Streamlining internal communication with Staffbase: Global intranet change in 5 months 

a woman and a man sit at one laptop and take notes-SUNZINET
Logo Staffbase

The Project

Inclusive intranet for effective communication

Based in Neuhausen, Switzerland, SIG has established itself as a leading provider of sustainable and innovative packaging solutions. As their offering is now available in over 100 countries, their workforce equally reflects the company’s global impactboasting over 9000 employees at more than 60 locations.

SIG was operating an intranet system based on TYPO3, developed 11 years ago. Over time, it became outdated, requiring extensive maintenance and offering limited collaboration options. Additionally, it lacked mobile accessibility, and production staff had no access at all. These limitations made a global modernization essential.

As a longstanding partner, SUNZINET was entrusted with identifying and developing an inclusive platform designed to effectively support all SIG employees.

Key objectives were to: 

  • Provide easy access for all employees, especially non-desk workers around the world.
  • Boost interaction with the platform, making it easier for employees to contribute to internal communication and stay in the loop.

"Working with SUNZINET on this project was, as I had experienced in our many years together, highly goal-oriented and pragmatic. The team helped us understand the platform, use it efficiently, and prepare for go-live. This approach made it possible to transition from the old to the new system across more than 60 locations worldwide in just five months."

Sandra Hallaschka SIG
Sandra Hallaschka Senior Communication Manager, SIG
Typo_to_Staffbase_EN

The Challenge

Customization without coding for increased engagement

Running a company operating in 20 countries comes with its own set of challenges, communication being one of them. With contributing creators being scattered across the globe, delivering content in 6 different languages became an arduous task. Connecting and reaching all the employees became a growing concern. SUNZINET took on the challenge of implementing a standalone software, while dealing with the outlined problems:

  1. Outdated Technology: The TYPO3 was a complex intranet that required coding and lacked mobile integration, thus limiting accessibility and efficiency.
  2. Limited Accesibility: Employees could only access the intranet through a VPN, which was not feasible for all, particularly in a global setting.
  3. Complex Editorial Process: The existing system did not support a decentralized editorial network, making content management and maintenance challenging.
  4. Global Communication Needs: The need for a multilingual platform to accommodate the diverse linguistic landscape of SIG’s global workforce.

Strategy & Implementation 

Envisioning a New Mobile-Friendly Intranet Envisioning a New Mobile-Frinedly Intranet

To address these challenges, we consulted to implement a new intranet solution using the Staffbase platform, known for its robust features and integration capabilities.

  • Frau ist im Gespräch und hört lächelnd zu
    We conducted a thorough analysis of SIG's existing intranet, focusing on user needs, technical requirements, and integration capabilities with Microsoft 365. This phase also involved setting clear project goals and KPIs.
  • Frau erklärt zwei Personen etwas am Laptop
    Our team crafted a user-centric design, developing a new sitemap, user guidance frameworks, and a simplified menu structure. The design process also included the development of a news concept, personalization features, and a structure for internal spaces on the platform.
  • Mann überlegt konzentriert am Bildschirm
    We implemented a comprehensive technical architecture within Staffbase, ensuring a smooth workflow for news submissions, translations, and onboarding processes. This included setting up systems to support content in over 20 languages, enhancing global communication.
  • Frau arbeitet mit Headset an Computer
    We facilitated the migration from TYPO3 to Staffbase, providing templates, workflows, and an information architecture that allowed SIG to independently manage the transition. Ongoing support ensured smooth content management and system maintenance post-launch.

     

Frau ist im Gespräch und hört lächelnd zu
Frau erklärt zwei Personen etwas am Laptop
Mann überlegt konzentriert am Bildschirm
Frau arbeitet mit Headset an Computer
Clear intranet page with ‘Clean design’ lettering Option to subscribe to newsletters from a variety of countries labelled ‘International content’ Clearly structured intranet page with ‘Clear presentation’ lettering

The Results

Improved Accessibility & Engagement

  • Registered Users: Over 77% of employees registered, with 78% actively engaging with the platform on a monthly basis.
  • Global Reach: The new intranet is accessible globally, without the need for VPN, significantly improving user experience.

Enhanced Editorial Control

  • Decentralized Content Management: The new platform supports a flexible editorial network, enabling better content maintenance across different regions. 

Modern, Scalable Infrastructure

  • SaaS Model Benefits: The shift to a SaaS-based platform ensured continuous updates, focusing resources on content rather than technical upkeep.
Display of the intranet on laptop and smartphone with the words ‘Desktop or mobile use’

Key Successes & Project Highlights

The transformation of SIG’s intranet has not only modernized its digital workplace but also fostered a more inclusive and efficient communication environment. This case study underscores our expertise in delivering complex digital transformation projects, achieving significant improvements in user engagement and operational efficiency.

Some of the project highlights include:

  • On-Time Delivery: Despite the complex nature of the transition (changing an established central system of 11 years) we were able to deliver the project in just 5 months!
  • Client Independence: SIG successfully managed much of the migration themselves, showcasing the platform's user-friendly design and our effective preparatory work.

Do you want to take your intranet to the next level?

Simply fill in the form to arrange an initial, non-obligatory call and we will get back to you within 24 hours on a business day.

In this first meeting, we will talk about your challenges and goals and suggest possible next steps! 

Simona Mayer - Head of Business Development - SUNZINET

Simona Mayer

Head of Business Development

mayer.simona@sunzinet.com

+49 221 / 355 009 0