Galp Energia Modernises IT Infrastructure with TruePillar and Cisco

Client Background

Galp Energia is a multinational energy company with deep roots in Iberia and a growing global presence. The organization operates approximately 1,500 service stations across Portugal and Spain, serving millions of customers daily with fuel, convenience retail, and an expanding range of mobility and energy services.

As the energy retail landscape evolves—driven by digital expectations, the rise of electric vehicles, and the convergence of fuel and convenience retail—Galp recognized that its network infrastructure needed a fundamental transformation. The company's legacy systems, while reliable, could not support the real-time analytics, cloud connectivity, and in-store engagement capabilities required to compete in a digital-first marketplace.

"In today's retail environment, the service station is no longer just about fuel. It's about customer experience, convenience, and data-driven engagement. Our infrastructure had to evolve to support that vision."

The Challenge: Outdated Infrastructure Constraining Innovation

Galp's existing network infrastructure presented multiple challenges that threatened the company's ability to execute its digital transformation strategy.

Customer Experience Limitations

Modern consumers expect seamless connectivity, personalized offers, and frictionless transactions. Galp's legacy network could not deliver:

• •Reliable Wi-Fi: Customers and staff lacked consistent connectivity, limiting in-store engagement and digital service delivery.
• •Real-time analytics: Without reliable data capture and transmission, Galp could not leverage customer behavior insights to optimize offerings and improve service.
• •Cloud connectivity: The existing infrastructure was not designed for cloud-native applications, limiting Galp's ability to adopt modern software platforms.

Operational Inefficiency

Managing a distributed network of 1,500 sites created significant operational overhead:

• •On-site support requirements: Without centralized management capabilities, IT staff were frequently dispatched to remote locations for troubleshooting and configuration changes.
• •Limited visibility: Galp lacked comprehensive visibility into network performance, making it difficult to identify and resolve issues proactively.
• •Inconsistent service delivery: Different sites operated with varying levels of connectivity and performance, creating an uneven customer experience.

Scalability and Resilience Gaps

The infrastructure was not designed for the demands of a digital enterprise:

• •Limited bandwidth: Legacy connections could not support the growing volume of data generated by modern point-of-sale systems, surveillance, and customer engagement tools.
• •Vulnerability to failure: Without robust failover capabilities, site-level connectivity failures could disrupt operations and impact customer service.
• •Inflexibility: The network could not easily accommodate new technologies or adapt to changing business requirements.

Security Concerns

As cyber threats evolve, Galp's distributed network presented an expanded attack surface:

• •Inconsistent security controls: Different sites had varying levels of protection, creating vulnerabilities.
• •Limited visibility: Without centralized security management, detecting and responding to threats across 1,500 sites was challenging.
• •Compliance requirements: The energy retail sector faces increasing regulatory scrutiny regarding data protection and operational security.

The Solution: A Strategic Partnership for Modernization

Galp engaged TruePillar, Cisco, and Vodafone in a strategic partnership to architect and execute a comprehensive infrastructure modernization program. TruePillar Portugal led implementation, bringing deep expertise in large-scale network deployment, project management, and supply chain coordination.

The Technology Foundation

The solution centered on Cisco's industry-leading SD-WAN and Wi-Fi 6 technologies:

• •Cisco SD-WAN: A software-defined wide area network architecture that provides centralized management, intelligent traffic routing, and seamless failover across multiple connection types.
• •Cisco Wi-Fi 6: The latest generation of wireless technology, delivering higher speeds, greater capacity, and improved performance in high-density environments.
• •Cisco DNA Center: Centralized management platform providing network visibility, automation, and assurance capabilities.
• •Next-generation security: Integrated firewalls, VPNs, and localized traffic control to protect data and ensure compliance.

