Modern Concepts of Production and Distribution Logistics Project Paper by Sithum Perera and Mihir Godhani

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Modern Concepts of

Production and
Distribution Logistics
Project Paper

COMPANY – F.MURPF LOGISTICS


PROBLEM - DIGITALIZATION

BY SITHUM PERERA 222567 & MIHIR GODHANI 231615


Content Page
1.0 Company Introduction……………………………………………..………………………………………………….2
2.0 Company Challenge……………………………………………………………………………………………………..3

3.0 How The Company Identified The Challenge………………………………………………………..………4


4.0 Project Objectives……………………………………………………………………………………….……………….4
5.0 The solution implemented……………………………………………………………………………………………5
6.0 Summary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6

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1.0 Company Introduction

Founded in 1962 by Fridolin Murpf in Hägendorf,


Switzerland, F. MURPF AG has evolved from a one-truck
operation into a dynamic force in the logistics industry.
With 500 dedicated employees, a fleet of 230 vehicles, and
a presence across seven locations, the company specializes
in national distribution and transport logistics for food
across various temperature zones.

Innovation at the Core


F. MURPF AG embraces innovation with its proprietary app, available on both iOS and
Android, streamlining business processes and enhancing customer service. The company's
commitment to staying ahead of technological trends positions it as a leader in the
competitive logistics landscape.

Strategic Partnership with Körber


Recognizing the need for optimized logistics processes, F. MURPF AG partnered with Körber,
a German supply chain management expert. Under the guidance of Michael Zeidler, the
collaboration addressed challenges related to network security and device management,
leading to the implementation of Macmon Network Access Control (NAC).

Macmon NAC - Transforming Network Security

The adoption of Macmon NAC provided F. MURPF AG with a comprehensive solution for
better network control and security. The system facilitated efficient visualization of network
components, enhanced security measures, and streamlined the management of diverse
devices, ensuring a seamless and secure network experience.

Managed Service Provider Model


Operating under the Managed Service Provider (MSP) model, Körber continued to provide
ongoing support, training, and expertise. This strategic partnership not only addressed
immediate challenges but also positioned F. MURPF AG for sustained growth in network
security and device management.

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Legacy of Excellence
F. MURPF AG's journey from its founder's vision to its current standing as a logistics leader
exemplifies adaptability and commitment to excellence. With a legacy built on resilience and
customer-centric values, the company continues to shape the future of Swiss logistics.

2.0 Company Challenge


The primary challenge faced by F. MURPF AG was the need for better control and overview
of its growing, heterogeneous network infrastructure, which is distributed across multiple
locations. The geographical situation of the company, situated in Switzerland, presented a
particular challenge for network communication, especially considering the need for
increased data rates across Swiss mountains via LTE radio relay systems. Additionally, the
company aimed to securely manage mobile Android devices, PDAs, forklift terminals, and
employees' devices, adding complexity to network management.

3.0 How the Company Identified the Challenge


The challenge was identified through the initiative led by Michael Zeidler from Körber, a
German supply chain management expert. Zeidler, having over ten years of experience
supporting transport professionals, recognised the importance of network security,
especially with the growing awareness among medium-sized companies due to factors like
the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and cybercrime. Based on a
recommendation from one of his customers, Zeidler contacted security experts at Macmon
Secure in 2019. Following in-depth training and certification, Zeidler initiated the "Network
Access Control" project at F. MURPF AG in the summer of 2020.

4.0 Project Objectives


The main objectives of implementing Macmon Network Access Control (NAC) at F. MURPF
AG were to enhance Network Overview and Control.
Improve the control and overview of the steadily growing, heterogeneous network
infrastructure distributed across multiple locations.
It was achieved by implementing Macmon NAC, which provided a convenient and automatic
visualization of all network components, reducing administrative effort and offering an
effective network overview.

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Other Objectives
1. Securely Manage Mobile Devices and BYOD
Ensure secure management of mobile Android devices, PDAs, forklift terminals, and
employees' own devices.
It was achieved by implementing Macmon NAC, which allowed for intelligent and flexible
management of all devices, including a granular guest ticket system for controlled LAN and
WLAN access. This addressed the challenges associated with various types of devices used in
warehouse management and logistics.
2. Improve Network Security
Increase the security level of the company's network.

Achieved by leveraging Macmon NAC's capabilities to collect information about endpoints,


detect and defend against internal and external attacks, and provide immediate alerts for
unknown devices. The solution significantly improved the existing security level and helped
protect against criminal attacks such as blackmail.
3. Facilitate Geographic Network Communication

Address the challenge of network communication across the Swiss mountains via LTE radio
relay systems.
Achieved by implementing Macmon NAC, which efficiently managed network
communication in the geographical context of F. MURPF AG. The solution met the growing
need for increased data rates and satisfied the demand for a fast network available in any
location.

4. Streamline Device Approval Processes


Standardize and accelerate administrative processes, such as the approval of IoT devices.
Achieved by utilizing Macmon NAC's data logging and data access functionalities, which
facilitated standardized approval processes and accelerated administrative procedures
related to various devices used within the company.
5. Implement Network Access Control under the MSP Model
Provide network security as part of a managed service and consolidate/expand services
offered to customers.
Achieved by implementing Macmon NAC under the Managed Service Provider (MSP) model,
allowing Körber to offer its expertise in network security. This model provided regular
information flow, training, webinars, and support, enhancing the overall network security
services offered to F. MURPF AG.
Overall, the main objectives centred around improving network visibility, ensuring secure
device management, enhancing network security, addressing geographical communication

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challenges, and optimizing administrative processes through the implementation of
Macmon NAC.

5.0 Solution Implemented


The solution implemented to address the identified challenge was Macmon Network Access
Control (NAC). Macmon NAC provided F. MURPF AG with the following key features and
benefits.

Effective Network Overview


Macmon NAC facilitated convenient and automatic visualization of all network components
at distributed locations, significantly reducing administrative effort and providing a
comprehensive network overview.

Enhanced Security Measures


The solution collected information about endpoints' operating systems, domains, and
names for clearer identification. In conjunction with Macmon NAC, this information was
utilized to detect, defend against, and localize internal and external attacks on the logistics
company.

Comprehensive Device Overview


Macmon NAC provided a comprehensive overview of all devices in the Murpf network,
ranging from PDAs to iPhones. It enabled live inventory management, immediate alerts for
unknown devices, and automatic initiation of countermeasures to protect against criminal
attacks.

Intelligent Device Management


The solution allowed intelligent and flexible management of all third-party devices through a
granular guest ticket system. This system provided controlled, temporary LAN and WLAN
access, including sponsor and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) functionality.

Managed Service Provider (MSP) Model


Macmon NAC was implemented under the MSP model, allowing partners like Körber to
provide their expertise in network security as part of a managed service. This model

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included regular information flow, training courses, webinars, and support through an
internal support team.

6.0 Summary
In summary, the implementation of Macmon NAC not only addressed the specific challenge
of managing a complex, distributed network infrastructure but also contributed to increased
network security, streamlined administrative processes, and standardized device approval
procedures at F. MURPF AG.

References
extension://pjmlamaidnkoemaaofddboidllnogmhe/file:///D:/MSC%201ST%20YEAR%20SECOND%20S
EMESTER/Modern%20Concept/macmon_NAC_Case-Study_Logistics_MURPF.pdf. (n.d.).

https://www.murpf.ch/

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