Manufacturers are rapidly integrating advanced data infrastructure and enterprise networks among other smart technologies as part of their investment plans to support growth, drive competitiveness in the global economy and deliver long term, tangible production improvements.

Background

Manufacturers are rapidly integrating advanced data infrastructure and enterprise networks among other smart technologies as part of their investment plans to support growth, drive competitiveness in the global economy and deliver long term, tangible production improvements. That’s exactly what Cawingredients, a Yorkshire‐based beverage manufacturer has achieved, improving site wide connectivity and security for 400 employees as it continues to expand and develop one of the most technologically advanced soft drinks facilities in the country.

Solution

Operating as a single source vendor, Advantex introduced a Cisco infrastructure to replace an existing corporate system across the manufacturing site. Designed around an enterprise grade network and wireless solution to accommodate future growth and additional expansion, this included  an advanced Cisco Meraki wireless network system to provide greater workflow automation, a Cisco Enterprise switch solution, and a Cisco Secure solution offering improved firewall and cyber security protection and, ultimately, more effective business improvement performance for  Cawingredients.

The Enterprise network comprised multiple core switches that improved disaster recovery across the site, latest Catalyst 9000 series switches around the edge and Meraki Enterprise wireless in an demanding installation factory environment.

Benefits

Cawingredients has achieved significant efficiency savings after plugging into Advantex’s services and support. The implementation of Cisco DNA Center has assisted in automating configuration, traffic management and network analysis. It has also assisted when required to deploy quickly and because it can be integrated with other programmes and devices, has proven to be extremely adaptable. Security and safety protocols have also improved, not only reducing the risk to the business but also reflecting the efficacy of their own corporate values.

Planned strategic investment in Cisco solutions demonstrates the power of state‐of‐the‐art network systems at the heart of the manufacturing process. In turn this is transforming the customer’s production processes, advancing business performance and enabling them to secure future growth with confidence and fortitude.

Customer needs:

• Wireless infrastructure
• Network
• Cybersecurity

Components

• Cisco Catalyst 9500 and 9400 Core and distribution switches
• Cisco Catalyst 9200 and 9300 Access switches
• Meraki MR53E – Factory wireless
• Meraki MR36 – Office wireless
• Cisco DNA Centre
• Cisco Firepower 2110 NGFW Appliances
• Cisco SecureX Solution

Patenting the world’s fastest trunking system back in 2014, D-Line is a UK company, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, with a global reputation for innovative cable management products ‘for use where time, safety and appearance matter’.

The Challenge

Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, D-Line has a global reputation for innovative cable management products ‘for use where time, safety and appearance matter’.

Unhappy with their current supplier, D-Line created a need for a new telephony system, and in keeping with the company’s policy of continuous innovation, D-Line wanted a technology and communication system that was scalable and future-proof.

D-Line approached Advantex to not only refresh the existing technology but to create a communications solution that would interconnect the entire business. On the back of the initial telephony project, a solid relationship between Advantex and D-Line was built, giving D-Line the peace of mind for all future projects.

On top of the communications system, D-Line required further security, cabling and technology solutions from Advantex, utilising almost all of Advantex’s offerings.

The Solution

Initially, the relationship kicked off with a telephony refresh, introducing the Mitel MiVoice Office 250 system at D-Line’s HQ in North Shields.

Adding peace of mind, Advantex later supplied D-Line with IT support, as well as Cisco AMP and ASA with FirePOWER services, and after identifying ways to improve efficiency, Meraki switching was installed.

Keeping in line with their innovative mantra, D-Line was supplied with solutions that enabled remote desktop, anti-spam and cloud storage/backup.

The Results

D-Line now benefits from secure, innovative and efficient solutions on-site, keeping them at the forefront of the cable management industry.

Not only does the new and improved telephony system keep the business connected, but the plethora of solutions all also work together seamlessly, boasting impressive speeds, security and functionality to the business – a truly innovative partnership that will continue to grow for years to come.

