Shimizu Construction Transforms Authentication System with Digital Certificates from Soliton Systems

Shimizu Construction Transforms Its Authentication System with Digital Certificates

In an era dominated by varying devices and cloud services, security and operational efficiency are critical. Shimizu Construction, a prominent player in the construction industry, has recognized this need and undertaken a significant project to enhance its authentication infrastructure. The company collaborated with Soliton Systems to implement a comprehensive authentication framework utilizing digital certificates, fundamentally changing the way it secures its operations.

Context for the Change: The Limits of Traditional Authentication

The surge in the use of PCs, smartphones, and tablets in the workplace has created complexities for Shimizu Construction. The integrity of their operations was compromised by the outdated MAC address authentication method, which exposed them to potential impersonation risks and inefficiencies. The company's information systems department reported a heavy burden from managing device configurations and operations. Thus, it became imperative to overhaul their authentication system into a more centralized and automated process.

The Key Decision: Maximizing Efficiency with Client Certificates

The introduction of client certificates for device authentication marks a pivotal move for Shimizu. By using these digital certificates, the risk of impersonation is minimized. The integration of Soliton OneGate and NetAttest EPS allows for effective management of certificate issuance, deployment, and revocation, all automated and linked with their mobile device management (MDM) system. This means that administrators are no longer required to distribute certificates manually, significantly streamlining operations.

Soliton Systems' strong track record in Japan, combined with a robust pricing model and comprehensive support systems for their domestic products, made their solutions an appealing choice for Shimizu.

Results of the Implementation: Drastic Efficiency Improvements

The adoption of client certificate authentication across all devices, including PCs, resulted in a unified approach that considerably reduced security risks.

By optimizing client certificate distribution, the time and effort spent on device setups were slashed by 90%. This dramatic decrease was possible due to the dashboard provided by Soliton OneGate, which offers intuitive access to statistics and connection statuses, speeding up response times for inquiries and incident investigations.

Additionally, Shimizu found great value in the capability to issue up to ten certificates per account, enabling efficient management across multiple devices in their operations.

Customer Feedback: Balancing Flexibility and Security

According to Shunichi Murai, the Department Head of the DX Management Promotion Office, this new authentication framework has successfully achieved both flexibility and safety in their work environment. Toshi Suda, Group Leader of the Infrastructure Planning Group, added, “The assurance of relying on a domestic security vendor like Soliton is invaluable.”

Yu Inoue, a senior staff member, praised the dashboard for its excellent user interface, noting the ease with which they could comprehend statistical data and connection statuses. Koya Nakamura, another staff member, highlighted the efficiency gained in support tasks and ticket management, leading to reduced operational burdens.

Future Prospects: A Model for Zero Trust in Construction

Shimizu Construction's investment in this new infrastructure positions it as a pioneering example in the construction sector, particularly in advancing zero-trust architectures and centralized device management practices.

Soliton Systems continues its commitment to addressing sector-specific security challenges with its innovative domestic products and dedicated support services, emphasizing their engagement with industry-specific security needs.

For more insights, check out the case studies or request additional information on NetAttest EPS and Soliton OneGate.

About Soliton Systems

Founded in 1979, Soliton Systems has positioned itself as a leader in IT and electronics, continuously innovating with a series of 'firsts' in Japan, ranging from IT security to high-definition video transmission systems. The company has amassed a revenue of 18.6 billion yen for the fiscal year ending December 2024, and is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.