Building the cloud team for a global connectivity for VWGS

In the era of digital transformation of the automotive industry, the Volkswagen Group Services (VWGS) stood up to the challenge to build a top cloud team from scratch. This story shows how it has succeeded in a short period of time in ensuring the operation of critical IT services and lay the foundations for the future of the connectivity of the vehicles.

Key points:

✓ VWGS Slovakia had to build cloud team on the green field
✓ Transition 15 services without downtime and the modernization of the infrastructure were the key challenges
✓ The objectives included the stabilization of the services and achieving SLA above 95%
✓ The solution consisted in cooperation with the Aspecta and the implementation of ITIL processes
✓ The project has achieved 99,5% SLA and the expansion of the team to 50 members

07. October 2024 ┃ 9 minute reading

The automotive industry is going through revolutionary transformation, where the connectivity of vehicles is becoming a key factor of competitiveness. Car manufacturers are trying to turn on the providers of comprehensive solutions for mobility, which requires a robust, cloud-based platform able to process huge amounts of data in real time, to ensure safety and to provide users with an intuitive interface. Traditional approaches to the development of such systems often suffer the limits in the field of scalability and flexibility. Therefore, more and more companies are turning to cloud-based solutions and partnerships with specialised IT firms, so bring the necessary know-how and agility.

Client

Volkswagen Group, one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers, has decided to face the challenges of the digital era proactive. With the aim of becoming the market leader in the mobility of the future, the company was looking for ways to integrate advanced technologies into their vehicles and services. Volkswagen Group Services, a subsidiary of the group, was in charge of the implementation of this vision in the field of IT and connectivity.

VWGS Slovakia standing before the mission to build a team, which is able to operate the cloud infrastructure of the concern Volkswagen. The starting point was a successful project for the migration of a large system to the cloud Volkswagen Group, which helped them to implement the cloud team at Aspecta. VWGS Slovakia, however, for such operations had created their own team and the current staffing capacity already given the scope of the project and the needs were not sufficient.

Problem: Challenges in building a cloud team

Gaining the trust of the German partner in the ability to build cloud team on the green field it was the first obstacle. The German leadership needed to make sure that the Slovak team can handle so arduous task.

Another challenge was the transition of more than 15 services with different scope of technologies without critical failures in the transition phase. These services have different technological backgrounds and require a wide range of expertise.

Complication was also incomplete transition from external support teams third parties, which meant that some of the key knowledge and processes have not been fully uploaded. VWGS Slovakia also faced with a technological debt in the form of an obsolete infrastructure and inappropriate, or lack of monitoring. This required not only the download of the existing systems, but also for the modernization and optimization. The implementation of a 24/7 support model accounted for an additional challenge, since the required change in the working practices and culture within the organization. Implementation of ITIL practices and the training of the workers, it was necessary to ensure the effective and standardized operation of IT services.

Finally, one of the biggest challenges was to ensure 30 – 50 FTE cloud specialists in short term, which represented a considerable difficulty due to the competitive labor market in the IT sector.

VWGS Slovakia established by the ambitious but necessary objectives for the successful implementation of the project:

The primary objective of the: Download and stabilization of more than 15 services with diverse technological focus with a minimum number of people. This goal emphasizes the effective use of human resources while maintaining a high quality of service.
SLA target: Achieving an overall SLA level above 95%, thus ensuring stability, reliability and availability of services.
Gaining trust: The conviction of the customer about the qualities of the Slovak team was necessary for the long-term success, require consistent results and transparent communication.
The extension of competences: The objective was also to strengthen the competences of the team for future growth and offer new services, thus VWGS Slovakia prepared to become a key provider of cloud services for the Volkswagen Group.

Solution: the Effective cooperation and modernisation of the IT services

To achieve the objectives set VWGS Slovakia in cooperation with the Aspecta implemented a comprehensive solution that kombinovalo expertise, strategic planning and innovative approaches to team building and operation of the services.

A key element of the solution was use the expert of the cloud team of Aspecta, which as an external partner assisted VWGS Slovakia to ensure the operation in a short time. This team brought not only technical expertise, but also experience in managing similar projects, which enabled a quick and efficient takeover of services.

