Zscaler and SICK AG: A Visionary Cloud Implementation

Technology Category

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Cloud Databases
Networks & Connectivity - Gateways

Applicable Industries

Automotive
National Security & Defense

Applicable Functions

Maintenance

Use Cases

Manufacturing System Automation
Tamper Detection

Services

Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services
Hardware Design & Engineering Services

The Challenge

SICK AG, a global leader in sensors, systems, and services for industrial automation technology, was facing a challenge in modernizing its IT security and driving digitization. The company, which has a significant international presence with over 50 subsidiaries and approximately 10,000 employees, was heavily reliant on sensor intelligence for Industry 4.0 processes. However, the existing four internet gateways in Europe, Asia, and North America were a limiting factor for a cloud-first infrastructure. The company needed a solution that would allow secure internet breakouts at each location and facilitate the exchange of data recorded by sensors via the cloud. In 2015, SICK decided to stop using its existing security hardware and sought a cloud-based solution to drive digitization and modernize its IT security.

About The Customer

SICK AG is a global leader in sensors, systems, and services for industrial automation technology. The company offers intelligent solutions for Industry 4.0 and uses the cloud for more than just its product range. Based in Waldkirch im Breisgau in Southwest Germany, SICK AG has an international presence with more than 50 subsidiaries and approximately 10,000 employees. The company's sensors are omnipresent in the automotive manufacturing, aviation, transport, food packaging, and recycling industries. With sensor intelligence, SICK enables Industry 4.0 processes and creates solutions for the safe and efficient control of operations, protecting people from accidents and avoiding environmental damage.

The Solution

SICK AG turned to Zscaler's cloud-based internet security to modernize its IT security and drive digitization. The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange became foundational for SICK's successful digitization. The IT department took advantage of the Zscaler cloud proxy to pave the way for secure internet breakouts at each location. This allowed SICK to roll out new cloud applications securely. SICK also implemented Zscaler's SSL scanning to fully scan encrypted web traffic for malware, significantly increasing their security levels. The company also added more Zscaler functionalities to support its growing portfolio of cloud-based sensor solutions. The Cloud Firewall provided the option of applying very granular rules, adding extra security and enabling secure communication with sensors via protocols that have not been inspected by the web proxy.

Operational Impact

The implementation of Zscaler's cloud-based internet security has significantly improved SICK's operational efficiency. The central security management via the Zscaler cloud platform has made the IT team’s job much easier. Hardware administration is now a thing of the past, as are maintenance weekends and network downtime. This has brought flexibility to the company, allowing the IT team to concentrate on providing a service to their internal customers. Furthermore, the cloud-based solution aligns with SICK's corporate philosophy of reducing the ecological footprint of its IT department. Currently, 89 percent of the power required by Zscaler to inspect data traffic for SICK comes from renewable sources.

Quantitative Benefit