Project Overview
INDUSTRY
Retail
PROJECT
Technology Upgrade
TIME FRAME
10 weeks
SIZE
1,600 Locations
Introduction
This leading automotive service retailer needed an IT partner to complete a very ambitious equipment replacement and upgrade. Nearly every one of 1,600 locations was slated for conversion from an outdated system to high-speed broadband DSL service, with 1,200 of those locations on a fast track completion timetable of 10 weeks. The client turned to Bailiwick®, their long-time IT partner, knowing we could marshal the resources to provide efficient and timely deployment services, as well as work quickly and quietly since some installations could be done only during regular business hours.
Approach
Project Management
Bailiwick assigned a project management team to coordinate everything from logistics to resources to complex scheduling – all essential to the project’s success. We drew heavily on the deep and broad experience we have in managing large rollouts such as this, confident that we could consistently hit our benchmarks throughout the course of the project. We were completing work at 150 sites per week within two weeks from project award.
As usual in a project of this kind, our Project Manager was responsible for providing accurate and timely project data to the customer, including:
- Status reports
- Monthly invoices
- Installation instructions
- Installation reschedules
Communications Cabling Services Overview
Bailiwick performed the communications cabling services at approximately 1,600 locations across the United States. We installed one Cat5e cable from the back office to the front counter at each site. Experienced field technicians supported by Bailiwick engineers handled the installation to ensure consistent performance at every location.
Equipment Installation
This customer specified that each store have a DSL/cable modem broadband solution with a VPN connection. In order to meet this request, Bailiwick’s installation services included the following activities at each location:
- Installed one (1) preconfigured Cisco router
- Install one (1) DSL modem
- Modify existing US Robotics modem (1)
- Install one (1) Tripp Lite UPS (as needed)
- Install up to three (3) Verifone Signature Capture Devices at the front counter
- Install one (1) Linksys Four Port Hub at the front counter
The equipment installation took place during the same visit as the cable plant installation and the same field technician performed both services. Since the cabling and installations occurred during normal business hours, our client trusted that we would work quickly to avoid site disruptions.
Summary
What separates Bailiwick from the competition is our ability to maintain the highest level of care for our clients while providing outstanding deployment services. Our project teams routinely demonstrate the ability to manage multiple tasks in the most efficient and effective manner during the life of a project – a key consideration in this client’s decision to use Bailiwick as their preferred IT partner.
The Bailiwick Difference
Bailiwick has cultivated a long and strong relationship as a valued IT partner of this customer. Certainly that’s one major reason they chose us to tackle this project. But on a more practical level, we won the job because of our reputation for fielding reliable and resourceful project management teams that deliver smart solutions from start to finish. In addition, we provided experienced field technicians and engineering resources who could accommodate the logistical demands and tight deadlines of this rollout.