Ernst REINER® GmbH & Co. KG relies on FTAPI for secure data transfer and automated processes

The Challenge

Secure Data Transfer and Process Automation

Initially, REINER® was looking for a solution to securely transfer large volumes of data. At the time, the company was using an FTP server with an HTTPS interface for file transfers. However, employees found the system too complex, leading them to use unauthorised alternative solutions for sending files. To eliminate shadow IT and ensure a secure, user-friendly file transfer solution that worked across company boundaries, REINER® decided to seek a more efficient and compliant alternative.

At the same time, there was already an interest in automating manual processes, particularly in HR, similar to the automation practices already established in production. It was only during the FTAPI product demonstration that REINER® realised the platform’s full potential—not just for secure data transfer, but also for workflow automation across different departments.

"FTAPI offers greater flexibility than other providers on the market."
— Jürgen Hund, Head of IT, REINER®

The Solution

Leveraging the Opportunities of Digitalisation

It quickly became clear that FTAPI SecuMails was the ideal solution for secure and seamless data exchange.

"FTAPI provides the perfect tool because it offers different security levels – and can be used directly from Outlook," says Jürgen Hund, Head of IT at REINER®. Whenever an email contains attachments, it is automatically sent via FTAPI. This not only reduces the load on Exchange servers but also enables the secure transfer of large files. Employees no longer have to worry about whether a file is too large to send via email. Additionally, external parties can easily and securely submit documents via the FTAPI SubmitBox, a digital mailbox designed for secure file transfer.

Where to Start? Unlocking the Full Potential of Digitalisation

Like many other companies, REINER® asked itself:
Where do we begin to make the most of digitalisation?

During a review and evaluation of existing processes, significant optimisation potential was identified in the monthly payroll process.

Previously, payroll processing was handled manually, tying up valuable resources in the HR department. This made it an ideal starting point for a secure and streamlined automation initiative.

"The cost-saving potential in payroll processing is enormous. Manual payroll processing is simply a tedious and time-consuming task. That’s why it was the perfect starting point for our digital automation journey."
— Jürgen Hund, Head of IT, REINER®

The Result

From On-Premise to the Cloud

Before digital automation, the HR department spent several days each month processing payroll: generating payslips, printing, checking, packaging, and franking them before sending them out via post.

By digitising and automating this recurring process, REINER® has not only saved time but also drastically reduced costs for payroll distribution. With FTAPI, HR-related costs were reduced by over 70%.

Even employees who still prefer to receive paper payslips were seamlessly integrated into the new process. Through an ePost interface, payroll handling remains fully digital on the company’s side, even though payslips are still physically delivered. This standardised the entire payroll process, reducing manual effort in HR to zero.

The FTAPI implementation was quick and straightforward—just one month after the decision was made, the system was fully operational.

Initially, FTAPI was deployed on-premise in REINER®’s data centre. However, the advantages of moving to the FTAPI high-security cloud quickly became evident: No manual updates, no manual certificate renewals, lower IT workload, especially in a time of chronic IT skills shortages

Recognising these benefits, REINER® swiftly decided to transition to the secure FTAPI Cloud. Now, updates and security patches are applied automatically, ensuring that systems remain up-to-date and secure—without requiring additional IT resources.

The Outlook

Tackling New Challenges Together

REINER® is currently exploring additional processes that can be automated and digitalised using FTAPI solutions. "Topics like the electronic sick note (eAU) and the implementation of the Whistleblower Directive are currently on every company’s agenda. We are eager to see how we can tackle these challenges together with FTAPI in the future," says Jürgen Hund, Head of IT at REINER®.

"When FTAPI runs, it just runs."
— Jürgen Hund, Head of IT, REINER®