Learn how Summit IT Solutions transformed a volatile and expensive patchwork of temporary fixes into a reliable and cost-effective infrastructure for a global rubber manufacturing company, delivering:
- Controlled Costs
- Higher Productivity
- Less Downtime
- Better Operational Flow
- Smoother Communications
- Stronger Security
Executive Summary
In 2019, Universal Polymer & Rubber, LTD, engaged Summit IT Solutions to improve its underperforming IT infrastructure. The CFO evaluated four different managed IT service providers, and based on a recommendation from the company’s VP of Operations—who had previously worked with Summit IT—they chose to move forward with Summit IT Solution’s proposal.
IT Solutions That Work
“The benefit of Summit is a partner in IT. I believe you get excellent value out of their suggestions, and following those suggestions has led us to fewer daily user complaints.” – A representative from UP&R
Client Background
Universal Polymer & Rubber is a contract turn-key manufacturer specializing in rubber (EPDM) parts since 1971. With two locations in Northeast Ohio and a global logistics network, they supply a variety of markets spanning five continents, including the automotive OE supply chain (as a Tier 11/111 supplier), the U.S. Military, the consumer electronics market, and more.
The Challenge
A long-standing patchwork of technological workarounds and temporary fixes was causing increased costs and decreased productivity. Network and applications experienced regular outages, and licensing and support were expensive. Preventative maintenance had not been prioritized by the former managed services provider, and much of the equipment was outdated and no longer covered under warranty. Additionally, many in-house users lacked basic cybersecurity awareness.
Communication within the company and externally also posed challenges. Not only were there incompatibilities between an antiquated phone system and a wide area network (WAN) system that caused increased costs and complexities, but total internet dependency meant that any outage at either of the company’s two facilities resulted in a total shutdown of work.
How Summit IT Found Solutions
It was clear to both UP&R’s management and Summit IT that a complete technology overhaul with a new approach was required. We developed a comprehensive plan, prioritizing the company’s day-to-day pain points first, then diving into more long-term solutions.
The Plan
First priority: Managed Support. UP&R’s previous MSP charged hourly for every call, every incident, every repair, causing frustration and out-of-control spending.
Solution: Immediately implement fixed-cost on-call Managed IT Services with a guarantee of resolved issues, regardless of the number of calls needed. Having our expertise in place to address issues as they arose alleviated day-to-day stress and paved the way for our onboarding success.
Second Priority: Remove IT Bottleneck. UP&R management made the decision to pursue an aggressive upgrade timeframe to avoid prolonging the ongoing issues. We worked together to identify specific recurring problem areas and address them in preparation for network and server upgrades.
Solution: Set a three-week deadline for the project to replace the network infrastructure, including new Fortinet and FortiGate firewalls, switches for both facilities, and a new virtual server environment. Brand-new PCs with dual monitors would replace 50 WYSE terminals, and an upgraded ERP implementation would coincide with the hardware updates. Two internet service providers for fiber circuits would be engaged to create redundant connections and WAN communication between the company’s two sites.
Step 1: Stabilize the Network
Summit IT replaced the outdated firewalls and switching with Fortinet equipment. UP&R had recently invested in Cisco Meraki wireless access points, so those remained in place.
Outcome: With the new design, an outage of one fiber circuit or piece of network equipment would not stop operations. The firewall configurations allowed for failover to the secondary fiber circuit, and switching allowed them to segment user equipment. That way, a network failure would only affect a subset of the user base.
Step 2: Replace Out-of-Support Servers
New Dell server hardware replaced the old virtual environment. High-performance upgrades included solid-state storage and a virtual storage area network (SAN).
Outcome: Clustered server hosts provide continuity in case of maintenance or hardware failure. All new equipment came with full warranties that enhanced reliability and provided users with better hardware and more functionality. The failed ERP system needed special attention. Automation was not an option, but Summit IT designed a process to roll out the new version of the software as smoothly as possible. After testing was completed, the upgrade moved forward, and the company was able to work out the kinks successfully in a single day.
Step 3: Rethink Legacy Phone System
Summit IT recommended 8×8 VoIP Managed Services to integrate the two facilities, made easier by having redundant fiber circuits.
Outcome: This upgrade allowed UP&R to cut costs by canceling the landlines while providing greater reliability and expansion capabilities. The bonus here is that UP&R didn’t need to bring in another vendor because Summit IT is an 8×8 VoIP Managed Services provider able to install and support the new phone system.
Step 4: Implement Cybersecurity Training
UP&R decided to engage Summit IT for their cybersecurity training program, KnowBe4.
Outcome: Through education, users learned how to recognize security threats. This knowledge continues to safeguard the company from malicious attacks and potential theft.
The Results
UP&R has experienced a multitude of benefits as a result of Summit’s thorough and customized IT solutions, including:
- Controlled Costs – UP&R’s support contract with Summit IT has a fixed monthly cost, and the fiber circuits have eliminated pricey phone systems and landlines.
- Improved Operational Workflow – The improvements Summit IT implemented have created better synergies between departments and facilities.
- Higher Productivity – Without the slowdowns caused by outdated and ill-matched technology, the company is operating more productively with reliably less downtime.
- Better Communication – Collaboration among coworkers and customer access to company representatives are easier than ever with an 8×8 system that includes messaging, video conferencing, and chat functions.
- Freedom to Focus on Core Responsibilities – Managing hardware warranties and licensing is no longer a concern. With Summit IT taking care of those, UP&R’s entire team can focus on other priorities.
- Improved Employee Satisfaction & Confidence – With the improved infrastructure, the technology environment is less complicated and easier to navigate on a day-to-day basis.
- More Secure Workplace Computing – All UP&R employees are much better educated about cybercrime issues, which helps protect not only the company but the individuals in their personal computing.
- Fewer Ongoing Problems – As an on-call IT consultant, Summit IT identifies and addresses problems immediately, rather than allowing them to become ongoing issues.
Find the Summit IT Solutions That Work For You
Are you:
- Struggling with an unresponsive MSP?
- Wasting money on tech that doesn’t work for you?
- Ready to take your business to new heights by focusing on work instead of IT?
Contact Summit IT for a FREE consultation today! Let’s talk about IT and how our tailored solutions can help you soar.
About Summit IT Solutions
Summit IT Solutions was founded in 2000 and is a leading provider of IT-based solutions in Northeast Ohio. We partner with major IT vendors including Fortinet, 8×8 Phone Systems, KnowBe4, Lenovo, and Dell.
We’re proud to be a true partner to UP&R, managing day-to-day computer and network support, improving operational efficiencies, and providing guidance on the technology necessary to maintain progress moving forward.