In motorsports, victory or defeat often comes down to a split second. At first glance, the driver is the sole focus of attention. But without the team working behind the scenes, success is impossible, no matter how talented the driver or how fast the car is. Data plays a crucial role in this.
Anyone who watches Formula 1 races quickly realizes that true success requires far more than just speed. It requires data, timing, and teamwork. Beyond that, it’s about the constant pursuit of improvement—just like in modern businesses. They, too, must perform in their day-to-day operations, while IT ensures smooth processes in the background. Yet in many companies, this is precisely where the rub lies—or, to stick with the analogy, where the torque wrench is stuck in the engine oil. A lack of transparency, constant disruptions, and hidden root causes of problems lead to poor performance and slow down the entire company.
However, the example of Formula 1 shows how companies can successfully put their horsepower to work. And why data is the key.
Formula 1 vs. IT
In Formula 1, when problems arise, the driver radioes the pit crew directly: “Grip is dropping, the car feels sluggish.” The crew has real-time access to vehicle data, from which they can derive specific recommendations: “Slow down, cool the brakes, adjust your driving style.” Yet the true strength of a successful racing team lies not in quick reactions, but in proactivity. If a racing team alerts its driver to problematic readings before he even notices them while driving, he can directly counteract brake overheating and thus maintain or even improve his performance.
In companies, the process is essentially the same: Employees report IT issues—whether performance slowdowns, software problems, or system crashes. The IT department must then take action, identify the cause by analyzing a vast amount of system data, and find appropriate solutions.
However, this is often where things fall short. While a Formula 1 team has all relevant vehicle data at a glance and can identify the causes of problems in a matter of seconds, corporate IT departments often take an unnecessarily long time to do the same. So if there isn’t even an adequate response, there can be no talk of proactivity.
But what is the key difference? Why does this process work so effectively in Formula 1, yet prove to be utterly ineffective in business?
IT Analytics – Data Analysis as a Lever
In both cases, the key is meaningful data that is available at the right time, in precise form, and ready for analysis. But while in Formula 1, state-of-the-art sensors and measurement points throughout the vehicle continuously transmit real-time data to the pit crew, many companies lack both the infrastructure and the tools needed for data analysis. Consequently, there is hardly any way to collect existing data at all, let alone analyze it and thus implement proactive IT analytics measures.
But that’s not all—even if a solution like Nexthink is already being used to collect and analyze relevant IT data, IT departments often lack the necessary expertise or sufficient time to interpret the data obtained. This would require experienced specialists who would have to be hired exclusively for this purpose. But finding dedicated experts on the job market is not just a matter of luck but also of money. So where to find them, if not by stealing?
In contrast, Formula 1 features specialized pit crews whose sole job is to monitor and analyze the car’s real-time data and intervene as quickly as possible if a problem arises. They continuously provide the driver with instructions to optimize performance and prepare everything for the next pit stop so they can fix any issues with the car in a matter of seconds. Many IT departments can only dream of that. Or can they?
From the Cockpit to the Data Center: Nexthink & DEXOps as the Control Center
Just as the control panel in the pit lane is to Formula 1, the digital cockpit—in the form of clear, interactive dashboards—is to IT. And they actually exist! With modern tools like Nexthink, data can be captured directly from the user’s device—right where issues arise.
Furthermore, to address the issue of a shortage of skilled workers, outsourcing the relevant IT analytics tasks to an external team of specialists can be the breakthrough needed to navigate the metaphorical road to success. Much like a professional racing team, such a team can focus specifically on collecting and interpreting relevant data to derive actionable recommendations. Within the framework of a long-term service model, such as a dedicated DEXOps (Digital Employee Experience Operations) service, the full value of existing data can finally be realized—without the need for costly investments in personnel.
