Infrastructure Managed Service
Sofa Workshop Ltd, specialise in the manufacture of premium quality, custom-designed sofas, which are sold through retail outlets across the UK.
Hytec was awarded a contract to design, supply, implement and manage a new IT infrastructure for Sofa Workshop. The new system had to provide all staff with access to corporate applications, whether they were office based or shop based.
Having investigated different approaches to this requirement, Hytec recommended a Terminal Services solution, utilising thin client terminals. This approach provided the ease of administration, central control and cost effectiveness that Sofa Workshop required.
The System
Each of the stores received two PCs, two printers and a wireless access point. These systems were supplied, pre-configured and tested at Hytec's offices before being delivered to site. This minimised disruption, both to the stores and to their customers.
Hytec supplied and configured three terminal services servers, a Microsoft Exchange server, a 100Gb network addressable storage array and the supporting LAN infrastructure to provide the required IT applications to all the stores and Head Office users. Another key element of the programme was project managing the rollout of PCs, printers and secure wireless networks to each of Sofa Workshop's stores. Part of the task was liaison with BT, responsible for the WAN infrastructure, to ensure that all equipment was correctly installed in each store, tested and working.
Remote Managed Service
Hytec proactively manages Sofa Workshop's entire IT infrastructure on a 24x7 basis. This is achieved through Hytec's Remote Management Centre in Eynsham, and ensures that high service levels are maintained and that any problems are kept to an absolute minimum.
However, if faults do occur, Hytec provides a 24x7 help desk facility that manages fault resolution to any IT related problems. This service covers LAN and WAN management, server related issues and any faults with PCs or printers, including maintenance. Hytec provides an enhanced maintenance service to the stores with an advance swap out service. Should a fault be logged on any device in a store, a pre-built and pre-configured replacement device is immediately dispatched to the store where it is collected and installed by an engineer. The faulty goods are then sent back to Hytec to be repaired. This minimises downtime and disruption to the stores.
Looking Forward
Sofa Workshop have asked Hytec to review their customer quotation system, written in Microsoft Access and used in all Sofa Workshop’s retail outlets, and recommend how a simplified and more robust solution can be created for the business. Hytec’s consultants recommended that the system be consolidated onto three Terminal Services servers, potentially saving up to £20,000 a year. This work is now taking place and Hytec have now been asked to submit proposals for a managed support and maintenance service for the application.