IT Department
Digital Reality
How the combined IT department of Beko and IHP lives and works
There are live people behind the complex systems that keep the company running, enabling and propelling the business into the new digital reality. The collegues from the IT department tell us how their work is organized, what projects they are developing and what transformation is taking place in the company right now.
Transforming into a digital Data-Driven company
Alexander Usanov,
Director of IT Department:
- Our fundamental tasks are to ensure stable, secure operation of systems and infrastructure, to provide services for the reliable operation of production, sales and back-office services (logistics, finance, purchasing, HR, etc.), and to support synergies between Beko and IHP business processes. This is not possible without building partner relationships and effective communication between business functions. Now one of our important KPIs, which indicates the speed with which we solve problems, is around 96%, and we have consistently been improving it. The IT service satisfaction rate is around 82%, which is one of the best in Beko.
Last year we brought together two teams, Beko and IHP, and thanks to their synergy, active interaction, and because they care, we got a positive effect. We started to launch more beneficial projects for business and production, both in the development of new solutions for production and in solutions for enterprise management systems (SAP ERP IHP and SAP Beko).
Alexander Usanov,
Director of IT Department:
- Our fundamental tasks are to ensure stable, secure operation of systems and infrastructure, to provide services for the reliable operation of production, sales and back-office services (logistics, finance, purchasing, HR, etc.), and to support synergies between Beko and IHP business processes. This is not possible without building partner relationships and effective communication between business functions. Now one of our important KPIs, which indicates the speed with which we solve problems, is around 96%, and we have consistently been improving it. The IT service satisfaction rate is around 82%, which is one of the best in Beko.
Last year we brought together two teams, Beko and IHP, and thanks to their synergy, active interaction, and because they care, we got a positive effect. We started to launch more beneficial projects for business and production, both in the development of new solutions for production and in solutions for enterprise management systems (SAP ERP IHP and SAP Beko).
We have an amazing team, widely dispersed geographically: there are six people in Moscow, 30 in Lipetsk, and 13 in Kirzhach; it's interesting to administer, and heads of departments help us. I try to be everywhere and to provide support. Everyone is a high-level professional: each specialist is a team player on the one hand and brings their own unique skills to the role on the other hand. People and their knowledge are the main asset and foundation of any IT department. And we have something to be proud of!
At the moment we are stabilizing and optimizing a lot of processes, and the goal and objective for several years within the strategy is digital transformation and transition to a Data-Driven company, where data helps to make decisions quickly.
At the moment we are stabilizing and optimizing a lot of processes, and the goal and objective for several years within the strategy is digital transformation and transition to a Data-Driven company, where data helps to make decisions quickly.
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The three main pillars of an IT company are stability, rapid changes, and innovations. And the team is at the core of it!
One of today's priorities is the development of the D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) direction. It's a completely different business compared to B2B (Business-to-Business), much more dynamic, flexible, we all need to adapt and accelerate. We support this strategy by helping with system integrations in all areas (marketing and sales, logistics and finance, etc.).
As an example of synergy involving best practices, Beko successfully launched a project to track critical components at its Lipetsk plant.
Another interesting project in Kirzhach is the launch of a pilot Traffic Jam system, which displays problem areas on the production line. It helps to respond quickly to a slowdown in production rate, collect data for analysis and subsequent improvements. Now it is a pilot project on one section of the refrigerator line, and we plan to expand it.
We are also working on the launch of the global Sirius project - a modern system to improve interaction with consumers on warranties and repairs, together with the central team we are working on a global system of machinery registrations using modern technologies.
As an example of synergy involving best practices, Beko successfully launched a project to track critical components at its Lipetsk plant.
Another interesting project in Kirzhach is the launch of a pilot Traffic Jam system, which displays problem areas on the production line. It helps to respond quickly to a slowdown in production rate, collect data for analysis and subsequent improvements. Now it is a pilot project on one section of the refrigerator line, and we plan to expand it.
We are also working on the launch of the global Sirius project - a modern system to improve interaction with consumers on warranties and repairs, together with the central team we are working on a global system of machinery registrations using modern technologies.
We want to be closer to Beko and IHP users. To this end, we have launched quarterly Q&A sessions about IT, and will soon launch an internal website for the IT department. We try to communicate as much as possible, raising the bar and quality of services from IT.
For IT, as probably for many others, it's important to make a product/service that really brings benefit and value to the company, so it's important to work together c work on the business case, make an assessment of the return on resources spent. This is exactly what we urge our business partners to do.
