Framework IT Modernizes and Secures a Building Materials Supplier’s Infrastructure

A large building materials supplier with multiple geographically dispersed locations and internal IT staff was challenged to manage the network infrastructure well, lacked some best practices, and struggled to support the staff well. Partnering with Framework led to adopting best practice network and security standards that streamlined management and optimized staff productivity.

Introduction: 

The building materials supplier had been in a growth mode as it expanded its line of business and sales. The organization had expanded to 5 locations, some in states other than the headquarters. The internal IT staff, which had been able to keep up for years, now struggled due to a lack of networking specialization and capacity constraints. Moreover, the network architecture was not standardized or configured according to best practices, resulting in more frequent issues and compounding the existing IT management challenges. Moreover, the organization had security vulnerabilities that exposed them to cybersecurity breaches and wire fraud attacks, impeding their growth and workflow efficiency.

Business Challenge: 

The building materials supplier had a combination of interrelated challenges managing their network, ensuring security, establishing reliable connectivity across multiple locations, and providing adequate IT management with an internal IT staff of one. The client inadvertently created a non-standardized and somewhat outdated network, resulting in more complexity and issues. Combined with a limited internal IT staff and lack of networking specialization, their situation compounded into critical network management issues. The client faced difficulties managing their network infrastructure effectively, resulting in productivity-sapping issues and higher total costs. Related but independent, the client’s internal IT staff lacked security expertise, adding to security vulnerabilities created by the disparate and poorly managed office networks. The client’s existing security measures were insufficient to protect them from cybersecurity breaches and wire fraud attacks, posing a significant risk to their operations. Finally, the client had an outdated wide area network, an unreliable VoIP solution and suffered further from lackluster vendor support.

Framework IT Solution: 

To address these challenges, the building materials supplier brought in a managed services provider and partnered with Framework IT. The two parties performed in-depth discovery and consultation to holistically understand the deficiencies, along with the client’s needs, growth objectives, and requisite solutions.

Framework IT modernized the client’s network architecture and infrastructure via multiple initiatives. A hybrid-IT network was established, seamlessly integrating on-premise and cloud services to optimize performance and flexibility. Also, Framework transitioned the client from an archaic wide area network (WAN) design (MPLS) to a robust, modern WAN architecture with dedicated fiber at every site, which streamlined connectivity across locations, lowered costs, and increased bandwidth at each site. These solutions improved the client’s ability to access critical resources and collaborate seamlessly across their locations, reduced issues, improved security, and enhanced productivity.

Secondly, the client’s end-user devices were upgraded with modern hardware and software solutions to enhance security and alleviate the chronic end-user issues that productivity and burdened the internal IT staff member.

Thirdly, Framework further streamlined IT management for the client by transitioning them from a low-quality, though big-name, VoIP provider, to Framework’s Unified Communications as a Service platform. This transition allowed the client to rectify many longstanding configuration and workflow challenges with the prior solution, which improved customer service, internal accountability, and reporting, and alleviated many staff frustrations. Furthermore, Framework’s professional and efficient unlimited support for the solution removed the additional burden from the internal IT staff member, allowing him to focus more on internal services best suited for his skillset and the company’s needs.

Finally, Framework IT drastically enhanced the client’s security posture via several initiatives. Next-Generation Firewalls were implemented to fortify the client’s network security, protect against unauthorized access, and standardize firewall management. Framework IT integrated Windows Active Directory, providing the client with a centralized and efficient identity and access management solution, which both streamlined management and enhanced network security. Multi-factor authentication protocols were introduced to enhance user authentication and protect against unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, Framework implemented an advanced email filtering solution to mitigate the risk of email-based threats, such as phishing and malware attacks, and conducted cybersecurity training for end users to raise awareness and promote best practices for maintaining a secure network environment.

Results: 

1. Enhanced network management:

• Through the partnership with Framework IT, the client gained the ability to effectively manage their network infrastructure, leading to improved workflow efficiency and operational productivity.
• Framework reduced support hours per user per month by 75%!
• Average tickets per month were reduced by 80%!

2. Strengthened security posture:

• The comprehensive security measures implemented by Framework IT significantly reduced the client’s vulnerability to cybersecurity breaches and wire fraud attacks.
• The client’s sensitive data and resources were better protected, instilling confidence among employees, customers, and partners.

3. Reliable connectivity and unified communications services:

• The deployment of Managed Fiber Internet connectivity ensured a stable and high-speed network connection across the client’s locations, enabling smooth collaboration and data transfer.
• The transition to the enterprise Cloud Unified Communications Service streamlined office voice services, rectified workflow deficiencies, and improved support to support greater staff productivity, especially for the customer service call center team.

4. Improved scalability and flexibility:

• The hybrid-IT network architecture allowed clients to scale their IT infrastructure and seamlessly integrate cloud services, accommodating their growing business needs.

Conclusion:  

Through close collaboration with the client and the implementation of comprehensive IT solutions and best practice standards, Framework IT successfully addressed the network management issues, security vulnerabilities, voice and internet connectivity issues, and the broader IT management challenges faced by the client. The robust WAN network architecture, enhanced security measures, and modernized infrastructure empowered the client to focus on company growth and workflow efficiency while mitigating the risk of cybersecurity breaches and wire fraud attacks.