IT SYSTEMS
A service that manages, optimises, and safeguards the technologies and data necessary for the functioning, growth, and competitiveness of Palexpo.
“OUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE? TO INTEGRATE SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES IN EVERYTHING WE DO”
Throughout the year 2023, the IT systems department pursued its transformation drive and once again showed its capacity to address users’ needs and new uses. From analysing visitors’ data to robust security protocols and tools that evolve with the needs of each user, Thoai Nghia Huynh, head of IT Systems, talks about the main projects of the year that have contributed to address present and future challenges in line with Palexpo’s commitment to sustainable development.
“EXHIBITOR FLOOR PLAN” MODULE
The “Exhibitor Floor Plan” module of our business software program is a powerful new tool that simplifies and rationalises the process of attributing exhibitor stands and at the same time gives operational teams a clear view of the digital resources to be installed (electrical equipment, Wi-Fi access points, or other infrastructures to ensure the smooth running of the event). It contributes to a better organisation of events, an improved experience for organisers, and a more efficient management of available resources.
“PROGRAM ONLINE” SOLUTION
This is a 100% “home-made” solution that we developed and use for the book fair. It offers a full suite of tools for the planning and programming of activities and the logistic coordination of transport, accommodation, participants, and volunteers. Its intuitive interface and advanced features make it a valuable tool for organisers that saves them time and optimises processes throughout the preparation and execution of the event.
THE CLOUD: AN ACCELERATOR OF TRANSFORMATION
IN accordance with the digital-transformation roadmap defined and updated annually since 2017, our business intelligence, like other solutions in the past, has joined the cloud to make information accessible in a more flexible way and to offer users an enhanced experience. This transition offers significant benefits in terms of technology and agility by increasingly eliminating geographical limitations, and in terms of costs by optimising maintenance and security budgets.
EFFICIENT CYBERSECURITY MEASURES
In a world where hackers are becoming increasing professional, made worse by a particularly challenging global context, the IT Systems service has put equipment and software in place to reinforce the defence against cyber attacks. By analysing the costs and benefits of each cybersecurity measure that is implemented, the IT Systems service has succeeded in finding a balance that enables Palexpo to benefit from collected data to make enlightened decisions while ensuring the protection of sensitive data, privacy, and its IT infrastructure as a whole.
INCREASINGLY RESPONSIBLE DIGITAL PRACTICES
Committed to an approach of continuous improvement that aims to reduce its impacts on the environment, the IT Systems department has replaced its data centres with more modern centres that enable it to reduce maintenance costs as well as power consumption. At the same time, it has introduced several measures in line with Palexpo’s eco-responsible commitments: opting for computer peripherals that comply with the sustainability standards defined by the company; delaying the renewal of IT equipment that still meets operational needs and security requirements; recycling end-of-life appliances through partnerships with recognised players; and an awareness campaign to promote best practices in the use of IT equipment among Palexpo employees, for example switching workstations off at night.