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SITUATION:
White Electrical, founded in 1910, implemented a targeted expansion and acquisition strategy in 1996. With each acquisition, new branch offices were developed using the acquired companies’ facilities, and new facilities were also opened throughout the Southeast. Along with the expansion and acquisitions came diverse operating structures, network systems, computer equipment, software and technology – for example, White Electrical had a WAN network in place and the branches were working off modems. The variety and diversity of systems caused slow connections and communication problems for the growing company, resulting in lost productivity and network management problems.
EDI SOLUTION:
As a leader in electrical contracting in the Southeast, White Electrical knew they needed to reduce network downtime and increase the speed of communication. In 2000, they hired EDI, Ltd. to do just that. First, EDI conducted an IT audit as well as a needs and cost analysis. Based on the information gathered, EDI developed a five-year WAN plan that included branch connectivity through T1 lines connecting to a high-speed frame relay network to the corporate headquarters. The system allows each office to achieve quick connection to their network. A network hub room was developed at the corporate office so all activity on the system could be managed from the corporate office. In fact, White Electrical only needs one IT person to manage all 10 offices.
EDI also managed the construction process for the network build-out and developed cabling standards for this and future White Electrical projects. In addition, EDI made recommendations for standardizing the telephone, computer and software equipment used at each branch, making the system easier to centrally manage.
Before working with EDI, White Electrical required temporary administrative help to support accounting, and it often took branch offices more than five minutes to connect to the network. Now, as a result of EDI’s network plan and recommendations, White Electrical has more than doubled their productivity and standardized technology and equipment at each office, reducing personnel costs and increasing profits.
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