Technimove was trusted to deliver high-quality service, proven through successful IT Asset Disposition (ITAD), migration services, structured cabling, and fibre testing.
Client Overview
A top American multinational off-price department store corporation, this retailer operates nearly 5,000 stores across nine countries and ranks among the top 100 on the 2024 Fortune 500 list.
With a $132 billion market cap and listed on the NYSE, the corporation’s vast international footprint requires seamless technology infrastructure to maintain and enhance its global retail operations.
The Challenge
As part of a strategic network initiative, the corporation aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of its European data centre footprint. With recent shifts in management and oversight from the U.S. side, the corporate IT team needed current, precise infrastructure data for European processing centres to inform a large-scale switch refresh.
However, the U.S. teams lacked visibility into the European infrastructure, and European on-ground resources were at capacity, preventing them from conducting the required audits.
Why Technimove?
Having partnered with this retailer for years, Technimove was trusted to deliver high-quality service, proven through successful IT Asset Disposition (ITAD), migration services, structured cabling, and fibre testing for the client.
Their track record, combined with expertise in infrastructure auditing and hands-on deployment, positioned Technimove as the ideal partner for this high-stakes project.
Solution: Comprehensive Infrastructure Audit and Project Management
To address the retailer’s needs, Technimove developed a solution combining thorough infrastructure audits, project management, and cable tracing with on-site deployment assistance for the network upgrade.
This multi-phase approach ensured the client received a complete infrastructure picture and a streamlined deployment process.
Infrastructure and Cable Audit
Technimove’s engineers conducted comprehensive audits across all specified sites, meticulously documenting every aspect of the cabling and infrastructure within each processing centre. The audit entailed:
Rack and Device Documentation: Recording rack layouts, device types, models, and precise port configurations.
Cable Tracing: Conducting detailed tracing of all network cables, from device panels to switch endpoints, ensuring every connection was accurately mapped. Where tracing wasn’t feasible, Technimove used existing labelling to verify connectivity.
Data Compilation: All data was documented in Excel, providing a live “snapshot” of the infrastructure that could be referenced for current and future needs.
This audit not only filled critical information gaps but also supplied actionable data for the client to inform their network reconfiguration.
Project Management Services
Technimove assigned a dedicated Project Manager to coordinate with both the client’s U.S. and European teams, ensuring consistent communication and efficient project progress. Key elements of the project management services included:
Equipment and Rack Verification: Technimove’s Project Manager verified equipment lists, rack layouts, and patching schedules to eliminate any discrepancies before deployment.
Collaborative Planning: Using tailored runbooks, the Technimove team established a detailed plan to minimise downtime, aligning with the client’s operational standards.
Risk Mitigation: The team worked closely with client teams, attending planning meetings, troubleshooting potential challenges, and advising on best practices to ensure a smooth transition.
Deployment Support for Network Upgrade
In addition to the audit, Technimove provided specialized engineering support for the retailer’s Network Modification (NetMod) and Core Upgrade. For this, Technimove deployed a team for weekend operations:
Pre-Deployment Preparation: Technimove’s engineers prepped all necessary equipment, ensuring compatibility with client-provided rack and patching plans.
Decommissioning and Installation: Engineers removed outdated equipment and installed new infrastructure, adhering to precise rack specifications.
Collaborative Execution: Technimove’s engineers worked hand-in-hand with the retailer’s personnel, joining virtual calls and ensuring real-time alignment with project goals. This support included replacing up to 10 switches within the specified window to minimise disruption.
Outcome and Benefits
Successful Project Completion and Improved Data Visibility
With Technimove’s services, the client gained a detailed, accurate view of its European infrastructure, enabling them to make informed decisions on their switch refresh and network configuration.
The audit data proved essential for their network design and future-proofing efforts, significantly improving the U.S. team’s understanding of their European assets.
Enhanced Client Relationships and Future Engagements
The thoroughness and added value of Technimove’s audit led to introductions with additional high-level stakeholders, including the Associate Vice President of Networks, further solidifying Technimove’s position as a trusted partner.
Client Testimonial
“Technimove provided a high-level service, adding value by suggesting additional data that brought real benefits to our business.”
Conclusion
The collaboration between the client and Technimove during the ransomware attack exemplifies the importance of preparedness and agile response in the face of cybersecurity threats.
Technimove’s unwavering dedication and expertise played a pivotal role in minimising the impact of the attack and ensuring business continuity for the client and its customers.
The client engaged Technimove in designing, building and deploying their future-proofed infrastructure.