The biggest demotivator for IT is when everything has been done, there's a solution and it's not being used or it's just for ticking boxes.
The main internal goal is to ensure effective internal processes and regulations. This will allow us to move faster towards digitalization. We strive to unify IT project management so that it is understandable to everyone, and take data management to the next level, as it is the key to making the right decisions. We will be moving towards a Data-Driven company. Minimizing sanctions risks and creating local solutions are also important. This requires additional analysis and time, but we are ready for these challenges.
Things are changing rapidly now and we are already actively discussing artificial intelligence, augmented reality, computer vision and digital alter egos. We need to learn more new things, to try and introduce more innovative products. All these technologies must be used to gain a competitive advantage and reduce costs. And this is a matter of the near future.
For IT, as probably for many others, it's important to make a product/service that really brings benefit and value to the company, so it's important to work together c work on the business case, make an assessment of the return on resources spent. This is exactly what we urge our business partners to do.
The biggest demotivator for IT is when everything has been done, there's a solution and it's not being used or it's just for ticking boxes.
The main internal goal is to ensure effective internal processes and regulations. This will allow us to move faster towards digitalization. We strive to unify IT project management so that it is understandable to everyone, and take data management to the next level, as it is the key to making the right decisions. We will be moving towards a Data-Driven company. Minimizing sanctions risks and creating local solutions are also important. This requires additional analysis and time, but we are ready for these challenges.
Things are changing rapidly now and we are already actively discussing artificial intelligence, augmented reality, computer vision and digital alter egos. We need to learn more new things, to try and introduce more innovative products. All these technologies must be used to gain a competitive advantage and reduce costs. And this is a matter of the near future.
Automating business processes
Svetlana Shalakhova,
Head of IT Department for Business Process Support and Project Implementation:
– We joined the Beko Group in September 2022. And we had to reorganize many of the plant functions to meet the requirements of the new parent company in line with Beko's financial analytics and reporting. It's an ambitious and large-scale project. I am proud of the fact that we were able to successfully implement it with our own efforts, without attracting external resources. Certainly, the close interaction and integration with IT at the headquarters and with Beko's functional departments has helped greatly. We have found common ground and complete understanding.
Another significant project we have completed is a material warehouse management system in Kirzhach. The digital sales market – marketplaces, online stores – are also being integrated into our system. We have simplified and made reporting on these transactions transparent. The company has many further development projects underway, such as product quality management. We will have this task in the short term.
There is no such thing as being static in IT processes; you can't just do something and never come back to it. There is constant development, improvement, updating, dynamics. And that's exactly what I like about my profession.
Svetlana Shalakhova,
Head of IT Department for Business Process Support and Project Implementation:
– We joined the Beko Group in September 2022. And we had to reorganize many of the plant functions to meet the requirements of the new parent company in line with Beko's financial analytics and reporting. It's an ambitious and large-scale project. I am proud of the fact that we were able to successfully implement it with our own efforts, without attracting external resources. Certainly, the close interaction and integration with IT at the headquarters and with Beko's functional departments has helped greatly. We have found common ground and complete understanding.
Another significant project we have completed is a material warehouse management system in Kirzhach. The digital sales market – marketplaces, online stores – are also being integrated into our system. We have simplified and made reporting on these transactions transparent. The company has many further development projects underway, such as product quality management. We will have this task in the short term.
There is no such thing as being static in IT processes; you can't just do something and never come back to it. There is constant development, improvement, updating, dynamics. And that's exactly what I like about my profession.
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We analyze a great scope of the company's business processes and can reduce the cost of many projects.
I have been working in the field of information technology since 1992. I started as a young specialist and became the head of the IT department of a household appliance manufacturer. My area of expertise is Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), which covers all functions of the company – resource planning, purchasing, sales, etc. We have been working with this system for more than 25 years, during which time it has undergone many transformations. Such work requires interaction with professionals from different departments. You familiarize yourself with their functions, immerse yourself in the process, and participate in everything. It's a vastly different experience.
There are now 19 people in my department, including fairly young professionals and experienced professionals who have been in the industry for more than 25 years. Our team is built to provide cross-functional coverage and interchangeability, constantly sharing knowledge. We process and analyze a large scope of the company's business processes. We are looking for ways to simplify processes, enable automation of many business activities with a focus on the company's performance.
