CASE STUDY

Case study: Revolutionizing workplace hardware provisioning at Ottobock with devicenow

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November 1, 2024

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving field of healthcare technology, efficient operations and adaptable solutions are essential. Ottobock, a med-tech leader with over a century of innovation, sought a transformative approach to its hardware provisioning. By partnering with devicenow, Ottobock adopted a Device as a Service (DaaS) model that streamlined its global operations and improved workplace efficiency.

Customer overview

Ottobock SE & Co. KGaA, established in 1919, has developed cutting-edge products that enhance human mobility and prevent complications associated with mobility challenges. Their offerings include advanced prosthetics, orthotic solutions, and ergonomic exoskeletons. With over 9,000 employees across more than 60 countries and 400 patient care centers, Ottobock’s mission is to help people maintain or regain their freedom of movement by developing high-quality medical solutions and create sustainably healthy workplaces.

The role of Ottobock’s IT department

Ottobock Global IT department played a crucial role in reshaping the company’s operational model. Tasked with developing a Future Mode of Operation, the team focused on transforming IT delivery into a globally scalable and unified approach, which was critical for modernizing the company’s hardware provisioning.

Challenges faced

Before engaging with devicenow, Ottobock encountered several challenges:

  • The need for central governance, with clearly defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to standardize their global hardware provisioning services and device portfolio.
  • The requirement to migrate all client sites into a single, unified global hardware provisioning service.
  • The necessity to incorporate best practices, innovative solutions, and new market standards.
  • The integration of newly acquired companies into existing systems.

These challenges posed significant risks to operational efficiency and effectiveness, emphasizing the importance of a structured approach with a focus on governance and scalability.

Discovering devicenow

Ottobock learned about devicenow and its DaaS solutions through an existing relationship with CHG and an initial interest in financing options. The global availability and streamlined approach of devicenow’s services made it a strong candidate for Ottobock’s IT hardware partner.

Key decision factors

Several factors influenced Ottobock’s decision to choose devicenow:

  • Global Availability: devicenow’s services were accessible worldwide, which was crucial for Ottobock’s extensive reach.
  • Innovative Subscription Approach: This model offered a flexible and scalable solution for hardware needs.
  • Vendor Independence: Ottobock had the freedom to select hardware vendors that suited its diverse requirements.

Implementation process

The implementation process involved close collaboration between Ottobock’s IT department and devicenow. The team utilized ServiceNow to define process flows effectively.

Milestones and challenges during implementation

During the implementation phase, Ottobock established an internal Global Hardware Governance Board to evaluate global standards and business needs. Another significant milestone was the Roadshow featuring devicenow and Ottobock, which enabled the local IT departments to understand the global hardware process.

One of the biggest challenges was effectively distributing devices across 60 countries. To address this, the teams proactively organized weekly project management meetings for timely task updates and scheduled monthly meetings with upper management to ensure alignment and review overall progress, fostering collaboration and strategic oversight.


Measurable improvements and benefits

Following the implementation of devicenow, Ottobock achieved:

  • The establishment of a Global Hardware Governance Board, which introduced global standards and streamlined hardware sourcing processes.
  • The creation of a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for procurement, simplifying operations and enhancing communication.

Impact on operational efficiency and satisfaction

The implementation raised security standards by standardizing hardware globally. Ottobock transitioned from a fragmented procurement process, characterized by varied catalogs in different countries, to a unified system that enhanced efficiency and employee productivity. The improved SLA and Service Management processes contributed to greater operational effectiveness.

Future relationship with devicenow

Looking ahead, Ottobock envisions extending its device portfolio to include additional asset categories and fully integrating its IT asset portfolio into the DaaS model with devicenow for a cohesive and comprehensive solution.

Insights for other organizations

Organizations considering a partnership with devicenow can benefit from a globally accessible solution that combines an operational expenditure (OPEX) approach with a streamlined service model. This integration simplifies the management of global entities and promotes operational excellence.

Conlusion

The partnership between Ottobock and devicenow illustrates the transformative potential of DaaS in optimizing workplace operations. By leveraging devicenow’s innovative solutions, Ottobock not only enhanced its hardware provisioning but also paved the way for continued growth and innovation in the med-tech sector.

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Peripherals
MacOS Docking Station
Windows Docking Station
Mouse and Keyboard
Headset Cabled
Headset Bluetooth incl. ANC
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Work stations
Win Performance (CAD Workstation)
CPU: i7
RAM: 32
Capacity: 1 TB
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Desktops
Win Standard
CPU: i5
RAM: 16
Capacity: 512 GB
Win Performance
CPU: i7
RAM: 32
Capacity: 512 GB
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Monitors
24'' Monitor
27'' Monitor
24'' Monitor (USB-C)
27'' Monitor (USB-C)
34'' Monitor (USB-C)
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Tablets
iOS Standard (iPad 10.9)
Capacity: 64 GB
iOS Performance (iPad Pro 11)
Capacity: 256 GB
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Smartphones
iOS Entry (iPhone SE3)
Capacity: 64 GB
iOS Standard (iPhone 16)
Capacity: 128 GB
iOS Performance (iPhone 16 Pro)
Capacity: 256 GB
Headset iOS (AirPods Pro 2)
Android Standard (Samsung A55)
Capacity: 128 GB
Android Performance (Samsung S24)
Capacity: 128 GB
Headset Android (Galaxy Buds Pro 2 Wireless)
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Laptops
MacOS Entry
Screen: 13''
CPU: M3
RAM: 16
Capacity: 256 GB
MacOS Standard
Screen: 14''
CPU: M3
RAM: 16
Capacity: 512 GB
MacOS Performance
Screen: 14''
CPU: M3 Pro
RAM: 36
Capacity: 1 TB
Win Standard
Screen: 14''
CPU: u5
RAM: 16
Capacity: 512 GB
Win Performance
Screen: 15''
CPU: u7
RAM: 32
Capacity: 512 GB
Win Standard (Convertible)
Screen: 13'' - 14''
CPU: u5
RAM: 16
Capacity: 256 GB
Win Performance (Convertible)
Screen: 13'' - 14''
CPU: u7
RAM: 32
Capacity: 512 GB
Win Performance (CAD Workstation)
Screen: 16''
CPU: i7
RAM: 32
Capacity: 1 TB
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