Hitachi Energy's Successful Migration to Windows 11: A Case Study

Hitachi Energy has set a bold precedent for enterprise-scale operating system upgrades by successfully migrating over 40,000 devices across 12 countries from Windows 10 to Windows 11. With mainstream support for Windows 10 set to expire in October 2025—a deadline after which free updates and security patches will cease—the energy giant’s move is not just timely but essential for maintaining robust cybersecurity and operational efficiency. Let’s dive into the intricate details of this impressive migration, the strategies behind it, and what it means for other organizations facing similar challenges.

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A Giant Leap in Digital Modernization​

Windows 10 remains the workhorse of many organizations, but with its support sunset rapidly approaching, businesses must pivot quickly. Hitachi Energy, a multinational firm with a $13 billion revenue footprint, faced the dual pressures of managing legacy systems and ensuring a secure and productive workforce. Their migration, initiated in March 2024 and successfully wrapped up by October 2024, exemplifies how strategic planning coupled with automation can deliver large-scale technological transformation.

Key Milestones and Statistics​

• Device Assessment: The project began with a rigorous assessment of 45,335 devices, quickly identifying 43,568 as ready for an upgrade—a testament to the firm’s existing preparedness.
• Migration Volume: At the peak of the transition, the team migrated nearly 10,000 devices in May alone.
• Pilot Program: A 500-device pilot run in November 2023 was critical in verifying both application and hardware compatibility with Windows 11.
• Application Compatibility: Out of 3,034 applications, 2,330 were found to be directly compatible. For the remaining 704 applications, Hitachi Energy either updated them or adopted a risk-based approach to ensure continuity without compromising user experiences.

These figures are not just numbers; they illustrate the scale and complexity of managing over 40,000 devices across continents and diverse operational environments.

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The Strategy: Minimal Manual Intervention and Maximum Automation​

One of the hallmarks of this migration was the commitment to “minimal manual intervention.” This wasn’t just tech jargon—it was a real commitment to streamlining processes, reducing human error, and accelerating deployment. Here’s how Hitachi Energy achieved that:

Automated Workflow Management​

Utilizing a sophisticated software platform from ManagementStudio, the migration capitalized on a suite of automated tools that integrated seamlessly with existing systems such as:

• Microsoft Intune: For mobile device management and ensuring that devices stayed compliant with corporate policies.
• Active Directory: To maintain user credentials and access rights across the newly upgraded devices.
• Flexera Service and ServiceNow: These tools provided essential oversight for inventory management and IT service process flows.
• PowerBI Integrations: Enhanced data mining capabilities allowed the team to monitor the migration’s progress in real-time, ensuring that any anomalies were swiftly addressed.

By automating the bulk of the migration, the team not only reduced the need for tedious manual testing but also minimized downtime—a critical factor in maintaining continuous business operations.

The Role of a Pilot Program​

Before launching the full-scale migration, the 500-device pilot in November 2023 served as a proving ground. This pilot was instrumental in:

• Verifying Compatibility: Ensuring that both hardware and applications could run smoothly under Windows 11.
• Identifying Roadblocks: Allowing the team to pinpoint potential issues early, rather than facing costly setbacks during full deployment.
• Gaining Trust: Building confidence within the organization by demonstrating that the new operating system could reliably support critical business functions.

The pilot’s success underscored the importance of testing in a secure and controlled environment—a lesson many IT departments can take note of when planning their own migrations.

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Overcoming Compatibility Challenges: When "Non-Compatible" Doesn’t Mean "Not Working"​

Migrating a diverse software portfolio is no small feat, and one of the trickiest parts of this project was handling the 704 applications initially tagged as non-compatible. Rather than halting progress, Hitachi Energy took a pragmatic approach:

• Software Updates: Wherever possible, the non-compatible applications were updated to work seamlessly on Windows 11.
• Risk-Based Decision Making: In cases where immediate updates were not feasible, the firm tested deployments on a subset of devices. If no issues emerged, they proceeded with the upgrades, effectively taking calculated risks supported by real-world data from the pilot program.

This “by exception” methodology—where the new OS was first offered to select pilot users to catch potential issues—ensured that any complications were managed proactively. It reflects a nuanced understanding that “non-compatible” doesn’t necessarily equate to “non-functional” and that many legacy applications can perform adequately on an upgraded platform with slight tweaks or updates.

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Advanced Tools and Integrated Platforms: The Backbone of the Migration​

A critical element behind the success of Hitachi Energy’s project was the integration of various advanced tools and platforms that created a comprehensive migration ecosystem. Here’s how the technical stack contributed to a smooth transition:

ManagementStudio: The Automation Hub​

At the heart of this operation was ManagementStudio’s automation platform. Designed to create custom workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and handle extensive testing protocols, ManagementStudio supported the following key functions:

• Workflow Automation: Streamlined the migration process from start to finish, reducing manual intervention and expediting the process.
• Project Management Hub: Offered a centralized portal where project managers, delivery managers, and engineering teams could view contextual data, track progress, allocate deliverables, and manage historical change reports.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: The platform’s integration with PowerBI allowed for real-time analytics—transforming raw data into actionable insights, which is the crux of achieving “data with context.”

