Mr. Hartmann, what is Reply's corporate strategy?

Hartmann: We are active in the fields of consulting, system integration and digital services and specialize in the development, design and implementation of solutions based on the latest technologies. Reply works together with industrial groups to define and develop business models that are made possible by trends such as big data, cloud computing, digital communication and the IoT. This is how we optimize and network companies, processes, applications and end devices.

How is your Group structured?

Hartmann: The Group is structured as a network of companies that are owned by Reply but operate relatively independently on the market. These units are managed by managing directors who are partners of Reply. Internationally, the Reply network comprises around 100 companies. Together they cover numerous industries and technologies.

With this network of small, highly specialized companies, we combine agility and flexibility with the strengths of a large company. Within their specific competence niche, these units can concentrate fully on their operational business, as they are supported in administrative tasks by central services from the holding company. This structure ensures the anticipation of market developments and the early interpretation of new technologies. Our great strength lies in aligning innovations with the needs of our customers.

How many people are employed in the various teams?

Hartmann : There are 26 subsidiaries in Germany alone and around 100 internationally. These specialized units generally have no more than 100 to 150 employees. In total, Reply has around 6,200 employees, with around 1,000 in Germany. The subsidiaries are each responsible for a special technology topic or a special task, for example consulting in a sector, the agile development of applications or the integration of applications. Contracts are often awarded to a company from the group as the lead company, which assembles the necessary solution modules and resources within the group.

If necessary, new subsidiaries are founded, acquired or invested in start-ups. In addition, ideas are developed to market maturity in our own start-up incubator Breed Reply.

In which countries is the company primarily active?

Hartmann : To date, the Turin-based company has generated the majority of its turnover in Italy. Germany currently accounts for around a fifth of sales. There are also branches in the UK, the Benelux countries, the USA and China. In 2016, Group turnover amounted to 780.7 million euros.

Does Reply rely on products developed in-house or on products from external companies?

Hartmann: The Reply Group companies have partnerships with leading software and technology providers such as SAP, Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, Google and Amazon Web Services. The subsidiaries specializing in the respective provider also offer classic system integration services. In addition, Reply supplies its own software solutions, for example in the areas of production and logistics, or so-called accelerators for fast and efficient implementation.

Which areas are interesting for production?

Hartmann: Important pillars are currently Industry 4.0 and the micro-services-based manufacturing operations management platform Brick Reply. In the area of intralogistics, Reply is working with manufacturers who, for example, bring parts to production at the right moment with the help of an automated vehicle. And in cooperation with the University of St. Gallen and a forklift manufacturer, an intelligent solution for fleet management has been developed. The Reply Group also includes companies that are active in the field of augmented and virtual reality or 3D printing.