SSAB

Cloud strategy and governance gives SSAB a silver lining for their cloud journey

SSAB wanted to understand how they can make the most out of the cloud. Secondly they wanted uniform, clear and secure operating models for SSAB’s cloud environments.

SSAB wanted to understand how they can make the most out of the cloud. Secondly they wanted uniform, clear and secure operating models for SSAB’s cloud environments. SSAB’s cloud practice lacked group-level vision and guidelines. The solution for a clear vision on how to use cloud was cloud strategy consultation with Solita. Guidelines for unified operating models and consistent data security were provided by the cloud governance built for SSAB including the new cloud management model.

“As an international operator, SSAB wanted a comprehensive overview of its cloud environments. The new cloud strategy and governance improves consistency, information security and supports their business objectives.”

SSAB is the largest producer of crude steel in the Nordics, and it employs nearly 15,000 people in more than 50 countries. For a long time, autonomous units had made independent decisions on cloud management and use. The operating methods of the different units varied, without awareness of each other’s operating methods. There was a lack of uniform practices for cloud use at the Group level. Cloud operations were therefore fragmented and uncontrollable.

SSAB needed guidance for its cloud practice and clear guidelines and frameworks within which different units can operate and make choices. They wanted more control over the cloud. The aim was also to boost and harmonise the level of information security throughout the Group.

Results

Cloud strategy that has a business-driven vantage point creating a framework for all cloud activities in the Group
A strategic perspective to cloud was introduced that helps SSAB create value from cloud-related processes
An application assessment tool that makes it easy for SSAB to assess the cloud suitability of different applications and to harmonise its cloud practices
SSAB found a common Group-level language and ways of working within the cloud during the consultation
Uniform, clear and secure operating models for SSAB’s cloud environments with cloud governance
Increased internal transparency in SSAB cloud operations via cloud governance consultation

The customer needed a clear vision and big picture understanding of the cloud. Additionally they needed a more operative cloud management model. Our goal was to build a cloud strategy with a clear vision by taking into account customer organisation’s strengths and capabilities. Secondly our goal was to build cloud governance with a clear framework for the operations and thus reduce the concerns related to the use of the cloud and the unsystematic nature of the operations at the Group level.

Tero Peltola Cloud Advisor, Solita

Where are we, which way are we going?

The partnership started with clarifying the current state of the organisation as part of cloud strategy work. Our solution to the customer’s challenges was to formulate a cloud strategy in a user-oriented manner. In the preliminary study, we conducted several interviews, workshops and surveys to clarify the situation. Cloud maturity was addressed by the Cloud Puzzle tool, and we explored SSAB’s initial position from nine different thematic perspectives:

Where is the company at, from the perspective of different criteria?
What matters is the company lagging behind in?
What matters are going better?

After clarifying the current standing, challenges and goals, we set out to find a solution. Together with SSAB determined the actions needed to pivot towards the desired direction. On the basis of a preliminary study, Solita built a roadmap of the methods the customer can use to reach the desired point.

SSAB is an international organisation with many acquisitions and mergers. As a result, processes vary and several different groups operate within the company. Rather than forcing the use of a particular technology, we tried to understand the needs of key stakeholders and businesses.

Antonio Covas Enterprise Architect, SSAB

Cloud application assessment tool plays a key role

The customer had a huge number of applications, some of which were overlapping. Their wish was to get help with their cloud migration. As part of the cloud strategy work, we introduced an application assessment tool which provided autonomous units with a framework for evaluating the cloud migration of their applications.

“Not all systems and applications need to or should be put in the cloud. You have to consider the business case to identify which applications are worth moving to the cloud and which aren’t. We brought a lot of insights and guidance to the customer on this matter,” says Solita’s Peltola.

“Along the way, we noticed that no one knew for sure how many applications the company had in general,” Peltola continues.

The application assessment tool played a key role among the deliverables. The tool provided a template for evaluating applications – which applications can and should be moved to the cloud. It also brought consistency to decision-making in different departments. When all units can use the same tool to evaluate the migration strategy, decisions on transferring applications are then based on the same guidelines throughout the Group.

“The tool is used to compare apples to apples and not, for example, to pears. The tool strengthens and smoothens the decision making process within the application portfolio to be more repeatable. When making decisions about migration or cloud adoption, it is important to consider various aspects of applications to find out whether expected benefits can be achieved or not,” says Peltola.

Cloud Governance unifies cloud operations – business sees the benefits

The solution to the customer’s challenges was to define more concrete cloud governance for a cloud management model.

The cooperation between Solita and SSAB was enthusiastic from the get-go. A common language was quickly found once the goal and targets had been clarified. As a result of the partnership, SSAB created a clear and comprehensive foundation and governance for its cloud operations. The new cloud strategy and governance will make it easier for SSAB to create future value from cloud-related processes.

“The general understanding of cloud operations at SSAB increased and the commitment and responsibilities were clarified. As a result of the project, internal transparency within the Group increased significantly,” Peltola says.

SSAB aims to be the world’s first fossil-free steel producer by 2026.

In order to be able to trace the steel production stages from sourcing, production and distribution all the way to the claims, we need tools, almost all of which are only available in the cloud.