Customer project VOIT Automotive: A container becomes a state-of-the-art data center thanks to teamwork, technology and passion

CANCOM Slovakia: You played a major role in the project to build a mobile data center for VOIT Automotive. What exactly was it about?

Timo: VOIT Automotive GmbH is a multinational system supplier for the automotive industry and an important partner of the world’s leading carmakers. We have been working together successfully for many years and have implemented a number of projects in areas such as security, storage and XaaS in the past, including the construction of a mobile data center.

I myself joined CANCOM in 2010, at that time with CANCOM Physical Infrastructure. For ten years, I helped shape the specialist sales there and then developed more in the direction of consulting as Solutions Sales Manager. Together with two colleagues, I am now responsible for the specialist area of passive and building-physical IT infrastructures in the West region. This includes topics such as cabling, power and cooling technology, fire protection, as well as access and monitoring technology.

At VOIT Automotive, we implemented a mobile data centre in a container as early as 2012. At that time, the customer’s requirements for data processing security increased in the course of an increasing centralization of IT, so that the customer relied more on local data storage to better protect sensitive information. Due to the customer’s economic development, the next step was taken last year: an expanded, redundant data centre. Parts of the IT were still located in outdated computer rooms that were neither sufficiently air-conditioned nor equipped with fire protection. It was too expensive to renovate these rooms, so the decision was made to build a second, modern mobile data center in an outdoor area. We planned a second container for this purpose, in order to completely relocate the IT and create a redundant concept.

CANCOM Slovakia: What makes the mobile data center solution particularly attractive for the customer?

Timo: The customer’s on-site conditions were outdated and limited, and a renovation would not only have been expensive but also risky. A mobile data center provided the perfect solution: it is flexible, modular and quickly ready for use. The container was planned in such a way that it could be seamlessly integrated into the existing infrastructure. Furthermore, this solution enabled a planned shutdown of the existing data centre so that the move could be carried out at the weekend. The container was built by us in the factory, delivered to VOIT Automotive, set up and was ready for operation within two days. For the customer, this meant: no months of construction work and no complex coordination on site. In the long term, the data centre is ideal: it optimizes operating costs and can be easily adapted to new technologies. The customer remains flexible and has an ultra-modern IT infrastructure.

CANCOM Slovakia: How does a project like this come about? And what is the process?

Timo: We work very closely with our customers. At VOIT Automotive, we have an annual innovation day. We show them what’s new in IT and which trends are relevant. These discussions often lead to new projects and a long-term partnership.

When we built the mobile data center, we first had several discussions with the customer to understand exactly what their requirements were. We then prepared an offer and started the planning. After that, CANCOM Physical Infrastructure, our competence center for data center construction, was brought in. They planned the data center and assembled it in a container. At the same time, the customer had to plan a few things with us, such as selecting a suitable location for the container, pouring a foundation, and preparing power and data lines. We also planned the container’s journey, and after about three months of manufacturing, it was ready. The container was handed over ready for operation and installed and connected within two days using a low-loader and crane truck.

CANCOM Slovakia: How do you work as a team on such projects?

Timo: A container project like this is pure teamwork. Around 15 colleagues were involved in the planning and implementation – including draftsmen, air conditioning technicians, electricians, site managers and project managers.

As a Solution Sales Manager, I support the entire process and work closely with my specialist colleagues. Together, we act as the interface with the customer and coordinate the processes between the various units. Everyone contributes their expertise, and this collaboration is essential to successfully implement a project of this complexity.

CANCOM Slovakia: What challenges need to be overcome in a project like this?

Timo: There were a few hurdles. Particularly with this project, the choice of location was challenging. It took some time before we found the ideal place. The transportation of the container was also demanding: It was a nightly heavy transport with an escort vehicle. The planning of such transportation with all the necessary permits should not be underestimated.

Another important topic was energy efficiency. As VOIT Automotive places particular value on the use of modern and environmentally friendly technologies and the requirements of the Energy Efficiency Act also had to be adhered to, this was a particular focus during planning and implementation. Together with the customer and environmental officers, we had to prove how much energy is used to operate the container and how sustainable the whole thing is. By using the latest cooling and air-conditioning technologies and optimizing the power supply control, we have succeeded in significantly reducing energy consumption. This is a great result for both reducing operating costs and protecting the environment.

CANCOM Slovakia: What makes the customer special for CANCOM?

Timo: What makes this customer special is that he regards CANCOM as his trusted partner. He seeks our expertise in all IT matters. A good example: the IT manager at VOIT Automotive is often contacted by competitors. Before he reacts to their offers, he contacts us to evaluate the offered information and discuss whether the suggestions make sense. He involves us in almost all IT-related decisions.

VOIT Automotive has been a customer from the very beginning when it comes to our mobile data centers in containers. It’s particularly nice to see that after the first container project in 2012, they have once again decided to use a CANCOM mobile data center solution. The difference between the first mobile data center and the model currently being delivered is very impressive. The development in technology and the use of perfectly matched components according to customer requirements is simply fascinating.

CANCOM Slovakia: What were your personal highlights in this project?

Timo: What inspires me most about such projects is the technical challenge and the variety of solutions. Every customer has different requirements, and it takes foresight and a lot of experience to plan complex, modular systems – similar to building a house, where all the details have to be considered. Decisions at many forks in the road require experience and strategic thinking.

The moment when the truck with the low-loader drives onto the site, a crane lifts the container onto the foundation and the data center is handed over ready for use is always a highlight. The customer stands by with shining eyes – that moment is priceless. There is no months-long conversion on site – instead, the container is in place within a few hours. This efficiency impresses many customers.

CANCOM Slovakia: What do you particularly like about your work at CANCOM?

Timo: The variety and the collaboration! At CANCOM, colleagues work together with a wide range of backgrounds and different age structures, with a lot of experience or fresh ideas. This mix brings dynamism and innovation to the company. We are open to new ideas and can react flexibly to trends. I work with many units across the country, and the willingness to help within the team is simply great – both professionally and privately. This creates a great working environment in which I feel comfortable.

Thank you very much for the detailed insights into this project.

If you would like to know more about where CANCOM is building the data centers, take a look at our blog post about CANCOM Physical Infrastructure.