Workload automation is at the heart of modern IT operations, enabling organizations to run complex processes with minimal manual intervention. A powerful example of a successful migration in this field comes from Nürnberger Insurance, a leading German insurance company headquartered in Nuremberg. This case study highlights how Nürnberger transitioned from IBM Workload Scheduler (IWS) to Automic Automation, achieving greater efficiency, reliability, and future-proof operations.
Background on Nürnberger Insurance
Nürnberger Insurance has been a trusted partner for its customers since 1884. Over the years, the company has grown into a major player in the German market, offering services across life insurance, health insurance, property and casualty insurance, as well as financial services. With more than 4,300 employees and a commitment to innovation, Nürnberger continuously looks for ways to improve its IT infrastructure.
Initial Situation: Legacy Workload Automation
For many years, Nürnberger relied on IBM IWS (formerly TWS) to manage its workload automation. The system handled over 10,000 job definitions for z/OS mainframe and Windows-based environments, managing and controlling more than 6,400 workflows. While IBM IWS had served the company well, the need for greater flexibility and integration with modern IT systems became increasingly clear.
New requirements such as integrating new technologies, improving system alignment with platform strategy, and enhancing workplace attractiveness required Nürnberger to reassess its workload automation tool. The goal was to identify a solution that was not only reliable and scalable but also future-proof—capable of meeting evolving demands and supporting market growth.
The Selection Process
To find the right solution, Nürnberger launched a comprehensive selection process. After extensive testing and evaluations, the company chose Automic Automation as the best fit. This decision was supported by Tricise, an experienced partner with extensive knowledge in workload automation migrations.
The Migration Journey
Preparation and Planning
Tricise supported Nürnberger through every phase of the migration project. Detailed planning workshops were conducted to define requirements, set standards for the new workload automation environment, and outline best practices. The expertise provided by Tricise ensured that Nürnberger had a clear roadmap for the transition.
Implementation of Automic Automation
Automic Automation was deployed, and employees were trained to manage and optimize the new system. The migration involved automated conversion processes for the majority of workloads, minimizing manual effort. Through several iterations, the migration output was refined, tested, and validated to ensure maximum accuracy.
Testing and Validation
Before going live, Nürnberger’s team tested non-critical and self-contained processes in isolated environments such as Test, SIT, and VPROD. Once validated, the workflows were then integrated into production environments and connected to the ticketing system, enabling efficient monitoring and rapid troubleshooting.
The Big Bang Cutover
The migration culminated in a “big bang” approach. On Friday, October 14, 2022, the active workloads were switched from IBM IWS to Automic. The migration weekend went smoothly—the changeover was seamless and went unnoticed within the company. In the following weeks, the production environment was closely monitored, and minor issues were quickly identified and resolved. By December, all employees had transitioned into routine operations with the new workload automation tool.
Benefits of Migrating to Automic Automation
The migration to Automic brought several tangible benefits to Nürnberger Insurance. With a modern workload automation platform in place, the company has paved the way for deeper integration with cutting-edge technologies, including SAP. This has also enhanced the attractiveness of Nürnberger as an employer, as modern tools support greater workplace efficiency and innovation.
In addition, the migration reduced the risk of operational disruptions. Automic Automation offers superior reliability and scalability, which means the company can handle increasing workloads without compromising on performance. The support provided by Tricise during the migration and beyond has been exceptional, ensuring that Nürnberger continues to operate smoothly.
Conclusion of the migration from IBM Workload Scheduler to Automic at Nürnberger Versicherung
The migration from IBM Workload Scheduler (IWS) to Automic Automation is a prime example of how strategic investment in workload automation can transform IT operations. Nürnberger Insurance successfully modernized its scheduling environment, ensuring stability, flexibility, and growth potential for the future.
For organizations considering a similar transition, this case study demonstrates that with careful planning, expert support, and the right workload automation tool, even large-scale migrations can be executed seamlessly. Automic Automation not only meets current operational demands but also positions companies for long-term success in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
