"At Octapharma, communication is the most important thing."

Ernest Vögerle views IT at Octapharma as a crucial pillar supporting the entire organisation. As the Head of IT in Vienna, he champions a work environment where continuous innovation and close collaboration are key drivers of the company's success.

With over 20 years of experience in the banking sector, Ernest now oversees the IT infrastructure at Octapharma Vienna, ranging from employee laptops and mobile phones to the operating systems and databases that control production. He maintains close contact with colleagues at other Octapharma sites, striving both to create an optimal working environment for his team in Vienna and to fully enhance collaboration. Communication is central to his approach and defines his management style.

"I'm a strong advocate of agility, which involves a lot of communication. That's the key. My team knows what needs to be done, and we maintain friendly and honest working relationships," he says.

Growing together

Every morning, Ernest gathers with his colleagues to discuss the current situation and plan the day ahead. Continuous optimization and innovation are always on the agenda, particularly in IT.

"The great thing about Octapharma is that we have the opportunity to test new technologies to optimize our working environment. We regularly conduct trials in Vienna and strive to implement new ideas. These implementations not only support IT or the Vienna site but also help Octapharma as a whole to stay at the cutting edge of technology," Ernest says.

Continuous training and development are essential for all employees in this area. "You are constantly developing on the job, not just professionally but also personally. The international exchange with colleagues at other locations has helped me immensely, especially in terms of communication and strategic approach," he explains.

The company places great importance on fostering good cooperation between generations. In Vienna, the IT department not only trains apprentices but also values the experience of older employees.

"We aim to form a harmonious IT team that supports and propels itself forward. That's the exciting part, and that's the goal we've set for ourselves," Ernest adds.

"It's human, I always say. There is a strong sense of solidarity among everyone. We have short lines of communication, and when problems arise, we look for solutions together."

A real family feel

Ernest definitely notices the family character of Octapharma in everyday life. "It's human, I always say. There is a strong sense of solidarity among everyone. We have short communication channels, and when problems arise, we look for solutions together," he emphasizes.

At the same time, this motivated IT expert appreciates the company's international focus.

"We call it One IT. Regardless of the location, whether it's corporate or local solutions, we are simply one IT for everything," he explains.

Travelling to work every day and looking forward to seeing his colleagues is what Ernest values most. Seeing each other in person has many advantages and strengthens team and company cohesion. "You often spend more time with your colleagues than with your own family. And that creates relationships; it's more or less like a second family," he notes.

Ernest is very happy with his team and is pleased when everyone enjoys themselves at work. "I think I have a great team. We have a lot of fun; that's the great thing. Many people don't realize it, but you can have a lot of fun in IT. That's important to us, and we live by that idea," he says.

Making people's lives better

Of course, in IT there are few to no points of contact with patients. However, all employees can use the intranet to learn how Octapharma's products can save or improve people's lives.

"Reading about how our products can make life easier or save lives is a great way to connect. Even if I don't have direct contact with patients, I know what I'm working for," Ernest says.

Ernest is also well-versed in the production processes, as IT forms both a foundation and a support for production. Collaboration between IT and OT (Operational Technology) is becoming increasingly intensive and important. The exchange of information about individual components and the underlying infrastructure helps both sides optimise processes and ensure smooth operation. Today, networking and the correct utilization of production data are becoming increasingly crucial to the company's success.