EWE makes hardware supply smart and flexible

Using four cora IT kiosks and an additional extension, EWE has automated key processes relating to the issue, return and replacement of IT equipment. The solution is in use at various locations across the supply area and provides a flexible self-service option for staff. At the same time, it reduces the amount of manual work involved in IT operations. The project was implemented in collaboration with Bechtle and BTC.

EWE, headquartered in Oldenburg, is one of Germany’s leading energy companies. The company operates from various locations within its supply area and employs a total of more than 11,000 staff. Ensuring the reliable provision of IT hardware for staff is therefore a significant challenge.

Due to the high volume of hardware and a wide variety of different assets, manual issue and return processes had reached their limits. With cora, EWE has therefore introduced a scalable solution that largely automates standardised hardware processes and significantly simplifies access to IT equipment.

Automated IT asset distribution

The coras take over the round-the-clock distribution of IT accessories in self-service at four locations. Efficient and user-friendly.

Seamlessly integrated

All coras, including extensions, are fully integrated into EWE’s ITSM system: ensuring transparent processes and audit-proof documentation.

More time for IT projects

The IT team is relieved and can focus on strategic topics and projects without the expense of standard distributions.

The situation before implementation

At EWE, the provision of IT hardware involves significant logistical and organizational effort. A large number of assets must be procured, stored, distributed, replaced, and returned. When these processes are carried out manually, they result in numerous handoffs, coordination efforts, and repetitive tasks.

There was therefore potential for greater automation, particularly in standardized processes such as the issuance of accessories and end devices, the replacement of hardware, or the return of assets no longer needed.

The company was looking for a solution that would standardize hardware services across multiple locations, reduce manual effort, and at the same time provide employees with easy and flexible access to the IT equipment they need.

With cora, EWE opted for an automated hardware self-service solution that consolidates various process steps into a single, centralized platform. The solution focuses on the following key elements:

Automated hardware processes

The four cora IT kiosks handle the majority of IT asset issuance, return, and replacement. As a result, recurring standard processes no longer need to be managed entirely manually by the IT team.

Flexible Service Across Multiple Locations

The cora kiosks are available at various locations throughout EWE’s service area. Employees can pick up or return the hardware they need directly on-site. This reduces the need for coordination, shortens travel distances, and ensures easy access to IT equipment.

Additional Capacity Through the Extension

An additional cora Extension expands the number of available compartments and enables EWE to flexibly provide different asset types and device sizes. This allows the solution to be adapted to the high volume of hardware and the specific requirements of each location.

Implementation

The project was implemented in collaboration between EWE, cora, Bechtle, and BTC. The partners involved each took on clearly defined tasks within the hardware process:

cora enables the automated issuance, return, and replacement of hardware.
EWE thus provides its employees with a self-service option close to their work locations.
Bechtle Systemhaus Bremen is responsible for stocking and managing the cora kiosks.
BTC AG procures the necessary IT assets.

Today, EWE operates four cora IT kiosks and one extension at various locations throughout its service area. By distributing the systems, hardware services can be offered closer to employees without requiring the IT team to personally supervise every issuance or return.

The cora kiosks serve as the central interface between the provision of assets and their use by employees. Required hardware can be systematically stored in the kiosk and made available to the respective employee. Returns and exchanges can also be handled through the solution.

This additional extension expands a location’s capacity and provides greater flexibility in stocking. As a result, in addition to smaller accessories, other asset types and devices of various sizes can be integrated into the automated processes.

«Given our high volume of hardware and the large number of assets, manual processes quickly reach their limits. With cora, the issuing, return and replacement of equipment have been largely automated.»

Sebastian Heisecke

IT Infrastructure Services
EWE AG

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Achievements

The introduction of cora has optimised hardware processes across all EWE sites:

Automated processes: The issue, return and replacement of IT assets are largely automated.
Reduced manual effort: Recurring tasks and in-person hardware handovers are significantly reduced.
Decentralised availability: Four cora kiosks enable self-service hardware collection at various locations within the service area.
Greater flexibility: The additional extension increases capacity and enables the provision of different types of assets.
End-to-end process: BTC procures the assets, Bechtle handles the stocking, and cora facilitates the automated handover and return.

Staff benefit from easy, local access to the IT equipment they need. At the same time, the teams involved at EWE, Bechtle and BTC are relieved of manual process steps.

Conclusion: With cora, EWE has efficiently consolidated the issuing, returning and replacement of IT assets into a cross-site self-service system. This reduces manual process steps and makes it easier for staff to access the hardware they need.

Outlook

On this basis, EWE can further develop the existing concept in line with requirements. Additional asset types, further use cases or additional locations can be integrated into the existing solution as required.

The flexible combination of cora kiosks and extensions makes it possible to adapt capacities and areas of application to specific requirements. This enables EWE to gradually expand its self-service offering for IT hardware and automate additional manual processes.

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Roland Waniek
Sales & Partner Manager