Specifically, a DEXOps service includes the following:
- Continuous collection of all relevant data from end devices
- Systematic, daily, and structured data analysis
- Identification of causes and opportunities for improvement
- Development of specific optimization measures
- Regular status and steering meetings
Real-time instead of reactive: From troubleshooting to improvement
The key difference lies in the shift in perspective: instead of reacting to disruptions, patterns and problems can be identified before they disrupt operations. Just as a Formula 1 team alerts the driver that the brakes are about to overheat, IT can also act based on transparent data and prevent disruptions before they affect users. In this context, the user’s device serves as a metaphorical cockpit—because with IT analytics, it is possible to view all relevant data in real time and respond accordingly.
A real-world example:
At one customer site, the service team noticed an unusual increase in login times early that morning: instead of the usual 17 seconds, the login process suddenly took over a minute. The extended login processes also showed noticeable delays. Analysis revealed that a recent change to the gateway configuration was the cause. Once this change was reversed, login times returned to normal immediately. Thanks to this early intervention, a widespread outage was prevented—all before users could even notice or report the issue. This not only ensured that there was no disruption to the company’s productivity but also proactively avoided unnecessary support tickets.
Learning from the Race: Telemetry Data as a Wealth of Experience
In Formula 1, the use of data doesn’t end at the finish line. On the contrary: the analysis begins after every race. The telemetry data collected—that is, measurements transmitted in real time from the car to the pit—provides the foundation for better tuning future vehicles, identifying weaknesses, or developing new strategies. This involves the systematic collection, evaluation, and implementation of empirical data—from practice, for practice.
This is precisely the principle behind the DEXOps Service: Customers are not only supported during acute incidents but receive ongoing support. Based on real-world data, usage patterns are analyzed, recurring issues are identified, and strategic recommendations are provided—ranging from alternative software solutions to improved configurations. Companies also benefit from the experience the consultants have gained with other clients: By comparing recurring or similar issues across different companies, proven methods or strategies can be applied as needed—leading to faster and more sustainable results. Here, the service provider has an advantage over a Formula 1 team: After all, a Formula 1 team has no way of leveraging the experience or insights of other Formula 1 teams. The service thus establishes a continuous improvement process through which operational challenges can be transformed into strategic opportunities.
Success factors for a DEXOps service:
- Complete documentation and categorization of all analysis results
- Identifying best practices for future situations
- Identification of technological and procedural weaknesses, as well as regular, specific recommendations for addressing and optimizing them
- Strategic support for the further development of IT services to sustainably improve the user experience (DEX)
Tips for Securing Your Own Top Spot in the Company
1. Use the data you already have.
Most companies have vast amounts of untapped data—the key is to analyze it effectively and use it as a basis for decision-making.
2. Think proactively rather than reactively.
Don't wait for the next outage—identify weaknesses before they become a problem.
3. Bring in some support for the team.
Not everyone needs their own analytics team. External specialists like our DEXOps Service bring expertise, speed, and best practices from a wide range of client environments—tailored directly to your goals.
4. Establish a continuous improvement process.
Lay the groundwork for strategic optimization: Don’t just analyze individual cases—identify patterns, document them, and learn from them—just like an F1 team does after every race.
5. Bridge the gap between IT and business.
Your IT department is more than just a pit crew—it’s a strategic partner on your path to success. The better the integration, the greater your competitive edge.
If you want to stay ahead of the pack, you need data and the right team
In Formula 1, a victory is never a matter of chance. It is the result of precise data analysis, cutting-edge technology, lightning-fast reflexes, and a perfectly coordinated team.
The same applies to IT. If you want to stay ahead of the pack in day-to-day business, you need more than just a fast car. You need the right crew by your side. The analogy to Formula One illustrates this clearly: If the employee’s device is the vehicle, IT Analytics provides the telemetry data, while our DEXOps service is an active part of the pit crew—offering advice, anticipating needs, and always on hand when efficiency and speed matter most.
IT Analytics and the DEXOps Service put companies in pole position—not just today, but also at the next turn, in the next race, and next year. Because those who use data and information effectively aren’t just racing for points—they’re racing for the championship.