Gaining the trust of the customer have been introduced regular feedback from the customerthat were preferentially addressed. This approach allowed the VWGS Slovakia respond quickly to the needs and expectations of the customer, which will build trust and strengthen the relationship between both parties.

To improve the quality of service and achieve the target SLA was made for an in-depth analysis of breaches of SLA. On the basis of this analysis has been created step-by-step improvement plan (Improvement plan) and implemented specific training for team members. This systematic approach to the identification and solution of problems has significantly contributed to increase the reliability and quality of services provided.

Expert team of Aspecta played a key role in-house training. He helped with the building of knowledge in the individual technical direction, and with the creation of the general training plan. This approach not only increase the competencies of the existing members of the team, but also facilitate the integration of new employees.

For the solution of technological debt and modernisation of infrastructure has drawn up a comprehensive plan, which included the gradual update systems, the implementation of more effective monitoring tools and the optimization of existing processes. This plan was implemented in parallel with the operation of the service, which required precise planning and coordination.

Implementation 24/7 support model was carried out gradually, with an emphasis on preserving the continuity of the services. They were created by new working procedures, introduced to rotational changes and implemented tools for effective communication and selling of information between shifts.

Introduction ITIL practices it was accompanied by a series of trainings and workshops, which aimed to not only acquaint employees with the new processes, but also to explain their importance and benefits for the overall quality of the service provided.

During the implementation of the solutions are VWGS Slovakia met with several significant challenges had to be overcome:

Building a team of cloud specialists: VWGS Slovakia together with Aspecta implemented an innovative approach to the recruitment and development of talent, which included accelerated training programs, and a variety of recruitment channels, including partnerships with universities and headhunting.
The integration of a diverse range of technology services: To address this problem have been created by multi-disciplinary teams that combine experts from a variety of areas. Teams worked on the creation of a unified approach to manage the service, and take into account the specifics of the individual technologies.
Incomplete documentation and a lack of information: This problem is dealt with in a systematic mapping of existing processes and systems, and by working together with the original teams. Where it was not possible to obtain the necessary information, were created new processes and solutions.
The implementation of a 24/7 support model: The introduction of this model would require changes in the organization of work and company culture. The transition was facilitated the progressive introduction of changes, intense communication, and the creation of incentive schemes for staff involved in the continuous operation.
The introduction of ITIL practices: ITIL procedures have encountered initial resistance from employees who were accustomed to the old working methods. This problem was resolved by education on the benefits of ITIL and the progressive introduction of the changes, which allowed the employees to adapt to the new processes.

Results: Measurable success and growth of VWGS Slovakia

The implementation of the solutions brought VWGS Slovakia significant and measurable results:

✓ VWGS, the company achieved an average SLA of 99.5% over the last 12 months, well above the original target of 95%.
✓ The objective of SLA has been made already to the half of the year since taking over the service, with only 50% of the planned team occupied, demonstrating the high efficiency of the team.
✓ The team has recorded an impressive increase from 10 to 50 members during the two years, which exceeded the original goals in capacity-building.
✓ The project led to the enlargement of the portfolio of services, when the VWGS Slovakia took another 5 services and has the prospect of further enlargement in the following year.
✓ Team profitability exceeded expectations, which confirmed the technical and economic success of the project.

Perhaps the most important, although less quantifiable result, is the fact that the reputation of the Bratislava cloud team has spread to all parts of the Group. This recognition opens the door for further opportunities and strengthens VWGS Slovakia's position as a key IT service provider within the Volkswagen Group.

Conclusion

Cooperation between Aspecta and Volkswagen Group Services Slovakia represents a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the automotive industry. The project not only brought an innovative technological solution, but also contributed to the development of the IT sector in Slovakia.

Creating a robust cloud platform for the connectivity of the vehicles of the Volkswagen Group has made a significant step towards its goal to become a leader in the mobility of the future. At the same time confirmed the ability of the Slovak IT specialists to implement projects of global significance.

This project serves as a example of successful cooperation between well-established global company and an innovative local IT company, showing the way for other similar initiatives in the region. The success of VWGS Slovakia in the building of the cloud team, and operation of critical IT services demonstrates that with the right approach, expertise and determination can overcome even the most demanding challenges in the area of digital transformation.

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