Zscaler > Case Studies > TT Electronics: Embracing Zero Trust and SASE Architecture for Enhanced Connectivity

TT Electronics: Embracing Zero Trust and SASE Architecture for Enhanced Connectivity

Technology Category

Functional Applications - Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Private Cloud

Applicable Industries

Electronics
Telecommunications

Use Cases

Additive Manufacturing
Manufacturing Process Simulation

Services

Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services

About The Customer

TT Electronics is a global provider of engineered electronics with a focus on power, connectivity, sensors, and manufacturing. The company was founded in 1812 and has since grown to include more than 4,800 employees across 29 locations worldwide. TT Electronics serves global customers, many of whom are essential in the fight against the coronavirus. To enable business continuity and support its customers, TT Electronics implemented the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange.

The Challenge

TT Electronics, a global provider of engineered electronics, was facing challenges with its existing network infrastructure. The company had set up a global MPLS network with web scanning, email scanning, and VPN in 2010, and renewed its contract in 2015, increasing its bandwidth and user count. However, the increased bandwidth proved to be inadequate due to the rapid transition to cloud apps. Furthermore, the company was struggling to secure its transition to cloud apps and an increasingly mobile workforce. The situation was further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated remote work. The company's existing remote access VPN was proving to be inflexible and limited in bandwidth, causing difficulties for users in China.

The Solution

In response to these challenges, TT Electronics began a conversation with Zscaler in 2018 about securing the company’s transition to cloud apps and supporting its mobile workforce. After researching different solutions, TT Electronics opted to do a proof-of-concept trial with Zscaler in early 2020. When the pandemic hit, the company decided to enable users in China as part of the trial. To get ahead of more shelter-in-place orders, the company implemented Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) for more than 3,000 workers worldwide in just three weeks. The solution was device and location agnostic, allowing all workers to install and use it. TT Electronics also extended its agreement with Zscaler to include Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA), which allowed the company to restrict certain applications based on specific policies.

Operational Impact

The implementation of Zscaler's solutions resulted in a significant improvement in TT Electronics' network infrastructure. The company was able to provide a better user experience for its employees, regardless of their location or device. The solution also provided the company with insight into who was accessing what, enabling it to have more control at a granular level. Employees around the world reacted positively to the enhanced user experience they had with Zscaler, with some thinking it was too good to be true. Looking toward the future, TT Electronics plans to leverage more functionality out of the systems and technologies it already has in place, while working with existing partners and vendors.

Quantitative Benefit

Implemented ZPA for more than 3,000 workers worldwide in just three weeks
Enabled users in China as part of the POC trial during the COVID-19 pandemic
Extended its agreement with Zscaler to include ZIA, allowing the company to restrict certain applications based on specific policies