Too many systems, too little overview: new control centre provides transparency and reduces response times for IT and security monitoring

A unified platform instead of isolated individual solutions

Dynamically growing IT and security systems, ever-increasing data volumes and ever-shorter response windows – for Oetker Daten- und Informationsverarbeitung KG (OEDIV), this growth means one thing above all else: the highest demands on transparency, speed and operational reliability. The control centre, which had been in operation for 12 years, was no longer able to meet the increased demands of customers and cyber security, both functionally and ergonomically. Together with Jungmann Systemtechnik GmbH & Co. KG (JST), a new integrated control centre was therefore implemented, combining traditional IT monitoring with the new tasks of the Security Operations Centre (SOC) within a single platform. Modern visualisation and operating concepts, ergonomic workstations and a scalable technical architecture now enable a faster response to complex IT and security situations whilst simultaneously increasing operational resilience. The new control centre, installed in 2024/2025, supports OEDIV in ensuring its high quality standards in 24/7 operation on a permanent basis, whilst also laying the foundations for future tasks.

As the central control authority, the control centre at OEDIV in Bielefeld ensures stable and secure IT operations. With the expansion of services, the assumption of additional security tasks, and the increased legal requirements arising from CRA, NIS-2 and the KRITIS umbrella law, the existing operational model had reached its limits. “The number of systems, applications and security requirements has risen massively in recent years. Without a new structure, this would no longer have been manageable,” explains Sami Kteiche, Executive Manager Operations Command at OEDIV. For many years, the company has ensured the monitoring of data centres and complex IT and application landscapes via a 24/7 control centre. In addition to traditional IT monitoring, daily operations now also include building management systems, physical security, and the analysis and resolution of incidents. With around 12,000 incidents per year and an initial resolution rate of approximately 86 per cent, the control centre is the operational heart of the company. As the number of customers grew, system diversity increased and a Security Operations Centre was introduced, the complexity of the IT and security landscape also rose significantly. The number of monitors increased, and operating concepts became more diverse. With the growing diversity of systems, the risk of information overload and delayed responses increased. At the same time, ergonomic aspects came into sharper focus in order to specifically counteract this development.

Rethinking control centre operations to meet requirements

OEDIV’s aim was not only to modernise the control centre technically, but also to strategically reposition it. A key requirement was to cease operating the traditional IT control room and the Security Operations Centre separately. Instead, both areas of responsibility were to be consolidated into a single team and an integrated control room structure. Furthermore, the new solution was to be designed for 24/7 operation and reflect the current state of the art. A clear, centralised overview of all relevant systems was required, as was a significant reduction in operational effort. In particular, the large number of individual monitors was identified as a cause of confusion and a potential source of errors. Despite growing complexity, the control centre was to ensure a better overview, enable faster responses and, at the same time, improve ergonomics and user-friendliness. To this end, two clearly defined high-tech areas were created: Control Centre and Security Operations Centre – each with its own video wall, a team leader’s workstation and a supplementary meeting room.

Another focus was on sustainability. The new control centre environment is designed to be scalable and will, in the future, also support additional tasks such as the expansion of the SOC, a potential Network Operations Centre, as well as areas such as automation and AI. As an IT service provider, OEDIV views the control centre both as a high-quality working environment and as a visible flagship for the company. The attractive working environment is intended to boost team motivation and facilitate the recruitment of new staff.

Technological advancement as the key to the decision

OEDIV has been working with Jungmann Systemtechnik from Hamburg/Neu Wulmstorf for over a decade. This experience also played a central role in the decision to opt for the new control centre. In addition to the high technical quality, the service, personal availability and innovative further development of existing solutions were particularly decisive for the continued collaboration. Among the key arguments was the ability to address the increasing variety of tools and data sources with clear visualisation concepts. Instead of using more and more monitors, OEDIV wanted to make more efficient use of the available space. Jungmann was able to present concrete solutions to significantly optimise clarity and ergonomics.

The decision to collaborate with the Jungmann team paid off as the project progressed. The collaboration was structured, solution-oriented and characterised by short response times. “It is particularly in complex projects that the importance of a partnership-based collaboration becomes apparent. Our aim was to work with OEDIV to implement a sustainable and future-proof control room solution,” says Michael Hallbauer, Project Manager at Jungmann.

Modern control room architecture as the basis for efficient IT and security monitoring

On this basis of trust, the project was implemented with the appropriate level of ambition: the new control room was not created as a gradual extension, but as a completely new build. The old structures were completely dismantled and the premises, including the floor, walls and electrical installations, were redesigned. The result is an integrated operations and security control room that combines traditional IT monitoring and security tasks in a single environment – with space for up to eleven staff members per shift.

The JST control room experts took charge of the planning and implementation of the entire control room equipment. In addition to the IP-based KVM technology JST MultiStreaming® with SplitView option, the so-called JST CommandPads® are used. They allow for the seamless allocation and operation of all displays from a single workstation. A single tap is all it takes to switch to the desired sources. Furthermore, the PixelDetection® alerting software ensures that relevant changes are noticed immediately through visual and acoustic signals: Audio components and LED strips on consoles and video walls ensure immediate attention in the event of an incident. The JST GrabberVM® system enables the integration of virtual machines via RDP access and VM drivers, allowing both centralised and distributed systems to be displayed uniformly. Height-adjustable control room desks and personalised workstations ensure ergonomic working conditions during 24/7 operation. Another highlight is the JST myLogin® software, which enables quick and straightforward login using an individual keycard. Staff are automatically assigned, for example, their individual desk height and personal screen layouts.

Centralised monitoring platform ensures faster responses and transparent processes

Space planning and technical upgrades have contributed to significantly improved working conditions at OEDIV. Traditional tasks of an IT control centre and additional security requirements are covered by a single, unified team. Staff can rotate between different areas of responsibility, which not only enables better staff deployment planning but also provides a high degree of flexibility in the event of absences. In day-to-day operations, the new control centre provides a central overview of IT, security, buildings and data centres. All relevant information is permanently visible and no longer dependent on active operation. The visual support directs attention specifically to critical events. Complexity has been significantly reduced despite the expanded scope of tasks, leading to more stable and efficient work processes.

The new control centre has already proven its worth. Thanks to the SplitView technology introduced, all relevant monitoring content can be displayed clearly and simultaneously. Without this solution, there would be a risk of important information being overlooked. “What’s more, we now have enough space for new staff as part of the SOC. The modern design, personalised workstations and improved ergonomics are clear advantages for us,” Kteiche concluded.

For more information, please visit: https://www.jungmann.de

Here is a short video overview of the new control centre: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eL1swxl1pfM