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Dr. Peter Fischer: actively shaping IT
thyssenkrupp Bilstein produces state-of-the-art shock absorbers at seven locations worldwide. Without IT, nothing would work in the technology leader's digitalized production. Dr. Peter Fischer in Essen is where everything comes together. As Head of Infrastructure, Security & Digitalization, the 34-year-old and his team are responsible for a high-performance and secure IT infrastructure.
Central IT for a globally connected production network
thyssenkrupp Bilstein manufactures shock absorbers for car manufacturers and the aftermarket at a total of seven production sites worldwide - in Europe, China, Mexico and in the US. While each plant relies on local IT specialists for operations, other functions are centralised. Areas of responsibility and business segments such as IT strategy and architecture, network services, cloud services, cybersecurity and the Data Center are managed centrally in Germany – and, to a lesser extent, remotely.
In the 21st century, nothing in industry works without the help of IT. “If the servers have stopped working, you may as well call it a day,” Dr. Peter Fischer explains. “If the network crashes, networked production will come to a halt. That would be the worst case scenario!” The IT professional and Doctor of Mechanical Engineering should know. As Head of Infrastructure, Security & Digitalization at the shock absorber specialist, he is responsible for three areas that are particularly relevant to security and is able to combine his two passions in this role: IT and production.
One of the greatest challenges for Peter and his team involves ensuring that the systems are working stably so that safe production can be guaranteed. The other great challenge – and one that runs parallel to the first – involves further developing IT infrastructure and production using modern technologies such as cloud computing, PaaS (Platform as a service), and SaaS (Software as a service).
IT as a gamechanger
After all, a functioning IT system is no longer just a necessary standard in today's international competitive environment. It is becoming a game changer. "We are developing our IT from a traditional (internal) service provider to a business enabler that generates real added value for the specialist departments," reveals Peter. "To this end, we are working simultaneously on innovative digitalization projects and on improving our basic IT infrastructure. We then talk about 'two-speed IT'. The best example of this is our Connected Factory project, in which we record and analyse production data from our machines in a secure and standardized way."
The demands on the IT infrastructure are constantly increasing. "The catalogs of requirements for IT security in particular have become much more demanding in recent years," says the 34-year-old. No wonder: the number of cyberattacks worldwide has been increasing for years. Experts estimate the global damage caused by cybercrime at six trillion dollars in 2021. "In terms of IT technology, we do indeed have a huge ongoing threat situation globally," confirms the IT professional. "That's why our customers, especially the major car manufacturers, are demanding more and more and have clear requirements in terms of processes and documentation that we have to meet. The pressure from OEMs is immense and can go so far that suppliers will not receive new orders if information security certificates are not met."
"Unleashing the full power of IT"
This is why the IT team at thyssenkrupp Bilstein has been restructured and expanded in recent months, as the IT infrastructure expert emphasizes. "Together, we have started to transform the company. From an IT perspective, it has grown up and will soon be able to unleash its full power."
"Making decisions and being able to work with the right people is a lot of fun," says Peter. But that is precisely the challenge for the shock absorber manufacturer. Dr. Peter Fischer: "We are still looking for massive reinforcements. But the personnel situation is difficult: the shortage of skilled workers in the IT sector is particularly acute. And when it comes to IT security experts, the situation is downright absurd."
Those who decide to take a job at thyssenkrupp Bilstein can expect "a great young team", as the 34-year-old emphasizes. "We are not just a totally dynamic company and a brand that stands for driving fun and driving dynamics. We offer flat hierarchies, a lot of responsibility and steep learning curves. We also give our colleagues the opportunity to build up processes and actively help shape them."