Added value for the client
01
1,400 automated processes per month – with zero manual effort
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Error rate of around 1%, primarily due to user actions
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Standardized, secure permission assignment based on predefined groups
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Stable operation with no discernible performance issues
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High level of user-friendliness thanks to a streamlined, clear design
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Starting point for further automation within the Microsoft environment
The Situation
In the spring of 2020, the Heinsberg district was one of the first regions in Germany to be affected by COVID-19. Schools and public facilities had to close on short notice, and businesses were forced to fundamentally alter their operations. A rapid shift to digital processes was essential to maintain educational and administrative functions while simultaneously protecting public health.
The Heinsberg district faced a unique challenge: there was no existing cloud infrastructure and no time for lengthy preparations.
The Challenge
The pandemic suddenly highlighted the urgent need for digitalization in the Heinsberg district. Schools had to switch to remote learning without the necessary tools or sufficient digital expertise among teachers and administrative staff. Public administration services and workflows also had to be moved to the digital realm in a very short timeframe.
This sudden necessity revealed an acute lack of resources, skills, and a clear strategy for rapid yet sustainable digitalization.
Our Approach
Together with the Heinsberg district, we first developed a viable digitalization strategy before procuring any new hardware. The goal was to ensure that devices could be managed efficiently, deployed securely, and used sustainably from the very beginning.
We built a modern platform for communication, collaboration, and digital instruction based on Microsoft 365—including Teams, Intune, and Office applications. In addition, practical training sessions and continuous technical support ensured that teachers, staff, and administrators could quickly and securely integrate these new tools into their daily work.
To provide rapid, unbureaucratic assistance during the acute crisis, we took on project management and technical support roles free of charge at the start of the pandemic.
The Added Value
What began as short-term support during an extraordinary situation evolved into a long-term partnership. Today, we continue to support the Heinsberg district as a reliable digitalization partner, assisting in the ongoing development of its IT landscape. The infrastructure established during the pandemic continues to form the foundation for modern digital work and learning to this day. The project demonstrates how a well-conceived digitalization strategy can generate lasting value—even under significant time pressure—and highlights the contribution IT service providers can make when technology, pragmatism, and collaborative partnership come together.
