viastore SYSTEMS

Modernization of the IT infrastructure

The challenge

The intralogistics system provider has a 24 x 7 operation and the requirements were complex. The existing IBM storage and server architecture only offered limited expansion options. The IBM blade servers had reached their performance limits and were to be replaced in the course of modernization (among other things to reduce power consumption). The IBM SAN storage could not adapt to the load behavior and could not be expanded. In addition, the systems could not be monitored.

THE SOLUTION

In the first step, the existing storage systems were expanded with the IBM Storewize V7000 virtual storage system. This created the conditions for a smooth migration of the old storage systems to the current disks. The old systems could continue to be used for some time. The Easy Tiering and Real-time Compression functions of the V7000 significantly increased performance. Another advantage created with the new user interface of the Storwize family is the central point for management and monitoring. In a second step, the blade systems (Intel and AIX systems) were migrated to an IBM Flex system. In addition, the storage was further upgraded by adding two V3700 shelves (2 x SSD and 46 x SATA disks). K&P Computer was responsible for selecting the appropriate hardware and software products from IBM, setting up the turnkey solution on site and training the customer’s staff. In addition, K&P Computer took over the service responsibility for the hardware and software support 7×24 for three years from delivery.

THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

By consolidating and virtualizing the IT infrastructure, the intralogistics system provider has succeeded in increasing its performance many times over and making administration considerably easier. Viastore is now able to react to dynamic loads at any time, not least thanks to better monitoring options. In addition to ensuring smooth spare parts logistics on the IT side, which primarily benefits customers, this saves the company considerable costs.

The viastore systems GmbH

viastore has been one of the leading international system providers of turnkey automated intralogistics systems for more than 40 years. Its core competencies include consulting and system planning, system construction, retrofitting and system support. In addition, viastore is also firmly established on the market as a software company with its viad@t warehouse management software and SAP Logistics Solutions division.

Status 07/2014