Case Study:
Manufax Makes It Possible
Seriun have restored confidence in our IT and provided a platform to take our business to the next level and take on more specialised work.
David Baines
Operations Director, Manufax
Overview
Manufax, established 50 years ago, are a Stockport-based specialist engineering group with a global reputation for delivering on important projects. The group works for many of the world’s leading engineering companies, including BAE, Lockheed Martin, Agusta Westland Helicopters, GKN Aerospace, Bombardier, BNFL, Bentley, Airbus, JCB & Caterpillar. Manufax also designed and produced vital tooling for Richard Noble’s Bloodhound land speed world record attempt.
The Problem
The Manufax IT network infrastructure was due for a refresh and there were some major ongoing issues that were seriously impacting operations:
- Core IT network infrastructure operating speeds were slow, systems ran slower than expected and impacted users throughout the business.
- Existing broadband services were insufficient and superfast terrestrial services hadn’t reached the locality. The slow, existing service took an age to download engineering files and caused production delays on the engineering shop floor.
- Security compliance is paramount when working with most Manufax clients and existing services required taking to another level to ensure the company achieved compliance for the foreseeable future and to improve monitoring and control measures.
- The group, operating from several locations, had separate standalone phone systems at each site with limited functionality and out of step with the high-tech, high-performing markets in which they operate. Staff were unable to see whether colleagues were on or off-site, or available, calls couldn’t be transferred between sites and caused inconvenience to callers.
As part of the network infrastructure refresh, Manufax addressed a requirement to focus on improving operations, delivering a forensic approach to business KPIs and achieving significant operational and shop floor efficiencies. A new ERP system and server was envisaged and Manufax needed independent and expert assistance to specify and deliver the solution.
About the Client
Manufax is a major contributor of precision engineering to the aerospace, automotive, nuclear and agricultural industries. They have worked on important projects for many leading engineering companies and have also designed and produced vital tooling for the Bloodhound land speed record attempt.
How we made it all come together
The Solution
A thorough audit of the existing IT infrastructure was followed by a project to maintain and reconfigure systems, including the replacement of several existing switches with Cisco SG220’s to improve their network operating speeds.
- Replacement of the slow existing broadband with a wireless broadband link from Metronet supported by a corporate-grade SLA. It has the flexibility to increase/decrease speeds dependent on demand which produces cost savings during low demand periods.
- Re-engineering the network and introducing new systems and services to achieve Manufax’s long-term goals for improved network performance and compliance.
On this foundation, Seriun could then start the project to deliver the new ERP systems and achieve Manufax’s long-term goals.
The Benefits
Manufax now has a modern, efficient IT infrastructure that has restored confidence in their systems, improved operational efficiency, and provided a platform to take their business to the next level and take on more specialised work.
Leave it to the Professionals
If you would like to discuss how to save money on your telecoms, or if your business phone system needs a refresh, get in touch with our team below.
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