SICK AG: Video Communication and Inventive Spirit

The SICK AG technology group is systematically digitalising and modernising the way its ~12,000 employees worldwide collaborate. The company’s technical focus is on seamless video communication from Cisco, which comes with the highest possible quality of digital services and intuitive, first-rate usability. Added to this are New Work and open space principles to promote flexibility, modernity and efficiency, which are gradually being introduced at SICK’s offices based on a global standard.

Initial feedback after a few months in operation has already been very positive: “The reputation score for Building A’s ground floor was extremely high from the outset”, reports André Lienhard, IT Service Owner Unified Communications at SICK-IT. Part of the reason for this is that employees like to order their midday coffee in the new barista bar on their way back from the canteen, thus ensuring Building A is always busy. Staff are equally pleased with the new offices, says Lienhard. Together with a small team of colleagues, he has spent years ensuring SICK AG stays well-connected through unified communication solutions. “Feedback and occupancy rates alike confirm that the offices are proving extremely popular.”

Overall, Building A offers around 9,300 square metres of office space with 85 meeting rooms, all equipped with video conference solutions from Cisco and bookable via digital panels. Some rooms can be jointly booked and merged for larger groups. Lienhard explains that when the dividing wall is opened, the digital technology automatically adapts and a second ceiling microphone is connected to the system. “For automation out of the box, we wrote a macro for the video codec.”

According to Lienhard, there were several reasons why SICK chose Cisco as the equipment supplier for all digital meeting rooms worldwide. These included the stability and usability of their solutions as well as the relatively moderate incident rates. He explains further: “We operate a three-level system using the Webex platform with on-site end devices in the hybrid spaces and a module for the phones and the contact centre.” A single-source solution was therefore the most practical choice – both technically and commercially. “If you think the business case through to the end and then also consider the soft facts of the Cisco solution in terms of usability, it offers an excellent solution for a fair price.”

Lienhard already has first-hand experience from digitalising the SICK SIA Campus. “Looking at the high-end rooms in our training centre, fitting them out with other suppliers would have been a considerable challenge.” Every new project equips the team with best practices that feed directly into subsequent digitalisation efforts. For both the SIA Campus and Building A projects, SICK was supported by avodaq and PIK AG as implementation partners for video and media technology.

The boardroom is a prime example of what digitalisation demands. These include building-related topics such as heating and cooling, lighting, facades, mobile walls, and furniture or lowered ceilings. Beyond this, the technical setup requires close coordination with internal building services across a range of communication scenarios – from local and hybrid to analogue media equipment. Even in such cases, Lienhard notes, ventilation and lighting must remain fully operational.

The centrepiece of the lounge is the integrated “cinematic video system” from Cisco, which also includes side-installed cameras. These automatically focus on various speakers and ensure they look their best in the digital broadcast. This all requires a certain amount of time and effort for fine-tuning, which has to be calculated into the project. Lienhard: “Success hinges on establishing standardised approaches to both the planning of building technology and the rollout of all required equipment.”

Three Questions for André Lienhard

The new facility was designed to preserve the “spirit of invention” that defined the old Building A. What does that mean?

Lienhard: SICK has technology in its DNA. For me, working in IT, it’s difficult to make a direct contribution to our products. But what I can do is provide the best possible support for employees to ensure they have the highest standard of IT and are in a position to work, communicate and supply outstanding technology solutions to our customers. Everyone on the team is innovative and wants to drive things forward. That’s our objective.

What do you value most about working with avodaq?

Lienhard: avodaq shows a very high level of commitment and dedication, and we are able to work together as equal partners. This cannot always be taken for granted. Over the years, we have also developed a deeply trusting relationship, making it possible to openly discuss all necessary topics. Last but not least, we have a shared understanding of how we can make progress. We are in complete agreement that at SICK, we want to go beyond the mere installation of video communication.

Looking ahead, what is the most significant technical challenge for you and your team?

Lienhard: Firstly, we aim to internationally standardise the company’s video technology to increase operational efficiency and make it easier for our employees to use worldwide. This includes national organisations in countries such as Malaysia or the USA. The second challenge will be to maintain our high level of service and quality for employees. Dealing with issues such as the increasing volume of video installations, rapidly developing technologies (such as AI), and changing solution lifecycles will certainly keep us busy.