Manufacturing Case Study
Innovating using a digital first operating model
Enabling smart communication for smart manufacturing
Background
A leading manufacturing organisation, faced significant challenges with its legacy MPLS (multi-protocol label switching) connections. These static and closed network systems required centralisation of services, leading to inefficient routing, sub-optimal use of bandwidth, and single points of failure. The company aimed to overcome these limitations to improve its just-in-time operations, ensure factory safety, and enhance product development processes.
Solution Implementation
Enhanced Internet Connectivity
Our client adopted H2NET's Enhanced Internet solution to replace its legacy MPLS connections. This upgrade ensured reliable and high-speed connectivity across all its locations, facilitating seamless communication and data transfer between factories, seaports, and distribution centres. The improved network infrastructure minimised downtime and significantly boosted operational efficiency by using an SLA backed internet service with deterministic routing. With local internet break-out now being possible at the locations, geo-localisation of internet services is now available with web pages and SaaS based services being presented in the locations language.
Cloud Hosting for Critical Applications
To support its critical applications, our client leveraged our Any Cloud Access technology where they were able to take advantage of hosting applications in the cloud, providing scalability, flexibility, and high availability. This ensured that essential systems were always accessible and could handle increased demand during peak times. This transition from centralised services to cloud hosting with multiple cloud connections eliminated single points of failure and optimised resource utilisation.
H2 SD-WAN
H2NET deployed H2 SD-WAN technology to enhance security and take advantage of the ubiquity of the internet provided by the Enhanced Internet offering. network services effectively. SD-WAN provided secure, optimised, and reliable connectivity, protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Additionally, H2NET's managed services offers continuous monitoring and support, reducing the burden on internal IT teams and improving overall network performance.
Ultra-Low Latency Links for CAD and Product Development
H2NET's Ultra-Low Latency solution was integrated into our client's network connecting their engineering centres in Asia to their data centres in Western Europe. Their latency sensitive applications such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) benefitted from the most direct routes offered. As a result, real-time collaboration and rapid processing of complex design tasks helped accelerate innovation and the reduced the time-to-market for new products.
Outcome
Improved Just-in-Time Operations
With enhanced connectivity and cloud-hosted applications, our client significantly improved its just-in-time operations. Real-time data access and seamless communication allowed for better inventory management, reduced lead times, and minimised stockouts, resulting in increased customer satisfaction.
Enhanced Factory Safety
The implementation of SD-WAN and resilient SLA backed Enhanced Internet contributed to improved factory safety. Secure and reliable network connectivity ensured that safety systems and protocols were always operational, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing overall workplace safety.
Accelerated Product Development
Ultra-Low Latency solutions for CAD and product development led to quicker prototyping and product iterations, fostering innovation and maintaining a competitive edge in the market. Our client was able to offer the same user experience to their product engineering teams regardless of where they were in the world and with the security of their intellectual property assured using high-grade encryption courtesy of H2 SD-WAN.
Conclusion
Our client's adoption of advanced connectivity solutions transformed its operations, enhancing efficiency, safety, and innovation. By replacing legacy MPLS connections with Enhanced internet, cloud hosting, H2 SD-WAN, and Ultra-Low Latency technologies, the company achieved significant improvements in its manufacturing processes, positioning itself for continued success in the industry.
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