Text written in Basque and translated automatically by Elia without any subsequent editing. SEE ORIGINAL

The computer fortress

Distribution information, delivery notes and invoices at the Eroski Group’s points of sale are also monitored at a Data Processing Centre. It's called Gemini, and it's a real computer fortress. To ensure data security, all possible risks must be taken into account.

in 2005, there was a small fire at the Eroski plant, which called into question the security of the information needed for the POS team. In order to provide a satisfactory solution to this issue, Eroski decided to build the most modern and largest data processing centre in the Basque Country, which has been in operation for several months. They call it Gemini. FORTALEZA INFORMÁTICA

We are in a
hypermarket of Roski. Mar is doing the shopping of the week. The products purchased are identified by the laser reader in the box. In this way, the computer will immediately calculate how much Mar has to pay. Likewise, the computer system will inform the warehouse of the products to be placed again on the shelves of the hypermarket. That’s a hundred and fifty-two euros. Travela passes by, and Mar pays with electronic money.

MANEX URRUZOLA; ELHUYAR FOUNDATION: the Eroski Group makes more than 20 million sales in a month. Half of them, over $10 million, are paid by card. This is a lot of information that needs to be processed quickly and safely. And that's why they have a high-capacity data center in Elorrio: It's Eroski's computer brain. The distribution information, delivery notes and invoices of the

Eroski Group’s points of sale are also controlled in this Data Processing Center. Gemini is a true computer fortress: security perimeter, infrared detectors, closed circuit television... The building itself is also built 1.2 meters above ground level to avoid flood hazards. In fact, in order to ensure data security, all possible risks must be taken into account and precautionary measures must be taken against them.

They also have a duplicate electrical system with electrical generators ready for use in the event of a power failure.

PATXI EGURBIDE; EROSKI: If the electrical system falls, they ramp in 20 milliseconds and deliver all the power. These systems have a capacity of one hundred hours. On the outside, two lines arrive: one from Durango and the other from Berriz. So if we have any problems with one, we can provide the power that our computers need with the other.

In order to provide adequate stability to the Gemini power system, the building is equipped with a large capacity battery pack. They're big electronic lockers. To detect and extinguish the fire, they have a system through the water barrier. But in addition to that, as soon as you start to garnish any part of the cables in the cabinets, Gemini also has a extinguishing network with the ability to detect it.

The care of the entire system is done from this control room. Among other things, this is where the payment and invoices of the Eroski Group are monitored, as well as the status of the computers of the 3,000 points of sale of the Group. The need does not stop: it works 365 days a year and 24 hours a day.

PATXI EGURBIDE; EROSKI: We keep the service 24 hours a day, including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, because we have an on-line service, and even if there were a problem there, people should be here. Here the alarms are managed and the service must be maintained even if the points of sale are closed. A

long corridor full of fans separates the computer room from the rest of the building.

Malaga, Madrid and Barcelona. This is a data repository of all the supermarkets, travel agencies and perfumes that the Eroski Group owns throughout the state. But the data is not only stored: its entry and exit is constant. with 2,310 lines of communication, Gemini coordinates with 15,000 computer jobs.

PATXI EGURBIDE; EROSKI: The lines between geminis and hypermarkets are also duplicated, and in centers. Therefore, if one falls, the other would provide the service without any problems. Even in the event that both fall, in each center we have computer elements to avoid losing the service. If I go to a hypermarket, due to a computer problem I will not be left without making a purchase.

It’s cold in this room; in fact, the heat and electronics are great enemies. That’s why air conditioning is constantly in operation, so that all electronic components are in good condition and work at full speed. To give you an example of computer speed: The payment signal with the card at a Eroski supermarket in Ceuta arrives here; here it is authorized and the information is sent back to Ceuta: everything happens in less than 3 seconds.