Introduction
Outworx, a leading company in South Africa, approached Technimove Limited for professional services to conduct a comprehensive audit and assessment of their current network infrastructure.
The audit was crucial for Outworx to maintain their ISO re-accreditation, which was due for renewal. This required identifying and resolving any network inconsistencies or potential vulnerabilities quickly. Technimove was tasked with ensuring that the network was optimised and compliant with ISO standards through this engagement.
Phase 1: Comprehensive IT Estate Audit
The Challenge
The client recognised the need for a meticulous audit of its IT infrastructure across multiple operational sites. The objectives were clear and critical:
• Conduct a thorough audit of the IT estate.
• Map the intricate network topologies linking various Global locations.
• Identify inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities that could impede operational effectiveness.
The Solution
Leveraging its extensive experience, Technimove executed a comprehensive remote audit, incorporating:
• Asset Discovery: A meticulous identification and cataloguing of all hardware, software, and network components, ensuring no asset was overlooked.
• Topology Mapping: Creating detailed visual representations to illustrate how the oil and gas energy company’s operational sites were interconnected, facilitating a deeper understanding of the network structure.
• Infrastructure Analysis: An in-depth evaluation of existing systems to identify weaknesses and recommend strategic improvements aimed at enhancing overall performance and security posture.
• Wi-Fi-Survey: Onsite passive survey of the client’s head office in London completed to identify changes needed to improve efficiency and security.
Results
The audit empowered the client with critical insights into their IT estate, enabling them to make informed decisions that optimised asset management and improved operational efficiency.
Objectives
Outworx needed Technimove to:
• Perform a full audit and assessment of the network across key South African locations.
• Identify any potential issues that could affect their ISO accreditation.
• Deliver a report with findings, detailing suggestions for remediation to meet industry best practices.
Scope of Work
Technimove’s engagement
Project Kick-off
• Technimove aligned a Senior Dual CCIE across Network switching and Routing, and Security.
• The project commenced with an on-site meeting in Johannesburg, involving all stakeholders.
Network Audit & Assessment
• A full network audit was conducted at the Durban site.
• A comprehensive network assessment was carried out across additional sites in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.
Security Audit & Assessment
• A full audit of current Firewall and Security rules and posture
Documentation & Recommendations
Technimove delivered detailed documentation outlining:
• Current state of the network.
• Current firewall and Security policies with recommended amendments to their current firewall structure
• Any issues, errors, or inconsistencies identified during the assessment.
• Recommendations for remediating those issues to align with best practices.
Updating Network Documentation
• As part of the service, Technimove updated existing network documentation to accurately reflect the current network state.
Expansion of Scope: WIFI Issues
During the assessment at the Durban site, one of Technimove’s consultants identified significant issues with the performance and reliability of Outworx’s WIFI.
These issues had not been initially included in the scope of the audit, but due to their potential impact on overall network performance, the WIFI assessment was brought into scope.
• The WIFI infrastructure was examined via Outworx’s Cloud environment which allows management across all regions from one single location.
• The team identified areas where signal strength was weak, connections were unstable, and access points were misconfigured.
• Technimove provided recommendations to improve WIFI performance, including reconfiguration of access points, placement of additional hardware, and adjustments to the network to enhance coverage and stability.
Key Considerations
Time Management: The inclusion of the WIFI assessment extended the project timeline. However, following internal processes, the consultant promptly notified both Outworx and the Technimove Project Manager, allowing for transparent communication regarding the additional time needed.
Outcome
Technimove successfully provided Outworx with a thorough network and WIFI audit across their key South African sites. The additional WIFI assessment helped address performance issues that could have impacted daily operations.
The recommendations allowed Outworx to implement necessary improvements, securing their network’s reliability and positioning them favourably for their ISO re-accreditation review.