Back to the future - Why SUSHI BIKES is relying on Google Workspace (again)

SUSHI BIKES is a brand of SUSHI Mobility GmbH and has been aiming to make flexible, green urban mobility affordable since it was founded in 2019. Andy Weinzierl's Munich-based start-up has developed e-bikes that cost only around half the price of an average electric bike and impress with their pure design, quality, practicality and lightness.

After its foundation, SUSHI BIKES initially relied on Google Workspace due to its simple setup. In mid-2024, however, the company made the decision to switch to Microsoft 365. It was hoped that this would improve collaboration with external partners and provide supposed productivity benefits in the Microsoft ecosystem.

However, this quickly proved to be the wrong decision for the young Munich-based company with its individual requirements. Contrary to expectations, collaboration with medium-sized companies that had been using Microsoft for many years did not prove any easier. Due to often strictly defined security settings, collaboration was not possible as desired.

By switching back to Google Workspace, SUSHI BIKES hoped to significantly increase the productivity of all employees, especially when searching for files and collaboratively editing documents.

Andy Weinzierl, founder, CEO and responsible for most IT issues, summarizes the experience:

The use of Excel increased and there were employees who were convinced that they would be faster in the Microsoft world. However, this was not the case. Instead, we suddenly had a lot more administrative work and a lot more rights and approval problems.

Andy Weinzierl

Gründer & CEO

 @ 

SUSHI BIKES

In view of these experiences, SUSHI BIKES decided to return to Google Workspace after less than a year. This decision was based on a detailed evaluation of the functions actually required and the practical experience gained in day-to-day work. According to Andy Weinzierl, the biggest advantages and motivation for the switch were as follows:

• Efficient email management: The Inbox Zero features (Send + Archive) optimize email organization and noticeably increase individual productivity.
• Fast file search: The efficient Google Drive search saves valuable working time that was previously lost in the time-consuming search for files.
• Seamless collaboration: Shared editing of Google Sheets, Docs and other formats is significantly more performant and stable, making teamwork much easier.
• Reliable calendar functions: Private calendar sharing and precise location search in appointments work intuitively and reliably.
• Uncomplicated mailbox delegation: The management of shared mailboxes is straightforward and clear.
• AI-powered productivity: The integration of Gemini AI offers immediate added value for all employees through features such as meeting summaries and efficient email responses.
• Improved communication: Although initially viewed skeptically, Google Chat's user-friendliness was convincing in comparison.
• Intuitive operation: The well-thought-out user interface and user experience ensure more pleasant and efficient operation, which increases employee acceptance.

However, Andy Weinzierl had great respect for the new changeover: “The team had of course experienced a second change in a very short space of time. If this doesn't work well, it can lead to rejection. That's why we actively invested in change management and brought PCG on board as a competent partner.”

Public Cloud Group (PCG) played a crucial role in the successful migration of SUSHI BIKES back to Google Workspace. The team at PCG managed the entire process competently and efficiently, enabling a quick and smooth transition.

Andy Weinzierl praises the cooperation: “There are simply many things to consider during a migration, and it sometimes helps to be asked the right questions. Many thanks to PCG for the great support!”

The return to Google Workspace has given SUSHI BIKES a significant increase in productivity, collaborative working and considerably less administrative work.

According to Andy Weinzierl, the financial and time aspects of the re-migration are also remarkable: “The switch back to Google Workspace was not only more cost-effective, it also went more smoothly and caused far fewer problems.”

The employees quickly found their way back to the familiar Google environment and benefit from the powerful tools, especially the integrated AI functions from Gemini, which make their day-to-day work noticeably easier. SUSHI BIKES was thus able to create an extremely efficient and collaborative working environment that fully meets the dynamic requirements of a modern, fast-growing company.

Public Cloud Group (PCG) supports companies in their digital transformation through the use of public cloud solutions.

With a product portfolio designed to accompany organisations of all sizes in their cloud journey and competence that is a synonym for highly qualified staff that clients and partners like to work with, PCG is positioned as a reliable and trustworthy partner for the hyperscalers, relevant and with repeatedly validated competence and credibility.

We have the highest partnership status with the three relevant hyperscalers: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, and Microsoft. As experienced providers, we advise our customers independently with cloud implementation, application development, and managed services.