A stress-free SD-WAN transformation sets a foundation for future growth.
Jemca, a leading Toyota retailer in the UK, has a complex technology infrastructure with 11 locations and over 600 users. Each location has multiple departments, from sales to service and parts to financing, that operate as their own business units using a variety of software.
Connectivity is at the heart of Jemca’s operations, as most of the key systems, including DMS, email, phones, and other workplace applications, are cloud-based. Because the business is heavily dependent on connectivity, a single network failure can lead to a whole spiral of problems. And it is not just the productivity that suffers. Customer experience is often dictated by the interface the customer has with the dealer and so a glitchy guest Wi-Fi or unreliable service line can have a damaging impact on reputation.
Highlights
Enhanced Security and Control
Increased Bandwidth Speed
Improved Collaboration and User Experience
The Challenge
Working with an end-of-life network infrastructure, Jemca was faced with a challenge: how to keep cloud-based applications working reliably for all locations while maintaining a secure and compliant infrastructure.
The existing MPLS network could not meet the increasing demands from users and stakeholders. That coupled with the operational challenges Jemca encountered with the legacy provider, meant it was time to revisit the connectivity strategy and find a new partner that could offer a resilient, high bandwidth connectivity solution. Extensive experience and expertise in the automotive industry, solidified Forge Technologies as the best partner for the network transformation initiative.
The Approach
To accomplish Jemca’s goals, Forge Technologies performed a discovery process to understand its challenges, pinpoint security vulnerabilities within the existing infrastructure and identify growth opportunities for the future. To replace the legacy MPLS network, the team proposed a Fortinet SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network) solution that would provide enhanced security and speed, with more flexibility to scale up or down when needed.
As part of the discovery process, Forge Technologies met with the Toyota EMEA IT department to learn more about the global vision for affiliates. The regional department had outlined SD-WAN adoption as one of the key global initiatives, with a plan to establish a central SD-WAN framework for all Toyota affiliates across the globe soon. Aligned with the global vision, the proposed SD-WAN implementation enabled Jemca to future-proof its IT infrastructure and prepare for an easy integration into the central framework.
Delivery
When choosing the best approach for the transition, the team had two options; work with the incumbent provider to link the new and legacy networks together site-by-site or move everything over to the new network at once using a single maintenance window. Taking into consideration the size of the network, the latter approach was chosen to reduce complexities and costs of working with two providers.
During the delivery, the team at Forge Technologies worked closely with Jemca to agree on the configuration for the new network. Despite minor delays caused by third-party manufacturers, the project was delivered within the original timeframe, thanks to the team’s continued engagement and collaboration with external suppliers.
Forge Technologies’ step-by-step approach to network transformation coupled with expertise across multiple technologies enabled a smooth network transition with no disruption to end users. Once the implementation was completed, Forge Technologies took over the management of Jemca’s network infrastructure. Ongoing support and optimisation as a part of the managed service ensure the environment is up to date, secure and available at all times.
Results
The switch from MPLS circuits to a SD-WAN solution, has brought improved stability into the business. Undisrupted service and increased bandwidth speed enables Jemca to deliver better experiences for its customers and employees. The positive impact can be seen through quicker and more secure access to cloud-based collaboration and productivity applications, seamless guest experiences and enhanced service levels.
Moreover, Jemca’s security stance has improved. SD-WAN, combined with Fortinet Firewalls, enhances resiliency, and gives more control over networks. Whereas within the one-size-fits-all MPLS model everything was managed centrally, SD-WAN enables local control of networks. This means that each site can be managed independently and that a breach can be isolated at a local level, without bringing down all sites. Jemca has full visibility on what is going on between sites with more control over what users can access on internet.
Jemca is now better positioned to meet the increasing security and compliance requirements from Toyota Motor Corporation. Setting a solid foundation for the future, the SD-WAN transformation is a beginning of the journey. To prevent future security threats, the next milestone is the implementation of Fortinet Managed EDR service. Fortinet EDR is an around-the-clock equivalent of an on-site security operations team, that monitors each element of the infrastructure and continuously assess its current health.
