Client challenge

In 2019, as Scottish Water’s digital services partner, Atos had been contracted to implement a full migration of all the company’s Windows devices from end-of-life Windows 7 to an evergreen Windows 10 service. With Windows 7 approaching obsolescence, the risk was that productivity would be impacted: users were beginning to notice slower and sometimes disrupted IT services and experiences.

When lockdown hit in March 2020, with migration planning and testing already well underway, Scottish Water needed to drastically change its plans. All office-based but essential operational employees suddenly had to work from home, so the company faced an additional and significant requirement to deploy devices to 4000 users no longer based at Scottish Water sites.

Solution

Atos used Microsoft Intune endpoint management with Autopilot to automate remote configuration and user acceptance testing of all Windows 10 devices. The team categorized and rationalized the volume and versions of applications, with thousands of executable files.

A staged deployment ensured that the IT Service Desk could give Scottish Water employees support all users had to do was enter their user account details to get started.

As part of the new Digital Workplace, smart lockers and vending machines at a number of locations are integrated with ServiceNow and ready to be used. This means users can get a new device quickly if they need one, without human interaction, and it will rebuild their workspace.

Business benefits

Scottish Water has an optimized, secure, agile and evergreen Digital Workplace that is fast, seamless and easy for employees.

With the right device for their role, users can access all the data and applications they need at any time, from anywhere.

Operating system is regularly refreshed with no need for additional upgrades. All devices, wherever they are used, are managed remotely – including full visibility of how each is performing, enabling the IT Service Desk to provide proactive supports and fixes.

Cyber security is enhanced because Atos can now orchestrate security updates and controls for all devices, even those not on the Scottish Water network.

Why Atos

The strength and openness of the partnership between Atos and Scottish Water inspired the team to get the job done quickly and effectively. The team consolidated the volume of applications across the estate, improved security, and enhanced user experience. Our Atos team were very supportive and smoothly controlled the process, keeping Scottish Water employees connected with right devices, wherever they were working from.