I just want to say how I appreciate my team! I believe we are one of the strongest teams on the market in our segment!
There are now 19 people in my department, including fairly young professionals and experienced professionals who have been in the industry for more than 25 years. Our team is built to provide cross-functional coverage and interchangeability, constantly sharing knowledge. We process and analyze a large scope of the company's business processes. We are looking for ways to simplify processes, enable automation of many business activities with a focus on the company's performance.
I just want to say how I appreciate my team! I believe we are one of the strongest teams on the market in our segment!
Strengthening processes through technologies
Yana Zanozina,
Head of Service Projects, Information Technology Department:
– I have been working for the company since 2007, I have been working in the service department for 16 years, and since March 2024 I moved to the IT department to the position of IT ‑Project Manager. My profession combines technology and human interaction to turn ideas into real products. I am proud of the opportunity to influence results and create something meaningful together with my team of professionals.
In the first six months of 2024, I was leading two important projects. The first one is the introduction of a motivational “Bonus Plan” for service partners. This project helped to make the performance indicators of service partners more understandable and transparent, and also helped to automate their calculation, which increased the level of motivation of partners and will subsequently improve the quality of service.
The second project is NPS Happy Call, which automatically sends SMS messages to customers with requests about their satisfaction with the service. This project will not only gather valuable feedback to improve our services, but will also help build on our strengths while eliminating our weaknesses. Being able to immerse myself in different areas of business, interact with colleagues, understand what drives each area and how technology can help in its development – all of this inspires and motivates me.
Yana Zanozina,
Head of Service Projects, Information Technology Department:
– I have been working for the company since 2007, I have been working in the service department for 16 years, and since March 2024 I moved to the IT department to the position of IT ‑Project Manager. My profession combines technology and human interaction to turn ideas into real products. I am proud of the opportunity to influence results and create something meaningful together with my team of professionals.
In the first six months of 2024, I was leading two important projects. The first one is the introduction of a motivational “Bonus Plan” for service partners. This project helped to make the performance indicators of service partners more understandable and transparent, and also helped to automate their calculation, which increased the level of motivation of partners and will subsequently improve the quality of service.
The second project is NPS Happy Call, which automatically sends SMS messages to customers with requests about their satisfaction with the service. This project will not only gather valuable feedback to improve our services, but will also help build on our strengths while eliminating our weaknesses. Being able to immerse myself in different areas of business, interact with colleagues, understand what drives each area and how technology can help in its development – all of this inspires and motivates me.
Focusing on our customers
Evgenia Timofeeva,
Senior Analyst of IT Department:
- I am relatively new to the company, and my previous relevant work experience helped me get involved quickly. I am responsible for D2C (direct-to-consumer) processes that are directly related to end users. It's no secret that at the moment D2C is one of the important strategic priorities of our company. We keep up with the current trends in the industry, we are developing e-commerce – both marketplaces and our own websites. Before I joined the company, sales on the Ozon and Yandex marketplaces had already been launched. We continue to customize and improve our work with these platforms. Just recently we have integrated with Wildberries. Consequently, we are all expecting a significant increase in orders and are preparing the most efficient methods of processing them, which will help us not to attract additional resources. We do not forget to work on our own websites and develop a client-oriented approach to functionality. For example, at the moment we are working on a merchant acquiring project.
My list of tasks includes not only launching new projects, but also analyzing existing processes in order to improve them. My activity is based on cross-functional interaction. Effective collaboration always helps to find a solution to even the most difficult task. I communicate a lot, find a common language with different people, and I like it.
Evgenia Timofeeva,
Senior Analyst of IT Department:
- I am relatively new to the company, and my previous relevant work experience helped me get involved quickly. I am responsible for D2C (direct-to-consumer) processes that are directly related to end users. It's no secret that at the moment D2C is one of the important strategic priorities of our company. We keep up with the current trends in the industry, we are developing e-commerce – both marketplaces and our own websites. Before I joined the company, sales on the Ozon and Yandex marketplaces had already been launched. We continue to customize and improve our work with these platforms. Just recently we have integrated with Wildberries. Consequently, we are all expecting a significant increase in orders and are preparing the most efficient methods of processing them, which will help us not to attract additional resources. We do not forget to work on our own websites and develop a client-oriented approach to functionality. For example, at the moment we are working on a merchant acquiring project.
My list of tasks includes not only launching new projects, but also analyzing existing processes in order to improve them. My activity is based on cross-functional interaction. Effective collaboration always helps to find a solution to even the most difficult task. I communicate a lot, find a common language with different people, and I like it.
