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IT infrastructure doesn’t often make headlines, but it quietly defines how well an organization functions – and how easily it can grow. Behind every smooth store operation, there’s a system that works without friction, delay, or uncertainty.
At OBI, the need for such a system upgrade had become clear. With hundreds of stores in ten countries and a growing demand for modern digital tools, the company set out to rethink how devices were deployed, managed, and maintained across its retail footprint. That’s when the IT team partnered with devicenow. The result was a fully managed Device as a Service solution that brought consistency, clarity, and control to OBI’s hardware provisioning – from rollout to daily operations.
Founded in 1970, OBI is one of Europe’s most recognized DIY brands. With over 640 stores in 10 countries, 40,000 employees, and more than 8 million heyOBI users, the company combines brick-and-mortar retail with digital services. OBI’s mission is to inspire and empower people to shape their homes independently and creatively – both online and in-store.
OBI’s IT department holds primary responsibility for the operational readiness of infrastructure across all stores. Their mission is to ensure that employees have the tools and systems they need to serve customers effectively – with a reliable, secure, and future-proof setup that supports day-to-day performance as well as long-term growth.
Before partnering with devicenow, OBI’s IT setup was more fragmented. There was no defined device lifecycle management, multiple OEMs were in use, and legacy hardware limited both performance and transparency. Manual processes made asset management relatively time-consuming, while outdated devices slowed down store operations.
OBI chose devicenow for its complete end-to-end lifecycle model, commercial flexibility, and seamless integration with existing systems. The ability to automate data transfers and support standardized deployment processes made devicenow a strategic fit.
Within four months, nearly 15,000 PCs and monitors were transitioned to devicenow’ s DaaS across OBI markets. This included direct delivery to stores, on-site installation by trained technicians, and structured dismantling of legacy hardware. Coordinating the rollout across multiple European countries required detailed planning, reliable logistics, and close collaboration with field partner Hemmersbach.
Key milestones included the setup of a structured rollout plan, training of technicians, and synchronization of device data ahead of each installation. Challenges such as timely delivery, country-specific scheduling, and coordination of old device pickups were managed successfully through close teamwork and clear communication across all stakeholders.
The introduction of standardized hardware has significantly improved operational control. Asset management is more transparent, firmware updates are easier to deploy, and automation has reduced the risk of manual errors. Employees now work with faster, more reliable devices – helping them stay focused on serving customers.
Thanks to the new DaaS model, OBI has reduced IT complexity, improved system security, and boosted overall efficiency. Store teams benefit from a streamlined environment that supports daily tasks, while the IT department enjoys better predictability and fewer support issues. The result: greater satisfaction on both sides.
OBI is very satisfied with the collaboration with devicenow. Additional areas of collaboration are being explored to further streamline IT service delivery across the organization.
OBI’s journey highlights the value of a pragmatic, hands-on approach to IT transformation. Standardization and automation can unlock meaningful improvements – especially for companies operating at scale. With the right partner, complex rollouts can be fast, focused, and highly effective.
For OBI, the shift to devicenow’s Device as a Service solution was more than a technical upgrade – it was a strategic move toward smarter, more sustainable IT. By replacing outdated infrastructure with a scalable, fully managed solution, the company laid the groundwork for long-term efficiency and empowered its employees to better serve their customers. The success of this rollout proves that even large-scale change can be simple when guided by the right team, clear goals, and strong collaboration.
