41 different HR systems worldwide, typing data into Excel spreadsheets and checking it, and the constant nagging question “Is the information here really correct and complete?” This or something similar is what work looked like in many HR departments at Leadec for a long time. Not unusual in a company that has grown over time and employs more than 22,000 people worldwide. However, efficiency looks different. And important issues such as recruiting, training, and retaining employees could not be dealt with optimally.
Challenge accepted
Initial considerations for a digital project that would consolidate all systems and allow comprehensive data access at the touch of a button were made at the end of 2021. The solution was then launched in mid-2023 – an ambitious project plan. “None of this would have been possible without our dedicated, global teamwork,” says Christof Baumgart, responsible for Global HR at Leadec. A core team of 20 people and an extended global team of 21 people, consisting of HR, IT, data security and communication specialists, worked together intensively. The teams defied language barriers, different professional backgrounds and time zones. “The collaboration was characterized by an intensive exchange, willingness to compromise and appreciation,” recalls Christof Baumgart. “That’s not something we take for granted when we consider the time pressure and heterogeneity.”
Actively shaping change
The implementation of the solution was not only a technical achievement, but also an example of successful change management. For example, project participants and employees were regularly informed via an internal employee app, and so-called “agents” supported the HR managers with all questions. And a catchy name for the platform was developed in the HR community: “HR connect.” It has been shown that broad and transparent communication has promoted acceptance and even enthusiasm for the project.
Go-live after 16 months
Instead of a gradual roll-out, the platform was implemented as a global “big bang.” “We’re live!” was the message just 16 months after the kick-off. The new solution serves three target groups: HR managers, direct managers, and all employees. They all benefit in their own way, be it through more efficient processes, transparent access to information or integrated learning opportunities through the Leadec Campus, Leadec’s own platform for further education and training. “HR Digi was not just one of the biggest IT projects at Leadec, it was a transformation,” summarizes Markus Hucko, COO at Leadec. “A transformation that would have been unthinkable without the commitment and passion of our diverse global team.” At Leadec, HR Digi will not simply be remembered as a successful IT project. Rather, it has shown that in a world that is becoming increasingly digital, human collaboration is still what makes projects fly.
You may also be interested in the following articles:
All
Interview04/24/2025“Our People are the Lifeblood of Diversified Automation”
Diversified Automation (DA) has been part of the Leadec Group since 2020, and Tom Gallagher has been leading the company since 2024. In this interview, he reflects on major milestones, market opportunities, innovation—and why his team is the true backbone of success.
Article04/04/2025¡Adelante! – Joining the Leadec Team with Motivation and Know-How
Two young electronics technicians from Spain kick off their careers at Leadec in Garbsen. This is made possible through the ¡Adelante! project, which helps young professionals from Spain enter the German job market.
Video03/12/2025The foundation of our work: respect, team spirit and variety
Leadec employees explain what respect, team spirit and variety mean to them and how these values characterize their day-to-day work at Leadec.
Video02/04/2025Working at Leadec: Arabella about variety
Respect, team spirit and variety are the foundation of our work. Arabella describes why her work at Leadec is varied.
Video01/29/2025Working at Leadec: Ömer about team spirit
Respect, team spirit and variety are the foundation of our work. Ömer describes how he experiences team spirit at Leadec.
Brochure01/20/2025Company brochure: At the heart of manufacturing
Our company brochure provides an overview of our services, our culture and references and shows the advantages of working with Leadec.
Video01/10/2025Working at Leadec: Pedro about respect
Respect, team spirit and variety are the foundation of our work. Pedro describes how he experiences respect in his work.
Interview11/07/2024“A Shoebox Worth a Six-Digit Amount”
Companies within the semiconductor industry place particularly high demands on logistics. In this interview, Gert Brandl, who works in account management for the semiconductor sector at Leadec and is the project manager in charge, explains why the company developed its own track and trace software for a customer and what makes it so special.
Interview10/22/2024“EU Green Deal Readiness – We are ahead of time.”
In this interview, Markus Bölke, Global Head of Green Factory Solutions, Sustainability & HSE at Leadec gives an insight into how the company has anchored the EU Green Deal in its strategy and how Leadec supports its customers with special services to make their own production more climate-neutral.
Video10/07/2024Working at Leadec: Edit about team spirit
Respect, team spirit and variety are the foundation of our work. Edit describes what team spirit means to her.
Interview10/02/2024“Cleanrooms Are Just Beautiful”
Protective clothing, a sterile environment, and air locks: cleanrooms are a very special working environment. In this interview, Steve Koch, who works at Leadec’s Dresden site, talks about what it’s like to work under extremely strict conditions and what he appreciates about it.
Interview09/24/2024Leonarda’s journey: from specialist to trainer
Leonarda started at Leadec in Brazil in 2019 as a health and safety specialist in a team of 50 people. She is now a health and safety trainer and passes on her knowledge while commuting between customer sites and dedicating herself to the most important thing: the safety of employees.
Interview09/18/2024“Together, we can make a difference!”
In the interview with Bernard Sextus, Director Operations of Leadec India, you can learn more about how every little contribution to climate protection counts, how data can be used to improve awareness and what Leadec colleagues in India actively do.
Video08/30/2024Working at Leadec: Bernd about variety
Respect, team spirit and variety are the foundation of our work. Bernd describes why his work at Leadec is varied.
Article08/27/2024‘Future-ready’ – A Week Dedicated to Further Training
The Leadec Learning Week is a really big event in the Leadec calendar. There is a lot of preparation behind it and the aim of the ‘power week’ is to offer attractive internal training sessions via the Leadec Campus and to allow work and learning to merge.
Interview08/13/2024Five Years of Leadec.os – Driver For Digital Transformation
Leadec.os has been standardizing and digitizing Leadec’s service processes across systems for 5 years. Michael Schenk, Global Head of Business Applications, looks back and talks about milestones and the impact of the platform on the whole company.
Video07/22/2024Working at Leadec: Hatice about respect
Respect, team spirit and variety are the foundation of our work. Hatice describes how she experiences respect in her work.
Article07/16/2024Sustainability Report 2023: “Driving sustainable manufacturing together”
The new sustainability report is available – and for the first time it is based on the new requirements of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). At the same time, it provides a comprehensive overview of projects and activities relating to sustainability at Leadec.
Video07/15/2024Working at Leadec: Marc about team spirit
Respect, team spirit and variety are the foundation of our work. Marc describes what team spirit looks like in his department.
Brochure07/12/2024Sustainability Report 2023
As the world’s leading service specialist for the entire life cycle of a factory, Leadec prioritizes ESG principles for a sustainable future. Our target is to lead our industry by example. The sustainability report 2023 was prepared according to the requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)/ European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).
Interview07/03/2024Marissa’s journey: from technical cleaner to service line manager
Marissa has been part of the Canadian Leadec team in Oakville since 2015. She started as a technical cleaner in the final department. Since January 2023, she has been responsible for technical cleaning at the site as service line manager.
Video06/20/2024Working at Leadec: Vinit about variety
Respect, team spirit and variety are the foundation of our work. Vinit describes why his work at Leadec is varied.
Interview06/10/2024“Sustainability and Digitalization Are the Big Issues”
Leadec has been operating in Hungary for 30 years. Managing Director Ferenc Dákai has been with the company for almost as long. In this interview, he provides an insight into the Hungarian market, talks about current challenges, and draws his own personal conclusions.
Video06/06/2024Working at Leadec: Elia about respect
Respect, team spirit and variety are the foundation of our work. Elia describes what respect means to him.