Key Capabilities Delivered

Project Scale and Execution

The project scope was substantial:

• •1,200+ service stations across Portugal and Spain
• •€10M+ investment in infrastructure modernization
• •Multi-vendor coordination across TruePillar, Cisco, Vodafone, and Galp's internal teams
• •Pandemic-era execution with global supply chain disruptions and site access restrictions

Navigating Pandemic Challenges

The project timeline coincided with global supply chain disruptions and operational constraints. TruePillar Portugal's disciplined approach included:

• •Proactive supply chain management: Early procurement and staging of equipment to mitigate delays
• •Phased deployment: Prioritized sites based on business impact, ensuring continuous progress
• •Remote coordination: Leveraged digital tools to manage field teams and maintain momentum despite travel restrictions
• •Stakeholder alignment: Regular communication with Galp leadership to ensure transparency and manage expectations

On-Time, Under-Budget Delivery

Despite the challenging environment, the project was completed on schedule and under budget—a testament to the expertise of the TruePillar implementation team and the strength of the partnership.

"Delivering a project of this scale during a global pandemic required exceptional discipline. The TruePillar team's commitment to execution and problem-solving was extraordinary."

The Outcome: A Secure, Cloud-Ready Platform for Digital Leadership

The modernization program delivered transformative results across multiple dimensions of Galp's retail operations.

Modernised Infrastructure

The new architecture replaced outdated systems with a secure, cloud-ready SD-WAN and Wi-Fi 6 solution:

• •1,200+ sites equipped with next-generation connectivity
• •Doubled connection capacity across the retail network
• •Improved uptime through redundant connections and intelligent failover

Enhanced Customer Experience

The infrastructure now supports the digital engagement capabilities that modern consumers expect:

• •Reliable Wi-Fi: Customers enjoy consistent connectivity throughout service stations
• •Real-time analytics: Galp can capture and act on customer behavior data to optimize offerings
• •Improved service delivery: Staff have access to the tools and data they need to serve customers effectively

Operational Efficiency

Centralized network management transformed Galp's IT operations:

• •Reduced on-site support: The need for site visits for configuration and troubleshooting has dramatically decreased
• •Centralized visibility: Galp's network team has comprehensive visibility into performance across all sites
• •Proactive management: Issues can be identified and resolved remotely before impacting customers

Scalability and Flexibility

The new architecture positions Galp for future innovation:

• •SD-WAN flexibility: The network can easily accommodate new connection types and technologies
• •Cloud readiness: The infrastructure supports cloud-native applications and services
• •Future-proof: The platform can integrate emerging technologies including AI, cashless payments, and advanced cybersecurity

Improved Security

Security capabilities were significantly enhanced:

• •Integrated next-generation firewalls: Consistent protection across all sites
• •VPN connectivity: Secure communications between sites and corporate systems
• •Localized traffic control: Granular policies ensure data protection and compliance
• •Centralized security management: Visibility and control from a single console

Cost Savings

The modernization delivered tangible financial benefits:

• •Reduced MPLS reliance: Lower-cost broadband and LTE connections supplement or replace expensive MPLS circuits
• •Improved bandwidth efficiency: SD-WAN optimizes traffic routing, maximizing value from available bandwidth
• •Lower operational costs: Reduced need for on-site support translates to lower travel and labor costs

Data-Driven Insights

The new infrastructure provides unprecedented visibility:

• •Customer behavior analytics: Galp can understand how customers interact with its sites and tailor offerings accordingly
• •Network performance monitoring: Real-time visibility enables proactive optimization and issue resolution
• •Smarter business decisions: Data-driven insights inform strategic planning and investment

Strategic Outcomes

A Digital-First Energy Leader

The transformation positions Galp as a digital-first leader in the energy retail sector. The company now has the infrastructure foundation to:

• •Launch new digital services quickly and reliably
• •Enhance customer engagement through personalized, data-driven experiences
• •Adopt emerging technologies as they mature, including AI, advanced analytics, and next-generation payment systems

A Scalable Foundation for Innovation

The SD-WAN architecture provides the flexibility to adapt as business requirements evolve:

• •New site onboarding: Adding locations is streamlined through standardized configurations and centralized management
• •Technology integration: The platform can accommodate new applications and services without fundamental redesign
• •Business continuity: Redundant connections and intelligent failover ensure operations continue even during connectivity disruptions