In a significant move that underscores the increasing integration of technology in infrastructure management, International Business Machines Corp (IBM) announced a five-year global agreement with Abertis, a prominent player in the infrastructure and mobility management sector. The partnership aims to modernize Abertis's technological infrastructure, enhancing system scalability, reliability, and user experience across its operations in multiple countries.

This agreement marks an extension of over a decade of collaboration between IBM and Abertis and is set to play a pivotal role in Abertis's ongoing digital transformation journey.

2. Comprehensive System Evolution

Abertis, recognized as one of the world's leading motorway operators, manages approximately 8,000 kilometers of infrastructure across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The new agreement encompasses a comprehensive evolution of the systems that support Abertis's diverse operations, which include user management, high-volume transaction processing, and incident management.

The collaboration will leverage SAP S/4HANA technology, focusing on several key enhancements:

Increased Flexibility: The modernization will allow Abertis to adapt to various operating models effortlessly.

Improved Scalability: The new systems will be equipped to handle increasing transaction volumes efficiently.

Advanced Analytics: Near real-time analytics capabilities will be incorporated to facilitate informed decision-making.

Foundation for New Services: The collaboration will lay the groundwork for the introduction of innovative mobility-related services.

3. Addressing Mobility Challenges

As urban infrastructure faces growing pressures from increasing traffic and user demands, Abertis recognizes the need for common, scalable, and reliable systems. This agreement establishes a technological framework for Abertis’s operations in key markets, including Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Chile, and Puerto Rico, with potential extensions to additional markets across Europe and America.

The partnership is designed to be adaptable to different regulatory environments, which reinforces the scalability and efficiency of Abertis’s business model.

4. Joint Governance for Seamless Implementation

IBM Consulting will spearhead the implementation and management of the technological transformation, working closely with Abertis’s IT and business teams. This partnership will be governed under a joint governance model that includes clear success metrics, quality gates, and change-management activities aimed at minimizing business disruption.

José Miguel, Partner and Distribution and Industrial Sector Leader at IBM Spain, commented on the significance of this agreement, stating, "We are seeing how the infrastructure sector is entering a phase in which technology ceases to be a project and becomes a structural condition."

5. Enhancing User Experience

The modernization initiative extends beyond internal operations, as IBM is set to assist Abertis in developing user-centric web portals and mobile applications. These solutions will facilitate account management, vehicle registrations, and payment processing, offering users a seamless and integrated experience while ensuring efficient traffic and toll collection management.

Miguel Ángel Medina, Chief Information Officer of Abertis, emphasized the long-term benefits of this approach: "This allows us the opportunity to make decisions with a long-term perspective and reduce complexity in a very diverse environment."

6. Conclusion

The partnership between IBM and Abertis signifies a strategic step towards the future of mobility management. By modernizing their technological infrastructure, Abertis aims to enhance reliability and user experience across its operations while addressing the complexities of modern transportation. As both companies embark on this transformative journey, the implications for the infrastructure sector are poised to be profound, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable mobility model.

Original press release