The Customer
As a global leader in manufacturing for the automotive market, the customer operates multiple North American facilities. The company produces components that enhance vehicle safety and emissions performance.
Background
The organization’s recently appointed IT manager recognized the opportunity to upgrade its legacy IT infrastructure, which had been in place for more than a decade. While the systems were still operational, a refresh was needed to improve performance, ensure long-term reliability, and align the technology environment with the company’s growth plans.
Challenges
Their infrastructure included Cisco networking gear and Dell servers that could no longer support the transition from 1G to 10G. This limited scalability and performance. In addition, the company operates multiple warehouses and manufacturing sites across North America, creating the need for reliable Wi-Fi coverage in dynamic environments where layouts frequently change. The IT team sought a partner that could upgrade their legacy IT infrastructure by providing equipment, services, and support on a global scale. They also wanted to simplify contract management under a single point of contact.
Solution
The partnership began with a wireless project that showed the IT team the value of responsive, professional support. That experience built trust and led to a broader engagement spanning networking, servers, optics, and maintenance.
Key solutions included:
- Hardware: Refurbished Cisco networking equipment and Dell recertified servers with OEM support.
- Optics: Cost-effective compatible SFPs as an alternative to OEM optics.
- Wireless: New Meraki APs procured through a Cisco partner for proper licensing.
- Support: A Systain maintenance agreement covering all equipment under one contract.
- Professional Services: Smart Hands, structured cabling, Wi-Fi site surveys, and heat mapping for warehouse coverage.
Benefits
Upgrading the legacy IT hardware created a reliable, future-ready infrastructure designed to meet the organization’s performance requirements for the next five years. The IT team gained a trusted partner for hardware, optics, support, and professional services, all managed through a single point of contact. The company now relies on this partnership for ongoing hardware upgrades, cabling, and on-site professional services. Deployments across North America proved global capabilities. The company also gained the flexibility to extend support worldwide as needed.
