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Audi TI-REX
Flexible, configurable, and scalable reporting
Modernization of Audi AG's legacy systems
In brief
Audi AG worked with Gloster to modernize its internal reporting infrastructure, replacing seven separate legacy systems with a single, flexible, and highly configurable solution. With more than 35,000 daily users, this platform has not only simplified reporting, but also enabled business users to create insights without relying on IT expertise. The system was designed to run on mainframe infrastructure, using Java and Angular technologies instead of COBOL-based legacy systems, and connecting directly to the DB2 database, enabling a more modern and sustainable architecture. The result is a scalable and intuitive tool that adapts to business needs in real time.
Audi AG is one of the world's leading premium car manufacturers and a core brand of the Volkswagen Group. Audi is headquartered in Germany, but operates a significant vehicle and engine manufacturing plant in Győr, Hungary, under the name Audi Hungaria Zrt. The company is renowned for its technological innovation, engineering excellence, and global production network.
The challenge
Despite its industrial prowess, Audi's internal IT and reporting systems were extremely fragmented. Each department ran separate, independent applications on mainframe computers based on outdated COBOL and stored procedure-based architectures. These systems were not only difficult to maintain, but also inflexible when business requirements changed, and updating reports often required developer intervention, lengthy testing cycles, and system reboots.
The main challenge was to replace these rigid, outdated systems with a modern, sustainable, and intuitive reporting platform that could evolve quickly as business needs changed.
Goals
The Gloster solution
- Consolidation and retirement of the outdated 7+ reporting system
- Enabling self-service reporting across departments, reducing IT dependency.
- Configuration-driven flexibility to adapt to real-time business needs
- Ensuring system security and performance by leveraging mainframe-native Java architecture
- Creating a long-term, maintainable, and scalable solution
Gloster worked with Audi's internal teams from concept validation through to full implementation. The solution is a modern reporting tool designed to work seamlessly in a mainframe environment while providing the intuitive drag-and-drop experience of modern BI platforms. The architecture is entirely configuration-based, meaning that even non-technical users can customize data views and reports without developer support.
Key features
- Mainframe-native Java architecture: Runs directly on IBM mainframes for optimal data access speed and security, eliminating the additional costs of external queries.
- COBOL-Java modernization: Parts of the original COBOL logic were replaced or abstracted by Java, increasing maintainability and developer access.
- Real-time configurability: New data sources or table fields can be added in minutes; the system immediately reflects the changes without reinstallation.
- Data room and permission controls: Users have access to curated data sets tailored to their role and permission level, enabling secure and context-specific reporting.
- Self-service user interface: The Angular-based frontend supports intuitive filtering, data selection, and export tools, eliminating the need for SQL knowledge.
- BI-style reporting: Outputs can be configured in tabular, matrix, or visual formats.
Key points of implementation
- Proof of Concept (2016): Gloster demonstrated that Java applications could run efficiently on IBM mainframes and delivered the first working prototype.
- Full implementation (2018): The solution came into effect approximately 18 months later, replacing the first of the seven previous systems.
- Continuous expansion: On average, two old devices were taken out of service each year. Easy configuration and low disruption enabled rapid, low-risk migration.
- Team integration: A Gloster team of ~10 people worked closely with Audi, participating in workshops, agile sprints, and business unit integration.
Business impact
- 35,000+ daily users: The platform is used by every department, from business support to manufacturing, democratizing access to data.
- 7 Legacy Systems Retired: Consolidation dramatically reduced maintenance costs and complexity.
- Minutes instead of months: Configuration changes take minutes instead of weeks, eliminating IT bottlenecks.
- Sustainable architecture: Using Java on the mainframe ensures performance and future-proof compatibility without increasing operational risk.
- IT cost reduction: Significant savings through system consolidation and reduced support costs.
What's the next step?
Gloster and Audi continue to collaborate on platform development:
- Web-based interface enhancement: Current updates focus on further developing the Angular front-end for seamless browser access.
- Typical growth: Plans include analytical dashboards, improved approval workflows, and AI-driven data insights.
- Wider group integration: Thanks to its modular, configurable basis, the platform is well positioned to spread to other units within the VW Group.
Technologies used
Java
Eclipse E4
Y2EE
Docker
JUnit
IBM zWAS
IBM DB2 /MQ
H2DB
PostgreSQL
Contact us!
How can Gloster contribute to your business success?
Contact us at info@gloster.hu or simply click on the link below!
Contact us at info@gloster.hu or simply click on the link below!
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Reports can be made in the following ways: By email to visszaelesbejelento@gloster.hu
Reports can be made in the following ways: By email to visszaelesbejelento@gloster.hu
