Austrian Red Cross
the Austrian Red Cross?
The Austrian Red Cross (ÖRK) is part of the international Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It was founded in 1880 and is now the largest aid organization in the country with 9,000 employees and 70,000 volunteers. The Austrian agency is federally organized and covers nine regions. This story focuses on the Vorarlberg region, the west of the country.
Business challenge
The Austrian Red Cross (ÖRK) has always relied on volunteers and close ties to the local community. The humanitarian non-profit organization organizes disaster relief around the world, but also works much closer to home. Over the years, millions of Austrians have made a commitment to the Red Cross through blood donations, health training, ambulance rides or emergency missions.
The ÖRK's remit remains unchanged, but the way the organization works has changed significantly in recent years. Today's ÖRK is more digital and more mobile. Blood donations can be organized not only in person but also via an app, first aid training courses are offered as hybrid courses (participants can complete parts of them online) and awareness-raising campaigns rely heavily on social media.
Solution
ÖRK Vorarlberg is replacing its fragmented, rigid and manual network with a simplified network design. This unified architecture aims to reduce network management while strengthening edge security, from headquarters to branches to private homes. It creates a modern, mobile working environment where employees, volunteers and the public can interact through multiple channels.
Vision
Expand community engagement with new digital channels that complement the nationwide physical presence.
Strategy
Standardize network management to ensure that operational data is accessible, consistent and secure for employees, volunteers and partners.
Results
- Creates a consistent view of network activity
- Enables a mobile, BYOD working environment
- Optimizes network management by 30%