Zscaler > Case Studies > Umicore's Transformation with Zscaler: A Case Study in IoT Implementation

Umicore's Transformation with Zscaler: A Case Study in IoT Implementation

Technology Category

Cybersecurity & Privacy - Cloud Security
Sensors - Temperature Sensors

Applicable Industries

National Security & Defense
Telecommunications

Applicable Functions

Quality Assurance

Use Cases

Personnel Tracking & Monitoring
Tamper Detection

Services

Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services
Testing & Certification

About The Customer

Umicore is a global materials technology and recycling group, employing over 10,000 people in more than 100 sites across the globe. The company has a highly sustainable model with a unique closed loop of recycling and refining precious metals which are, among others, used for rechargeable battery materials. Umicore develops technologies and produce materials for high-grade solar cells, rechargeable batteries, LED applications and catalytic converters. With “focus” being one of the core values of the firm, Umicore ranked as the most sustainable company in the world two years in a row. The company’s IT has a supporting and enabling function whereby robust and reliable platforms, excellent support and a simple IT set-up enable staff to focus on realizing corporate values and optimizing the business.

The Challenge

Umicore, a global materials technology and recycling group, faced a significant challenge in maintaining simplicity, productivity, and reliability in its IT systems across a highly distributed environment. With over 100 sites worldwide and a workforce that needed to operate both on-site and remotely, the company's IT infrastructure was under strain. The increasing use of cloud applications led to a rapid growth in the need for Internet access. However, security controls were only present in the larger manufacturing plants. The IT team was faced with two options: backhauling the Internet traffic through the company’s private MPLS with an Internet breakout in regional data centers or deploying a cloud-based Web security solution with local Internet breakouts. The first option was ruled out due to cost and latency issues. The second challenge was to remove complexity while ensuring superior support services.

The Solution

Umicore decided to opt for a cloud-based provider and after analyzing the market, they launched a proof of concept with Zscaler. The successful trial led to a global roll-out in 2012. Zscaler's cloud is an almost zero-touch platform, which aligned with Umicore's need for simplicity. As Umicore was deploying a new WAN network and switched to GRE tunnels to standardize and further simplify its IT set-up, Zscaler’s Premium Plus Support service, which provides a designated Technical Account Manager (TAM), proved to be essential in tackling more complex migrations and tasks. The TAM assisted in setting the migration scenario up and investigated the ways to do as much as possible in advance of the migration, further minimizing the needed change window. Once the methodology was designed, it was just a matter of migrating location per location, always with the same methodology.

Operational Impact

The implementation of Zscaler's solution resulted in significant cost avoidance for Umicore. The cloud security approach offered benefits such as reduced latency, increased agility, and simplicity, allowing staff to focus on core activities with high user satisfaction. The superior support services further contributed to cost avoidance. The rapid deployment of dedicated and knowledgeable support staff for complex change projects enabled the company to maintain its key values as the complexity was shifted to the right people. Umicore also utilized additional support when looking at a new Windows 10 image. Initial testing and roll out of Zscaler App was facilitated through the use of Deployment Advisory Services, with the configuration completed in just one day.