Managed IT Support Case Study for ‘Relics of Witney’

Background

Managed IT Support Case Study for ‘Relics of Witney’. RELICS started in 1987 as a retail outlet initially selling antique and reclaimed items – as well as decorative and furnishing items. The proprietors developed the business to be at the forefront of restoration, finishing and decorative paint supplies to end-users and the trade.

Overview

This specialist business combines several core areas of retail – decorative paint supplies, restoration and finishing materials, Ironmongery and door furniture. Each side benefitting from Relics’ commitment to quality of service, quality of products and many years of experience.

Challenges and Solutions

Storage and back-up

The business struggled to achieve a central document storage system and data backup facility for their important business data and transactions. Before claireLOGIC’s, files had been stored locally on staff computers and shared on a file-by-file basis. Without a central server, if Relics suffered a computer issue, then all files stored on that device would become unavailable or lost.

In addition, data backup was happening sporadically – files were being backed up by various old technologies including writeable CDs – a very cumbersome and labour-intensive approach. claireLOGIC deployed a Datto device – regular backups are now automated, with business continuity and disaster recovery features now in place.

Secure wireless access

They also had a need for a new wireless system. The requirement was for something fast and secure.

As a retail operation, visitors to Relics were regularly asking for wi-fi access so that they could show the team images and content from the internet. The existing wireless network was open and allowed visitors to access all internal systems – not secure!

claireLOGIC installed a business-grade WatchGuard system which provides segregated access for staff and visitors. The updated wireless network consists of managed wireless access points that can handle devices moving around the large warehouse space without losing connectivity – the secure wireless infrastructure that customers expect as well as protecting the internal infrastructure was a welcome and important feature for Relics.

Hassle-free telephony

As a customer facing business, it was important for Relics to have a robust telephone system. When we stepped in to support them, they had suffered from telephone issues and failures – as well as problems between the retail space and warehouse.

This problem was solved by the installation of the 3CX telephone system. This great system allows for centrally managed contacts and blocked caller lists, unified communications, including web calls, video calling and even chat – and as a nice added extra, their phone charges were slashed.