Customer needs:

• Future-proof telephony
• Robust IT Infrastructure
• Security software
• Cloud backup
• IT Support
• Remote desktop solution

Components

• Mitel MiVoice Office 250
• Dell PowerEdge R440 Server
• vSphere Essentials Kit – Virtualisation
• Cisco Meraki Switching
• Cisco AMP
• Cisco ASA with FirePOWER Services

READ THE CASE STUDY

Hitachi Rail, one of the world’s leading suppliers of railway engines and rolling stock, opened its new £82m facility in Newton Aycliffe in 2015, where more than 750 people are employed across a 32 acre site building upwards of 35 units each month. This includes work on the production of the new InterCity Express trains (IEP) for the East Coast Mainline and Great Western Mainline, as well as new AT200 commuter trains for Scotland.

The Challenge

In keeping with a state-of-the art manufacturing complex, Hitachi required next generation, highly versatile and cost effective network-based IT services to meet the needs of an expanding workforce, operating in a modern, evolving production environment. The system also needed to be future proof so that it could accommodate growth, site expansion and the demands of additional technology.

The Solution

After a review of requirements, Advantex designed and installed an infrastructure that could support and deliver enterprise grade IT services and superfast wireless broadband connectivity site-wide. Incorporating the latest in audio-visual, Wi-Fi and network switching technology, the system was specifically engineered to provide high-grade site-wide voice and data services.

A key feature included the installation of wireless technology that enables production staff and engineers to complete inspection and audits using portable hand held devices during the production of train cars.

The Results

The solution Advantex created, which was delivered on time and to budget, not only meets but also exceeds the IT requirements of hundreds of staff and visitors to a site that’s currently seeing the first IEP trains produced going into passenger service on the Great Western Main Line.

In-built scalability has also been included as part of a bespoke solution, contributing to long term performance and delivering financial savings – the system can be extended easily and upgraded as future network needs change in line with Hitachi’s expansion and development plans for its Newton Aycliffe site.

Unipres Limited (UPUK) located in Sunderland, produces key car-body structural parts for leading automotive manufacturers such as Nissan. It operates high-productivity 3000-ton transfer presses and state-of-the-art hot press technology to facilitate such production processes, enabling it to offer a wide range of solutions to meet its customers’ evolving needs.

The North East of England is the focal point of Unipres operations in Europe and as a comprehensive manufacturer of press-formed automotive components, it applies technical skills including expertise in safety and environmental performance to propose a range of technology solutions tailored to the needs of its customers.

The Challenge

The company needed to improve on-site CCTV surveillance and security of its 127,000 m2 Sunderland site, where more than 1500 staff are employed producing front and rear side members, closing plates, dash sides and steering members amongst other high quality, precision engineered automotive components. Furthermore, a capability was required to enable the production line welding robots to be remotely monitored 24/7 by authorised personnel to ensure they are operating correctly and efficiently.

The Solution

Drawing on Advantex’s expertise in IP-based technologies and system integration and management expertise, a new high performance, high definition solution has been designed and installed at Unipres’ factory in Sunderland. This has been built around Axis IP cameras and Milestone VMS (Advantex are Platinum Partners) to connect together all the elements of the new CCTV via the internet.

A support package is also in place that includes regular visits to each site, repair and maintenance call-outs, and annual inspections and health checks of all hardware and software (including software upgrades). Remote technical support is also available via Advantex’s help desk.

The Results

Unipres now benefits from the highest levels of on-site security following its investment in new IP-based technology. Improved CCTV monitoring of critical areas, notably production areas where robots are monitored, has contributed to enhanced levels of health and safety among staff and improvements in site access and a more efficient utilisation of security resources and managerial time.

In-built scalability has also been included as part of the Advantex solution to deliver long term versatility and flexibility – this enables the system to be expanded or upgraded as future monitoring and security needs change in line with Unipres’ expansion and development plans for the Sunderland site.

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