Manufacturing Industry

Case Study: A Transformation Journey

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From Outdated Legacy Systems to Fully Cloud-Based Operations

Where They Started

In the beginning, our client operated as a small enterprise with only a handful of locations, relying on a legacy AS/400 system for their daily business operations. This system, with its black screen and green text, lacked the user-friendly features of modern software and offered limited functionality, particularly in inventory management and product sales.

Where They Are Now

Currently, the company operates nearly 20 locations across the country and has adopted a fully cloud-based infrastructure, eliminating the need for any on-premises Active Directory. Workstation authentication and file storage are seamlessly managed through Entra and Ignite, enabling enhanced scalability, flexibility, and operational efficiency.

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How Alliance InfoSystems Helped

Over the years, our journey with this client has been marked by continual evolution and collaboration. From the outset, we didn’t just provide technology solutions we became a trusted partner, guiding the company through every phase of its transformation. Our relationship began when they operated only a few locations on a legacy system, and together we navigated modernization efforts, data center migrations, and, ultimately, the shift to a fully cloud-based operation.

Legacy System Modernization

Recognizing the need for modernization, our partnership began by transitioning the business from the outdated AS/400 to a Windows-based software suite, greatly improving efficiency and usability. Soon after, we moved their business servers out of the office and into a colocation facility in Baltimore, managing their hardware at a TierPoint data center. This step was instrumental in establishing a foundation for future technological advancement.

Cloud Migration

With growth on the horizon, the next logical milestone was migrating all server infrastructure to Microsoft Azure’s cloud platform. A thorough cost-benefit analysis showed that the investment required to upgrade their existing hardware and licensing would be comparable to three years of Azure operations, making the cloud solution both practical and forward-thinking. This move offered valuable benefits, such as on-demand scalability allowing for seamless server upgrades and expansions while also reducing expenses by eliminating colocation fees and the need for a private internet circuit.

Decentralization

Transitioning to Azure set the stage for fully integrating their systems with advanced cloud capabilities, including shifting Active Directory and file storage to platforms like Entra and Ignite. This comprehensive modernization effort transformed the company from a traditional, location-bound organization into one primed for agility and growth.

Remote Resources

To provide comprehensive support nationwide, the company partners with Field Nation. This strategic collaboration allows for efficient remote support across all U.S. locations, making it possible to handle tasks such as workstation installations without deploying internal staff.

Long-Term Partnership

By consistently delivering tailored IT services and adapting to the client’s expanding needs, we supported each stage of their growth from streamlining operations at a handful of sites to enabling seamless nationwide support for nearly 20 locations. This enduring partnership allowed us to anticipate challenges and proactively introduce solutions, ensuring stability, flexibility, and scalability at every turn.

Our commitment to their success meant that as they grew, so did we by continuously innovating our service offerings and support strategies to empower their business in an ever-changing technological landscape. The result is a thriving enterprise, fully equipped for the future, built on a foundation of trust and shared achievement.

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