en.Wedoany.com Reported - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) announced a partnership with Messer Gases to provide digital transformation support as part of its Industry 4.0 strategy. By deploying Cisco connectivity and security solutions designed by NEC, Messer Gases is strengthening its digital foundation to accelerate the transition of its plants towards smarter, automated, and data-driven operational models.

Messer Gases is a global supplier of industrial, medical, and specialty gases headquartered in Germany. The company is accelerating its digital transformation initiatives by modernizing processes and expanding technology applications to automate operations and improve plant efficiency. Over the past three years, NEC has helped Messer modernize its network infrastructure, extend Wi-Fi coverage, and strengthen industrial cybersecurity through consulting and integration services, reinforcing the digital foundation that supports efficient automated operations at its facilities.

Under the project contracted with NEC, Messer modernized the wireless network infrastructure at its largest operational plant located in Jundiaí, São Paulo State, Brazil. This modernization was achieved by deploying network technologies belonging to the Cisco unified wired and wireless product portfolio. NEC deployed access points, including Cisco equipment and switches, at this location to support the network upgrade.

Adopting cloud-managed Cisco solutions provided Messer's IT team with greater visibility and operational simplicity, enabling them to identify optimal antenna locations and monitor network performance in real time.

Infrastructure modernization is crucial for supporting new digital applications, such as the Balcão application used for tracking gas cylinders from production to delivery, a feature that eliminates more error-prone or easily lost manual records. Operational efficiency and reliability have improved with the expansion and strengthening of network connectivity.

As part of the solution, NEC also conducted site surveys, providing technical and strategic mapping of the Wi-Fi network by measuring coverage, signal strength, and interference. This assessment was critical for determining the optimal locations for installing access points and ensuring the overall effectiveness of the project.

Another significant milestone was the upgrade of the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), a network access control platform already on Messer Gases' short-term roadmap. This solution authenticates, authorizes, and monitors devices and users, reinforcing the adoption of a zero-trust security concept and expanding protection for both wired and wireless networks. This update also improved guest network access, making it simpler and more controlled.

Before NEC joined as a system integrator, Messer had begun expanding Wi-Fi coverage in 2019, when configurations were still performed manually. Adopting Cisco unified wired and wireless technology and integrating it with ISE represents a significant technological leap, enabling more automated and intelligent network infrastructure management—a key step in supporting the growing demands of digital transformation.

"As process digitization advances and applications proliferate, connectivity has become a critical factor for operations. Ensuring stable, high-quality Wi-Fi access is no longer just a matter of convenience but a necessity for productivity and business continuity," said Sandra Deoti, IT Director at Messer Gases.

"The consulting services provided by NEC helped us identify the most suitable equipment for our needs. This work was almost like guidance. The partnership with NEC was crucial for accelerating implementation in a structured manner with specialized technical support. We were impressed by NEC's repeated site surveys after receiving feedback; the results were excellent, and the customer's voice was truly heard," said Lucas Ferrão, Infrastructure Specialist at Messer Gases.

"The collaboration with Messer Gases perfectly exemplifies the service we strive to provide our clients every day: not only cutting-edge technology but also the expertise of a team shaped by decades of integration experience. Our solutions are also supported by strategic alliances with leading technology providers, enabling us to design highly secure, high-performance networks," said Roberto Murakami, Vice President of the Network and Telecom Business Unit at NEC Latin America.