How to conquer chaos and grow your company in times of turbulence. The experience of SPEZVUZAUTOMATIKA
IT ClusterEven in uncertain times, Ukrainian technology companies continue to be the primary driver of innovation and development. Rapid changes and challenges can sometimes strengthen positions and open new opportunities for business.
«We cannot control the sea, but we can adjust the sails and steer our ship», — began our conversation Sergey Hayduk, CEO of SPEZVUZAUTOMATIKA.
Company’s activities during the war
SPEZVUZAUTOMATIKA is a Ukrainian company, a system integrator of solutions for building IT infrastructure. The main areas of business include supplying A-Brand IT equipment, building and securing networks, manufacturing PCs and servers, constructing physical security systems, and implementing cybersecurity solutions. Founded in Kharkiv, we operate at the national level.
«We are approached to restore optical communication lines damaged by shelling. We also rectify perimeter security systems for various enterprises, including those located in the suburbs of Kharkiv that suffered damage early in the full-scale invasion», — Sergey Hayduk shares.
During the war, part of the company’s fleet was transferred for military needs. Additionally, employees mobilized to the Armed Forces of Ukraine diligently continue to perform engineering tasks, but now on the front lines, supporting communication and other systems in extremely challenging conditions.
In addition to physical assets, cybersecurity development also becomes a top priority for the company. Sergey emphasizes his intention to strengthen his team in this direction.
SPEZVUZAUTOMATIKA offers cybersecurity services such as free mini-audits and equipment for network protection. The company provides solutions for critical infrastructure objects, including energy enterprises and the Ministry of Health.
Company’s modernization after 2018
With Sergey assuming the role of CEO in 2018, SPEZVUZAUTOMATIKA embarked on a new stage of development.
«I took on the role of CEO in 2018. At that time, we had a stable team and rich traditions. But I saw the need for certain reforms. So, I created a Kanban board, outlining 50 corresponding goals. And we began to implement them as a team», — Sergey shares.
After identifying market needs and strategic plans, the process of reform began. It aimed to strengthen the company’s position and shift from the retail sector to system integration. This involved all levels: from leadership to the engineering team and resulted in improved service quality and expanded portfolio.
Sergey Hayduk notes that this transition required close collaboration with manufacturers and active adaptation of internal processes:
«It was a significant journey for us. It demanded more autonomy from our team. It’s no longer just mechanically completing tasks, but initiative, creativity, and personal responsibility. And, indeed, for some, it was a powerful push for unleashing their potential».
The new approach to work, focusing on individual client needs and analytical solution search, enabled the company to become a leading provider in the industry. Thanks to top partners like Dell, HPE, Cisco, Fortinet, Canon, Xerox, the team can apply the latest developments and technologies of these manufacturers to create high-quality integrated solutions.
Adaptability as a dynamic feature of the company
Remote work became a necessity in modern conditions, and the company successfully adapted to it. Sergey emphasized that the dispersion of the team did not hinder its effectiveness and goal orientation. He noted:
«Our internal IT team provided employees with the necessary IT services, allowing them to work on joint tasks completely remotely. And people are working. Even more productively than before. Those 2 hours that were once spent on the road are now tracked as working hours. Although not regulated by the administration — it’s a collective initiative of the workers».
The experience of SPEZVUZAUTOMATIKA demonstrates that Ukrainian technology companies can become leaders in the global innovation space, regardless of circumstances. Therefore, in response to challenges, it is essential to seek new opportunities for development first and foremost.
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