Security in an Increasingly Digitalized World
Interview with Frank Erb, Managing Director of SERVODATA GmbH
This year, SERVODATA GmbH is looking back on a special anniversary: For 50 years, the company has been a central service provider for the German credit industry, providing security, reliability and a clear focus on customer proximity. One of the most important services is the emergency blocking service 116 116, where bank customers can block lost or stolen cards and other digital access methods.
"We are proud that almost every bank in Germany – directly or indirectly – uses our services. This shows how deeply we are embedded in the structures of the financial sector," explains Managing Director Frank Erb. "Our strength lies not only in our technical know-how, but especially in our understanding of the people who need quick help in emergency situations, and in our ability to provide this help."
Personally well cared for
In recent years, SERVODATA has successively expanded its range of services: Today, in addition to a blocking hotline for bank cards, SIM cards, online banking access, or electronic IDs can also be blocked through the company, which with about 80 employees generates an annual turnover of approximately 5.5 million EUR – with an upward trend. "Especially the Corona period has shown us how much digital payments have increased and how important it is to continuously adapt our services. We see ourselves not only as a service provider for banks but increasingly also as a partner in securing digital identities," explains Frank Erb. The company deliberately opts for a mix of digitalized processes and personal support: "We have consciously decided against a purely automated processing. In exceptional circumstances, human contact counts for those affected – and that is exactly what we want to ensure." The company is also technologically repositioning itself to be able to explore further business fields – such as the management of credit cards in e-commerce. "Over the past few years, we have technologically renewed ourselves. This creates the basis for us to remain flexible and capable of growth in the future," says the managing director.
Together to Success
In addition to technological and organizational developments, Frank Erb sees corporate culture as a central factor for business success. A family-like togetherness, cultural diversity, and flexible working models characterize everyday life at SERVODATA. "We have employees who have been with us for over 20 years, and at the same time young talents who accompany us for a few years and gain important life experiences with us. This mix makes us strong," emphasizes Frank Erb. "I am convinced that our corporate culture is a central reason for our success." He clearly states his claim for the future: "We want to establish ourselves as the central blocking authority for digital identities. Our goal is to give people security in an increasingly digitalized world."