are placed on the in-house IT, but that had become a bit outdated. MAIT delivered the rejuvenation treatment needed—and is happy to be measured by the results, even by a specialist like TR-Electronic.

Sector Measurement and control engineering

Region Baden-Wuerttemberg

Company size 300 employees

State-of-the-art measurement and control solutions for industrial applications are made in Trossingen. Here, on the edge of the Black Forest, TR-Electronic GmbH has been developing and producing its sensors and actuators for almost 30 years. The electronic components are used, for example, in the alignment of rotor blades in wind turbines and ensure the correct shaping of body parts on production lines in the automotive industry. They also enable goods to be transported smoothly in conveyor systems and high racks, and control and monitor pumps for supplying drinking water. Measurement and control systems for industrial processes are becoming more and more important in times of increasing automation and digitalization. Customers expect high standards of quality and precision. TR-Electronic's own standards are equally high at the very least: Zero-defect concepts and continuous improvement are fundamental to the quality management system—not just for products, but throughout the entire company.

At some point, TR-Electronic's network infrastructure no longer met these high quality standards. The cross-site network no longer satisfied the high requirements in terms of security and speed. The limited compatibility and outdated technology of the IT modules, as well as the decline in service availability, posed risks to ongoing business operations. It was clear to IT manager Ralf Messner that he had to act now. He wanted to renew the infrastructure in the data center, increase data speed, and eliminate the notorious bottlenecks in the network. It was also essential to make the network scalable over the years ahead. And in addition, the firewall needed to be renewed. In short: The entire IT system had to be future-proofed.

"The MAIT team demonstrated expertise and commitment—and quite simply presented the perfect solution for our individual requirements."

Ralf C. Messner

Head of IT at TR-Electronic GmbH

Future-proof IT ensures greater security and reduces costs

Sales Manager Selina Ehmer and Senior IT Architect Maik Petersen from MAIT in neighboring Rottweil were quickly able to convince Ralf Messner that they were the right people for this challenge: "Right from the initial consultation phase, the collaboration was extremely pleasant. The MAIT team demonstrated expertise and commitment—and quite simply presented the perfect solution for our individual requirements," says Ralf Messner. And what was that solution? "We standardized the TR-Electronic site network in Trossingen with its six construction phases. In addition, we consolidated the server and storage network consisting of two data centers. This means lower operating costs and increased network availability," says Maik Petersen, who was responsible for the technology solution. Petersen carried out the project together with his MAIT colleagues Felix Klemm and Matthias Schwarz and the TR IT team consisting of Mr. Ay and Mr. Hirsch. Also included in the assignment: Redundant set-up of the server, storage, and firewall infrastructure across two fire zones. The network was also re-segmented. The MAIT team even worked at the weekend to renew the firewall cluster, including the other locations in Germany, so as not to disrupt ongoing operations during the week.

The firewall clusters are now connected via an impressive 40 Gigabit Ethernet—an eightfold increase in the original Ethernet bandwidth, with the possibility of expansion to up to 100 Gigabits. Ralf Messner is well satisfied: "The much higher network speed and data transfer rate are particularly noticeable in the CAD software applications from the design department, in product development, and within the SAP system," the head of IT reports. By modernizing to more powerful Sophos firewalls, TR-Electronic needs less hardware and has significantly cut maintenance costs. And: "The firewall now has centralized management across all locations. That didn't exist before," Ralf Messner points out. TR-Electronic and MAIT were a perfect match not only on a professional and technical level, but also from a people perspective. In other words, excellent prerequisites for future collaboration—perhaps at the latest when TR-Electronic's data center needs another breath of fresh air.