Hottinger Brüel & Kjær

Hottinger Brüel & Kjær

Enterprise data complexity: How HBK implemented the data architecture and data organization of the future

Enterprise data complexity: How HBK implemented the data architecture and data organization of the future

Delivery

Data Strategy & Data Architecture

Industry

Engineering & Production

Area

New data architecture in parallel with business transformation

Impact

Improved delivery model and a clear data strategy

Introduction

Strengthening global operations through a cohesive data and ERP transformation.

Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK) is a global market leader in high-precision measurement and sensor technologies. With decades of innovation, the company delivers hardware and software solutions that are business-critical for industries such as aerospace, defense, and telecommunications. To maintain its market-leading position while improving global operations, HBK is undergoing a comprehensive ERP transformation that places high demands on data foundations, architecture, and organization.

Challanges

Balancing stable operations with a future-proof data architecture.

HBK faced a complex dual challenge. On one hand, the company needed to define a future-proof data architecture to support a new ERP platform. On the other hand, the existing architecture had to continue operating reliably and support daily operations across a global organization. This required a comprehensive data strategy where business strategy, end-user needs, technical debt, organizational capabilities, and costs were evaluated holistically. At the same time, there was a need for clear visibility into Total Cost of Ownership and the technical dependencies between existing systems and the upcoming ERP solution. Without this, decisions risked becoming fragmented and difficult to anchor.

The Solution

A unified data strategy and architecture focused on transparency and business value.

In collaboration with Codellent, HBK developed a data strategy and target architecture with a strong focus on coherence, transparency, and business value. The work was based on a thorough analysis of technical dependencies and costs, providing management with a fact-based foundation for prioritizing and making long-term decisions. As part of the solution, a new data platform was established, integrating ERP data along with automated reporting and analytics capabilities. In parallel, a new operating model for the Data & Analytics organization was developed, clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and governance with a focus on delivering business value. Codellent also took responsibility for technical project management, ensuring alignment between system integrations, technical decisions, and desired business outcomes.

Final thoughts

Increased stability, improved data quality, and a stronger foundation for decision-making.

Increased stability, improved data quality, and a stronger foundation for decision-making.

Although the overall ERP transformation is still ongoing, the data initiatives have already delivered tangible improvements. HBK has achieved increased stability, improved data coherence, and a stronger foundation for decision-making in daily operations. The result is a more mature and cohesive approach to data, where the business experiences faster deliveries, less friction in collaboration, and greater transparency across the organization.

Although the overall ERP transformation is still ongoing, the data initiatives have already delivered tangible improvements. HBK has achieved increased stability, improved data coherence, and a stronger foundation for decision-making in daily operations. The result is a more mature and cohesive approach to data, where the business experiences faster deliveries, less friction in collaboration, and greater transparency across the organization.