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D2C is one of the important strategic priorities of our company.
Maxim Kozhekin,
IT Specialist:
– I started at Beko in 2008 in the IT department. And this year I joined the Application (App) group for work. I am engaged in ensuring the security of the company's ERP system, as well as the integration of various business applications among themselves and with clients, for example, with Yandex. I really like my job and our friendly team. We always try to be one step ahead by studying new technologies in the IT field and implementing them into the company's work.
IT Specialist:
– I started at Beko in 2008 in the IT department. And this year I joined the Application (App) group for work. I am engaged in ensuring the security of the company's ERP system, as well as the integration of various business applications among themselves and with clients, for example, with Yandex. I really like my job and our friendly team. We always try to be one step ahead by studying new technologies in the IT field and implementing them into the company's work.
We strive to improve the performance of the entire plant.
Alexey Okel,
Head of Information Infrastructure Division:
– I am the head of the IT department at the Beko plant. My main task is to ensure the stability of the entire IT infrastructure. This includes managing servers, networks, and various systems that interact with each other and other locations. Tasks come both from the top managers, from the headquarters, and from the bottom, from users. We also monitor users' needs and solve the problems they encounter.
At regular meetings, we discuss both applied solutions and global issues at the company's policy level. For example, we recently had a project to monitor our appliances during their life cycle. It tracks who, how and what equipment is used and ensures proper operation and returns.
I really appreciate the atmosphere that we have developed over 15 years. Good relationships within the team help us to cope with high workload. Projects multiply, so mutual support is essential.
Alexey Okel,
Head of Information Infrastructure Division:
– I am the head of the IT department at the Beko plant. My main task is to ensure the stability of the entire IT infrastructure. This includes managing servers, networks, and various systems that interact with each other and other locations. Tasks come both from the top managers, from the headquarters, and from the bottom, from users. We also monitor users' needs and solve the problems they encounter.
At regular meetings, we discuss both applied solutions and global issues at the company's policy level. For example, we recently had a project to monitor our appliances during their life cycle. It tracks who, how and what equipment is used and ensures proper operation and returns.
I really appreciate the atmosphere that we have developed over 15 years. Good relationships within the team help us to cope with high workload. Projects multiply, so mutual support is essential.
“
IT is implemented in all units of the plant. You can't get anywhere without computers these days.
Alexander Sukhin,
Senior Software Developer:
– Working in the IT department gives us the opportunity to implement the most interesting ideas to improve the operation of our plant. Among the most prominent projects, I can think of the installation and launch of a video wall at the entrance to the plant in 2019. Besides the hardware part, our department developed a complete set of software to manage the content and display it on nine screens in a single complex. This year the video screens are already five years old, and all this time they have been continuously informing employees and guests of the plant about production successes and news of our company.
Of course, our main efforts are aimed at continuous and high-quality production. Last year, for example, the plant increased the plan and started producing more complex but also more profitable models for the plant. This caused some bottlenecks in the third refrigerator assembly area at the beginning of the year. The line was clogged and stopped periodically. But we were able to solve this problem using IT (digitalization of operations, new equipment, new algorithms) in the shortest possible time. Moreover, we eliminated the problem without rebuilding the production line, which saved the plant a lot of money.
Our team of professionals is excellent and we are ready for the most ambitious projects.
Senior Software Developer:
– Working in the IT department gives us the opportunity to implement the most interesting ideas to improve the operation of our plant. Among the most prominent projects, I can think of the installation and launch of a video wall at the entrance to the plant in 2019. Besides the hardware part, our department developed a complete set of software to manage the content and display it on nine screens in a single complex. This year the video screens are already five years old, and all this time they have been continuously informing employees and guests of the plant about production successes and news of our company.
Of course, our main efforts are aimed at continuous and high-quality production. Last year, for example, the plant increased the plan and started producing more complex but also more profitable models for the plant. This caused some bottlenecks in the third refrigerator assembly area at the beginning of the year. The line was clogged and stopped periodically. But we were able to solve this problem using IT (digitalization of operations, new equipment, new algorithms) in the shortest possible time. Moreover, we eliminated the problem without rebuilding the production line, which saved the plant a lot of money.
Our team of professionals is excellent and we are ready for the most ambitious projects.
