As a global leader in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for the aviation industry, SR Technics relies on efficient, precise, and secure processes. The aircraft engine specialist is subject to the strict safety and compliance regulations of the aviation industry. At the same time, its core business, dealing with expensive high-tech engines, demands the highest level of precision. For example, a single high-pressure turbine, which is heavily stressed by the burning kerosene-air mixture, costs several million Swiss Francs.

To ensure operational continuity at all times, the Swiss company underwent a major digital transformation. The goal is to establish an IT infrastructure that is flexible, secure, and aligned with business processes and compliance standards. To make the repair business more cost-effective and to gain full control over these critical processes, SR Technics relies on a modern Identity and Access Management (IAM) system and the expertise of IPG as the implementation partner.

As part of the integration project, SR Technics implemented the new IAM solution, One Identity OnDemand, to modernize the management of user accounts and identities. This aimed to automate and standardize processes, enhancing the efficiency of user management while ensuring compliance with international security and governance standards. The implementation of the need-to-know principle was crucial to minimize risks and meet compliance requirements. Additionally, the system needed to integrate seamlessly with existing environments such as SAP SuccessFactors, Active Directory, and Azure AD.

In addition to the technical implementation, it was particularly important for the SR Technics team to bring IT services, previously provided by external vendors, back under their own control. This approach aimed to ensure full control and transparency over sensitive data. SR Technics placed significant emphasis on strategic planning and a highly skilled team to oversee the migration.

The previously used IAM system no longer met the growing demands of digital transformation. For instance, it lacked the ability to integrate with modern target systems. With the new IAM system, One Identity OnDemand, SR Technics sought to establish flexible and automated processes for role and access management, increase transparency, and significantly improve security. Additionally, the system was designed to provide reliable monitoring of service providers to protect relevant data effectively and meet regulatory requirements.

The implementation of One Identity OnDemand took place from December 2023 to October 2024. SR Technics chose IPG as the implementation partner, convinced by its proven expertise in IAM projects and its ability to meet tight timelines.

The project approach was based on the IPG Standard Approach, which combines the classic waterfall method with agile techniques. It began with a detailed concept that took into account base systems and interfaces, such as the HR source system SAP SuccessFactors and target systems like Azure AD. Together, SR Technics and IPG defined the requirements and developed a comprehensive concept. During the configuration phase, lifecycles for identities, organizations, user accounts, and groups were mapped, and business roles with dynamic and orderable assignments were set up. The solution was designed to stay close to the product standard, enabling efficient integration of reporting and historical functions.

The collaboration between the teams was characterized by intensive exchanges in workshops, team meetings, and regular project status calls. This close cooperation enabled an agile workflow despite the structured methodology of the project. SR Technics supported the initiative with an external project manager and an architect, who acted as key personnel for internal coordination.

One of the main technical challenges was integrating into a hybrid legacy IT landscape. Connections to systems like SAP SuccessFactors, Active Directory, and Azure AD were made using standardized connectors to ensure efficiency and stability.

Through regular alignments and transparent project management, the international stakeholders were successfully coordinated, and the implementation of the IAM system was completed. Additionally, the individuals responsible for operations at SR Technics were closely involved in the project from the start, ensuring optimal knowledge transfer to the client, in combination with the training and testing carried out by IPG.

 The implementation of One Identity OnDemand enables SR Technics to operate a future-proof IT landscape. Previously time-consuming and error-prone processes now run up to three times faster. As a result, SR Technics has been able to achieve significant cost savings, and the project costs will soon be amortized.

Benefits at a glance:

• Process Automation: Significant reduction of manual steps in permission management.
   
• Security: Minimized risks through role-based access and tamper-proof logging.
   
• Compliance Assurance: Optimized governance and strict adherence to international security standards.
   
• Cost Efficiency: Significant operational cost savings with project costs expected to be recouped in a short time.
   
• Process Speed: User management processes now run up to three times faster, boosting productivity and lowering operating costs.
   
• Future-Proof IT Landscape: Scalable and secure foundation for further digital transformations.

With the deployment of the IAM system, IPG has taken over service and support based on Service Level Agreements (SLAs). The centralized user management system creates the foundation for further digital transformations and enhances the company's competitiveness in the aviation industry.

Building on the IAM solution, additional applications will be integrated gradually to transform the IT landscape into a centralized management system. A dedicated service manager will drive the continuous development of the IAM solution.