Integration with Legacy Systems via TSAs​

Before the Windows 11 migration, Hitachi Energy had already used ManagementStudio during its divestment from ABB. This earlier project involved transitioning out of Transition Service Agreements (TSAs), which are contractual arrangements that keep legacy support operational post-divestment. TSAs can be notoriously stringent, often imposing financial penalties if timelines slip. By leveraging automation, Hitachi Energy was able to decommission legacy services and devices efficiently, setting the stage for the much larger Windows 11 upgrade.

What Are TSAs and Why Do They Matter?​

• Definition: TSAs allow a parent company to continue providing support for devices, applications, networks, and other IT services until a new entity fully establishes its independent operating model.
• The Financial Angle: Late transitions under TSAs can lead to significant overrun costs, effectively making delays financially punitive.
• Automated Reporting: The migration project incorporated automated reporting and email communications, ensuring that decommissioning data was accurately relayed back to the TSA management teams with minimal manual effort.

By successfully navigating the TSA landscape, Hitachi Energy not only optimized the Windows 11 upgrade but also avoided additional costs associated with extended legacy support.

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Broader Implications for IT Departments and Windows Users​

Hitachi Energy’s migration isn’t just a corporate milestone—it’s a case study for IT departments and Windows users worldwide. With 60% of Windows devices still running Windows 10, organizations everywhere should consider the following takeaways:

Proactive Planning is Key​

• Start Early: With Windows 10 support ending soon, early planning for Windows 11 upgrades is crucial to avoid any security vulnerabilities.
• Pilot Programs Work: Testing on a smaller scale helps identify hidden issues, paving the way for a scalable and secure migration.
• Automation is the Future: Minimizing manual intervention not only accelerates the process but also reduces the probability of human error.

Leveraging Data Effectively​

In today's data-driven environment, having “data with context” is more than a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Organizations must integrate their disparate systems (InTune, SCCM, Active Directory, ServiceNow, etc.) into a cohesive framework that enables robust data mining and effective decision-making. This approach ensures that every move is informed by accurate, real-time insights, reducing risks and boosting operational efficiency.

Risk-Based Approaches to Legacy Applications​

Every organization has its own share of legacy applications that might initially appear incompatible with new systems. The lesson here is clear: Don’t let a subset of applications derail an entire migration. Instead, adopt a risk-based approach by:

• Evaluating Real-World Performance: Test non-compatible applications in controlled environments and proceed based on empirical performance data.
• Implementing Updates Where Feasible: Where possible, update legacy software to ensure compatibility, or adapt workflows to account for potential issues.

By taking calculated risks, organizations can continue advancing their technological capabilities without compromising user experience or system integrity.

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Preparing for the Future: Adapting to a Rapidly Evolving IT Landscape​

Hitachi Energy’s aggressive move to adopt Windows 11 sends a clear message: In the modern corporate world, standing still is not an option. The global shift toward newer operating systems is driven by the need for improved security, enhanced user experiences, and greater integration of automation tools. Here are some final thoughts on how organizations can stay ahead in this evolving landscape:

• Invest in Versatile Platforms: Solutions like ManagementStudio are not just tools; they’re strategic assets that enable large-scale digital transformations.
• Embrace Change: As operating systems evolve, so too must the processes and workflows that support them. Whether it’s harnessing the power of automation or integrating diverse data streams, modernization efforts are key to staying competitive.
• Plan for Continuous Improvement: Migration projects should not be seen as one-off events. Instead, they’re part of a continuous cycle of innovation and improvement that prepares organizations for future challenges.

With Windows 10 nearing its end-of-life and the demands of cybersecurity threats growing more sophisticated, the need for proactive platform updates has never been more critical.

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Final Thoughts​

Hitachi Energy’s successful Windows 11 migration is more than just an operational milestone—it’s an inspiring blueprint for other enterprises looking to modernize their IT infrastructure in the face of obsolescence. By leveraging automation, integrating legacy systems thoughtfully, and employing a data-driven, risk-based approach to compatibility issues, Hitachi Energy has demonstrated that even the most challenging migration projects can be executed with precision and minimal disruption.
For IT professionals and Windows users alike, this case study underscores the importance of moving away from legacy systems and embracing the future of computing with robust, secure, and efficient platforms. As many organizations continue to rely on Windows 10, strategies and insights from Hitachi Energy’s digital transformation serve as a timely reminder that change—while challenging—is necessary for sustained progress in the fast-paced world of information technology.
The journey from Windows 10 to Windows 11 may be complex, but with the right mix of planning, technology, and a willingness to innovate, companies can not only survive but thrive in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. As businesses prepare for the post-mainstream era of Windows 10, learning from industry leaders like Hitachi Energy might just be the key to unlocking smoother transitions and a more secure IT future.

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Whether you’re on the front lines managing IT deployments or simply curious about how large-scale migrations are executed, Hitachi Energy’s project offers plenty of takeaways. The blend of automated migration tools, pilot testing, and robust data integration creates a roadmap for eliminating migration-induced headaches—ensuring that organizations remain secure and agile in a world where technology waits for no one.
In essence, this massive migration is a celebration of modern IT strategy, and a beacon for organizations poised to embrace the next wave of technological evolution with Windows 11 at its core.

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Source: The Stack Hitachi Energy wraps up 40,000-device Windows 11 migration