CASE STUDY
Transitioning from CISCO to Meraki Access Points
Project Overview
Our client, established in 1849, has solidified its position as a leading retailer in the UK. With continuous expansion through new store openings and advancements in technology such as self-checkouts and faster broadband speeds, our client identified the need to upgrade its infrastructure across over 800 stores to foster a more connected business environment. To achieve this, they decided to migrate from CISCO to Meraki Access Points, and Gentium Tech International was tasked with executing this large-scale project with support from a remote bridge team.
Achievements
We successfully migrated over 800 stores in the UK and Northern Ireland from CISCO to Meraki Access Points. At peak performance, we upgraded 8 stores per day, 4 days a week, deploying up to 56 engineers daily. Post-implementation, stores reported significantly faster operations and overall satisfaction with the upgrades. Additionally, our team provided ad-hoc break-fix support with call-out times ranging from 2 to 24 hours, exceeding industry standards.
Challenges Faced
The ambitious target of upgrading multiple stores within a short timeframe required rigorous planning and coordination. Many store locations were above 3 meters in height, necessitating the use of IPAF-certified engineers to meet the project's demands safely and efficiently. Providing prompt and effective ad-hoc support for break-fixes within the tight call-out times posed a significant logistical challenge.
The project concluded with all stores successfully transitioned to Meraki Access Points, resulting in improved connectivity and operational efficiency across the board. The rapid deployment and high-quality implementation were met with positive feedback from store management, highlighting the success of the initiative. The swift response times for ad-hoc support further demonstrated our commitment to maintaining optimal performance and customer satisfaction. This comprehensive infrastructure upgrade has enabled our client to continue its growth trajectory, leveraging advanced technology to enhance its service delivery and customer experience