Drägerwerk AG
Enablement Pilot for Google Workspace
INDUSTRY
Medical & Safety Technology
CLOUD PROVIDER
Google Cloud
Dräger, a global leader in medical and safety technology, sought a collaboration solution that meets modern demands. Google Workspace emerged as the ideal platform to equip employees with state-of-the-art tools and foster an innovative, flexible work environment. Partnering with Zoi, Dräger launched an 8-week pilot project with Google Workspace to swiftly assess its suitability for the company’s specific requirements.
Cultural Shift
Most Dräger employees discovered entirely new ways of productive collaboration with Google Workspace.
User Acceptance
The majority of users were impressed by the intuitive and straightforward structure of Google Workspace, even during the limited trial period.
Seamless Integration
No obstacles were identified in integrating Google Workspace into the existing system landscape.
The pilot project gave us a comprehensive understanding of Google Workspace’s capabilities. Zoi’s guidance in navigating its features and functionalities was invaluable. We now have a clearer view of how Google Workspace can enhance our productivity and collaboration.
BENJAMIN WINKLER
Project Manager at Dräger
A Pioneering Pilot with Google Workspace at Dräger
Imagine a workplace where all colleagues are digitally connected and accessible. Unfortunately, this is far from the norm for many organizations, especially for production workers who often lack digital access. Dräger took a bold step toward broad-based digitalization by involving multiple business units in a Google Workspace pilot project.
In collaboration with Zoi, the innovative company initiated the project to explore Google Workspace’s potential for internal collaboration. The project team identified relevant user groups and conducted interviews to understand their specific needs. A well-designed training plan and regular feedback sessions allowed for continuous adjustments, ensuring the pilot project maximized user benefits. The overwhelmingly positive response led to a gradual expansion of the user base.
Implementation and Customization of Google Workspace Without Interrupting Operations
The rollout of the Google Workspace pilot at Dräger was underpinned by a holistic approach addressing both technical deployment and user adoption. Notably, the pilot was conducted within a test environment, running parallel to regular operations, ensuring business continuity.
Smooth Integration and Robust Security at Dräger
The technical integration of Google Workspace was seamless. Dräger set up an extra Google Workspace test account to enable secure and efficient cloud collaboration.
To guarantee secure usage, comprehensive security and network solutions were implemented. Single Sign-On (SSO) with Entra IDP was set up for convenient and secure access. An allowlist was created to mitigate potential issues when switching between Outlook and Gmail. Additionally, email security was enhanced with established standards like SPF and DKIM.
Efficient License Management with Google Workspace
The pilot began with a test phase using Frontline Standard licenses. After a successful start, these licenses were upgraded to Enterprise Plus, unlocking advanced features and enhanced performance. A custom Shared Drive solution, built on free Cloud Identity licenses, enabled centralized and secure data storage, significantly improving team collaboration.
Special requirements, such as cross-tenant content sharing and calendar interoperability, were successfully implemented.
Added Value:
- Flexible License Management: Transitioning from Frontline Standard to Enterprise Plus demonstrated adaptability to growing demands.
- Optimized Collaboration: The Shared Drive solution facilitated centralized storage, streamlining teamwork.
- Meeting Specific Needs:
Features like cross-tenant sharing and calendar interoperability ensured seamless planning across platforms.
Google Workspace Proof of Concept: A Decisive Advantage for Dräger
The pilot program gave Dräger the unique opportunity to test Google Workspace in a real-world environment — without immediate commitments. This minimized potential risks such as operational disruptions or compatibility issues.
The process of the Google Workspace pilot.
To ensure efficient use of Google Workspace’s features – such as Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides – comprehensive training was provided to both end-users and admins. Zoi offered proactive support throughout the project, with the team accessible via real-time chat to provide immediate assistance and implement optimizations.
Decision-makers experienced Google Workspace firsthand, evaluating its tangible benefits for the company. Summarizing the experience, Benjamin Winkler, Project Manager at Dräger, remarked: "The pilot project gave us a comprehensive understanding of Google Workspace’s capabilities. Zoi’s guidance in navigating its features and functionalities was invaluable. We now have a clearer view of how Google Workspace can enhance our productivity and collaboration."
ABOUT DRÄGER
Headquartered in Lübeck, Germany, Drägerwerk AG is a globally recognized leader in medical and safety technology. Founded in 1889, the company boasts a long tradition of developing innovative products and solutions that protect, support, and save lives. Dräger’s portfolio spans a wide range of applications, including acute and emergency care, oil and gas, industry, mining, firefighting, and law enforcement. With a presence in over 190 countries, Dräger remains true to its motto: "Technology for Life."
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