Adopting best practices
Nurlanbek Abdizhalilov,
Head of Digital Systems Division:
– Our digital systems division was established about three years ago, and I took over last year. As technologies evolve, our department's contribution to the business is immense. We are always looking for the best solutions and interacting with other plants, adopting best practices and adapting them to our needs. It allows us to integrate and customize systems to improve production efficiency.
I have been with the company for over 15 years, since 2008, but initially I worked for a short time in Istanbul, at Arçelik, and from there I was sent to Beko in Russia. I quickly got used to my new place, and I am very pleased to work with my Russian colleagues. We socialize often off duty, celebrate each other's birthdays, and occasionally play sports together. It keeps the team spirit alive.
Every year, depending on wishes and requirements of the projects, we send our employees for training. When hiring new employees, especially young professionals and interns, I pay attention not only to their technical knowledge, but also to their personal qualities. Our team is mature – those who join the team and share our corporate values stay and develop with us.
I thank all my colleagues for their professionalism and responsibility at work.
Nurlanbek Abdizhalilov,
Head of Digital Systems Division:
– Our digital systems division was established about three years ago, and I took over last year. As technologies evolve, our department's contribution to the business is immense. We are always looking for the best solutions and interacting with other plants, adopting best practices and adapting them to our needs. It allows us to integrate and customize systems to improve production efficiency.
I have been with the company for over 15 years, since 2008, but initially I worked for a short time in Istanbul, at Arçelik, and from there I was sent to Beko in Russia. I quickly got used to my new place, and I am very pleased to work with my Russian colleagues. We socialize often off duty, celebrate each other's birthdays, and occasionally play sports together. It keeps the team spirit alive.
Every year, depending on wishes and requirements of the projects, we send our employees for training. When hiring new employees, especially young professionals and interns, I pay attention not only to their technical knowledge, but also to their personal qualities. Our team is mature – those who join the team and share our corporate values stay and develop with us.
I thank all my colleagues for their professionalism and responsibility at work.
Ensuring smooth operation
Vladimir Moisiyenko,
Head of Technical Support Group:
– I have been working at Beko since 2010. From day one, I could feel the confidence in the team and that I was needed. I have a lot of respect for our company which is like a family.
Our department provides technical support for users and production equipment. We are responsible for ensuring that all computers, printers, terminals and telephones in the prosuction premises and offices work properly. Our work is invisible to others, but that's how it should be when everything is functioning smoothly.
One of the most significant recent projects was the replacement of equipment in the server room and major networking equipment. This has improved the overall performance and stability of the systems. We constantly interact with various departments of the company, primarily with the production department. The processes at the plant must be continuous, so we pay the most attention to them.
Vladimir Moisiyenko,
Head of Technical Support Group:
– I have been working at Beko since 2010. From day one, I could feel the confidence in the team and that I was needed. I have a lot of respect for our company which is like a family.
Our department provides technical support for users and production equipment. We are responsible for ensuring that all computers, printers, terminals and telephones in the prosuction premises and offices work properly. Our work is invisible to others, but that's how it should be when everything is functioning smoothly.
One of the most significant recent projects was the replacement of equipment in the server room and major networking equipment. This has improved the overall performance and stability of the systems. We constantly interact with various departments of the company, primarily with the production department. The processes at the plant must be continuous, so we pay the most attention to them.
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In fact, we are responsible for all computer equipment.
Irina Nazarova,
Intern:
- I am so glad that my internship job was highly appreciated and I was invited to join the company. I tried to be responsible, learn new things and take the initiative, and it's great that they noticed it. I would like to thank my new colleagues for their support and trust. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the development of our department!
Intern:
- I am so glad that my internship job was highly appreciated and I was invited to join the company. I tried to be responsible, learn new things and take the initiative, and it's great that they noticed it. I would like to thank my new colleagues for their support and trust. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the development of our department!
Vladimir Vlasov,
Software Developer:
– Until March 2024, I was engaged in technical support of the IT department for ten years. And now, following a suggestion from colleagues, I've switched to software developers. I wanted to try myself in a new role. And I'm delighted that colleagues have seen my potential for growth in this area. It is very enjoyable to work in a team where everyone supports and helps each other.
Software Developer:
– Until March 2024, I was engaged in technical support of the IT department for ten years. And now, following a suggestion from colleagues, I've switched to software developers. I wanted to try myself in a new role. And I'm delighted that colleagues have seen my potential for growth in this area. It is very enjoyable to work in a team where everyone supports and helps each other.
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