SPIE Expands HINT AG's Crisis Management Organization

SPIE, the independent European market leader in multi-technical services in the energy and communications sectors, has systematically expanded HINT AG’s crisis management organization. In doing so, SPIE is laying the groundwork for faster decision-making in the event of an incident and strengthening the resilience of critical ICT infrastructures in the Swiss healthcare sector. The collaboration includes the introduction of a «Manager on Duty» concept, the enhancement of decision-making processes, and the further development of internal crisis communication.

HINT AG develops, operates, and secures ICT solutions for hospitals and other healthcare organizations. As an ISO 27001-certified company, it has an established information security management system and places great emphasis on the security and availability of its solutions and services. For a provider of critical ICT infrastructure, it is crucial to remain capable of acting even under extraordinary conditions and to make decisions quickly and transparently. Against this backdrop, HINT AG has been working for several years with SPIE ICS, a business unit of SPIE in Switzerland, to continuously adapt its crisis management and resilience to new requirements.

«Manager on Duty» shortens escalation pathways

A key component of this collaboration is the introduction of the «Manager on Duty» concept. As a delegate of the Executive Board, the «Manager on Duty» has defined decision-making authority in the event of an incident. This shortens escalation paths and allows measures to be coordinated more quickly. In addition, SPIE ICS has established so-called «reserved decisions.» Under this system, strategically relevant decisions for defined crisis scenarios are determined and approved in advance. This provides clarity regarding responsibilities and reduces uncertainty when swift action is required in the event of an incident.

Crisis Communication and Regular Drills

Internal crisis communication has also been further developed. A comprehensive communication strategy ensures that the relevant levels of management are involved in the event of a crisis and that information is disseminated in a targeted manner. Regular crisis simulations and drills test the defined processes under realistic conditions.

«The increasing digitization of the healthcare sector requires a high level of resilience in the face of crises and robust cybersecurity,» explains Frédéric Noyer, Head of Cybersecurity at SPIE ICS. «An effective crisis management system not only protects data but also helps ensure that critical infrastructure remains available, thereby safeguarding patient care.»

Edgar Lehrmann, Acting CEO and CFO of SPIE Switzerland, adds: «The demands placed on operators of critical infrastructure are constantly increasing, and the growing complexity of regulations and cyber threats makes proactive preparation essential. We help companies identify risks early on and strengthen their resilience in the long term.»

Markus Goldschmid, CEO of HINT AG, says: «A strong crisis management structure isn’t something that emerges only when a crisis strikes—it’s the result of consistent preparation. SPIE ICS has been supporting us for years as we continuously work to enhance our resilience and ability to persevere.»

SPIE ICS specializes in information and communication technologies and implements pioneering projects for companies and organizations, with a focus on cybersecurity, managed services, and technological independence.

Contact at HINT: Markus Goldschmid, CEO. Contact at SPIE: Edgar Lehrmann, Acting CEO and CFO of SPIE Switzerland; Frédéric Noyer, Head of Cybersecurity at SPIE ICS; Daniel Städeli, Governance Consultant.

For more information about SPIE Switzerland, visit www.spie.ch.