The Mission
• Review the existing and implement a new IT infrastructure to provide Panther Products with suitable foundations for future IT developments in the business.
• Ensure stringent policy, data back-up, security and remote maintenance.
• Increase sales opportunities, employee productivity and enhance customer service through the use of new technology.
The Solution
• Revamped the existing IT infrastructure with the provision of hardware and software suited to Panther Products as a small-medium sized organisation.
• Implemented software and hardware with the latest security features.
• Provided a comprehensive service response capability, reducing down time.
• Established an IT infrastructure base as a foundation for future IT developments in the business.
The Result
• Increased sales opportunities through the use of new technology.
• Significant cost savings through improved employee productivity.
• Enhanced customer service levels.
• Reduction in down time as a result of responsive remote service.
• Deployment of a suitable IT infrastructure for future IT developments.
The Customer
"Through the implementation of Small Business Server and remote managed services Ergo helped us realise our vision of using IT as a strategic business tool in order to compete effectively with large scale European print houses. Their cost-focused solution was tailored to our SME needs while, at the same time, left room for the development of our business. We look forward to working with Ergo in the future."
(Criostoir O’Flaherty, Managing Director, Panther Products).
Introduction
Panther Products was established in 1996. They currently have 21 employees and are based in Fonthill Industrial Park in Clondalkin. The company operate in the corporate gift and retail industry as a print house, with a portfolio consisting of pens, cigarette lighters, electronic goods, key rings and conference items.
Background
Panther Products wanted to expand and compete with large-scale print houses in Europe. In order to do this, the company needed to improve their efficiency and reduce production costs. These costs were high due to the large amount of orders that were for small quantities. Panther Products wanted to automate processes for smaller jobs in an attempt to drive down processing costs. In addition, this automation would allow them to increase order processing capacity by 500% in a three year period.
The company has a strong philosophy of viewing technology as a strategic rather than tactical asset. This would lead to high returns on investment and overall business enhancement enabling them to compete effectively with large scale print houses in Europe. As such, a three-phase plan was devised with Ergo as outlined:
Phase 1 – review the old and deploy a new IT infrastructure base.
Phase 2 – improve the process flow of orders for enhanced visibility.
Phase 3 – reduce the amount of manual input into the system.
The Solution
Ergo identified the key Phase 1 issues concerning Panther Products – namely, their requirement for an IT infrastructure suited to an SME environment, optimal security, responsive service and an IT base that will position the company for Phase 2 and Phase 3.
The existing IT infrastructure was reviewed. Ergo recommended and deployed Windows Small Business Server 2003 on an HP DL 360 server platform. This IT infrastructure software is designed specifically for the needs of a small-medium sized company. The existing server was re-deployed as an online back-up. Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 together with Microsoft Sharepoint and Microsoft Office Outlook 2003 delivers enhanced communication, collaboration and employee productivity. 11 desktop PCs were replaced with Dell Optiplex GX280 PCs with advanced memory and processing power. The sales and management team were equipped with Dell Latitude D500s notebook PCs. All systems were equipped with Microsoft Windows XP and Office Professional 2003. All existing software licences were checked and verified in order to ensure compliance with BSA.
Security was at all times a top priority. Data protection was enhanced by implementing password protected files and folders, assigning accountability to defined individuals via Active Directory. All back-up tapes are stored off-site. A high spec uninterrupted power supply (UPS) ensured added security by giving a 20-30 minute period before shut down in the event of a power failure. The latest security and anti-virus software was also installed. In addition, Ergo initiated patch and security download management procedures.
Ergo implemented remote server management (via a DSL connection) as well as on-site same day support for servers, PC’s and printers. Panther Products can also avail of Ergo’s call management system where all calls, response times and actions can be traced and documented including an aged analysis report showing the status of all calls. Together this improved service responsiveness, reduced downtime, and provided Panther Products with the assurance that technical difficulties would be dealt with swiftly and comprehensively.
Today
Following a review of the IT requirements of Panther Products, Ergo implemented an IT infrastructure tailored to the needs of Panther Products. A suitable IT infrastructure is now in place to allow Panther to work with Ergo on improving the process flow of orders (Phase 2) and to reduce the amount of manual input into the system (Phase 3).