Introduction:
Our client, a leading engineering firm specializing in structure and materials testing for complex infrastructure projects, boasts over 100 employees situated primarily at their main campus. This site encompasses expansive office and laboratory space, complemented by smaller labs scattered nationwide. The firm's services extend to a diverse range of industries, from architecture and construction to defense and energy, offering advice, data, forensic analysis, expert testimony, or a mixed bag of these services. Previously, a 3-person IT team managed the firm's IT needs but struggled to balance advancing projects with ongoing support and security within the allocated budget. Consequently, the CEO decided to partner with Framework IT. This collaboration aimed to streamline IT support, devise a strategic IT plan, and bolster security, advancing key initiatives in the firm's 3-year plan within budgetary constraints.
Business Challenge:
In the face of mounting challenges, the firm's small IT team struggled to maintain the status quo and push forward key projects. Thus, they partnered with Framework IT, aiming to devise a more cost-effective and accountable IT management structure to support staff productivity and propel key initiatives. As part of the firm's 3-year plan, a central initiative involved selling their real estate assets, including their large campus, and transitioning to leased facilities. This move required a swift relocation from a six-building campus to two new structures within a two-week window, all while maintaining routine operations and minimizing disruptions. Additionally, the project necessitated an assessment of the current IT infrastructure and the implementation of upgrades and enhancements to optimize the performance, security, and reliability of the server and network infrastructure.
Framework IT Solution:
Framework IT began by providing comprehensive IT support, strategic planning, and cybersecurity services to the client. The firm downsized their internal IT staff to one onsite resource and expanded their support capacity through Framework IT's award-winning help desk. Further, Framework IT undertook a complete technology assessment and devised a 3-year strategic technology plan. This plan aimed to upgrade outdated technology, enhance disaster recovery capabilities, and improve security in line with CMMC compliance efforts.
For the campus relocation, Framework IT spent over 40 hours onsite preparing for the move and designed a work plan to address critical infrastructure needs, minimize downtime, and mitigate potential impacts on the engineering and laboratory environments. The first phase saw a reorganization of the entire networking layout to rectify inefficiencies and cybersecurity risks, enhancing performance across various US sites. In the second phase, Framework IT collaborated with the client and construction contractors on the new lab building, devising a two-phase construction plan that allowed the server infrastructure to be migrated, tested, and accessed while construction continued.
Results:
Through its managed services, Framework IT reduced the client's IT expenses by 20%, simultaneously propelling previously stagnant project initiatives. They also mitigated the potential stress and interruption of moving mission-critical facilities, as Framework worked alongside the client's construction contractors to minimize business disruptions and impacts on daily operations.
Conclusion:
This case study exemplifies how a strategic partnership with a top-tier Managed Services Provider like Framework IT can enhance IT support, strategy, cybersecurity, and compliance cost-effectively, all while facilitating the proficient execution of intricate projects. The client commended Framework IT for their ability to modify the construction contractors' plans to facilitate a major relocation with minimal impact on daily operations. They attested that without Framework's strategic guidance and agile project management, the move would not have been executed so seamlessly.
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