Platform strategy with Google Workspace at Climartis AG
Climartis is systematically driving forward the digital transformation of a growing group of companies in the renewable energy sector. The successful introduction of Google Workspace forms the foundation for modern collaboration, scalable processes and new digital business models.
The initial situation
Climartis AG is a holding company that is building up a group of companies in the field of renewable energies in Switzerland. Climartis AG is aligned with the national climate strategy and supports Switzerland's goal of being CO2-neutral by 2050. A central component of this strategy is the acquisition of companies that are looking for a succession solution and are active in the field of renewable energies.
One milestone was the acquisition of Lehmann 2000, one of the most important providers in the field of heating technology and district heating networks. Many of the companies within the Group face similar challenges: a low level of digitalization, a lack of visibility and a shortage of skilled workers - particularly in the skilled trades.
"For a long time, digital solutions were developed for the office - the reality of tradespeople outside often went unnoticed. That's exactly where we come in."
Philippe Schmidig, COO, Climartis AG
Climartis is pursuing a clear transformation strategy. Digitalization is not an end in itself, but a means of increasing added value for employees and customers, developing sustainable business models and increasing efficiency. The technological basis plays a central role in this.
"For a long time, digital solutions were developed for the office - the reality of tradespeople outside often went unnoticed. That's exactly where we come in."
Digital basis for sustainable transformation
The introduction of Google Workspace and the choice of StackWorks AG as a partner were strategic, top-down decisions made by the new owners - consciously planned for the long term. The aim was to establish a platform that not only enables digital collaboration, but also actively drives transformation.
The decisive factor was not the individual tool, but the philosophy behind it: openness, integration and networking. In a heterogeneous IT landscape with different tools, this represents a clear advantage. Google Workspace allows easy connection with various SaaS applications without any technical hurdles.
Traditional IT solutions are often based on isolated systems with limited connectivity. Google Workspace, on the other hand, is designed from the ground up so that application programming interfaces (APIs) are an integral part and do not need to be added later.
"Transformation doesn't mean replacing the fax machine with a PDF. It's about completely rethinking processes - networked, automated and interdisciplinary."
Philippe Schmidig
Even though many customers continue to work with Microsoft, the internal decision was deliberately made in favor of Google as the basis for a networked and future-proof working environment. An important argument was the simple integration of no-code and low-code platforms such as "Make" or "Zapier". This allows complex processes to be implemented without the need for traditional software development. It was precisely this flexibility that was decisive.
The introduction of Google Workspace was seen as a strategic infrastructure measure. It forms the backbone for central services such as identity management, document storage and communication. Building on this, solutions such as "Beekeeper" are used for internal communication.
For frontline teams, it is not important where documents are stored, but that information is reliable, up-to-date and easily accessible. Google Workspace creates the basis for a user-centered, digital ecosystem.
Structured migration and partnership-based cooperation
The migration to Google Workspace was structured from the outset and planned together with the implementation partner StackWorks AG. The technical expertise, the pronounced service orientation and the partnership-based approach at eye level were particularly positively emphasized.
"What particularly appealed to us about StackWorks was the human interaction and the genuine service orientation - exactly what you would expect from a partner at eye level."
Lessons Learned
A common understanding of requirements, data flows and role models in the early project phase is important. Careful planning not only facilitates technical implementation, but also promotes acceptance within the company.
The first migration served as a blueprint for further rollouts. Follow-up projects can be implemented more efficiently with an established procedure. This is particularly effective if strategically important teams such as management are involved at an early stage.
Conclusion
"When employees tell you that you look after them and make their lives easier, word gets around. And that's exactly what makes a company attractive to new talent."
The successful introduction of Google Workspace was a strategic milestone. It put the Group's IT landscape on a future-proof footing. Climartis AG sees Google Workspace not only as a platform for modern collaboration, but also as a basis for new digital business models.
StackWorks AG made a significant contribution to the stable and reliable implementation. The project is regarded internally as a complete success and now serves as a model for other companies within the Group. The positive experiences will flow directly into follow-up projects.
About Climartis AG
Climartis AG is a holding company that is building up a group of companies in the field of renewable energies in Switzerland. With its activities, it contributes to achieving the national goal of CO2 neutrality by 2050. As part of this strategy, it specifically acquires companies that are looking for a succession solution and are active in the field of renewable energies.
