Legacy network stifles business
Challenges
Sefalana, a retailer with over 120 outlets across Botswana and Namibia, faced a challenge like this. What was once a business needing a simple network solution grew into a large entity, and the shoehorned nature of its network environment created a series of issues. The company didn’t realise it had outgrown its network until data started going missing from its ERP. What should have been an agile business enabler, able to quickly assess their organization as a whole and pivot accordingly, experienced latency in this regard, and required an updated solution fast.
Sefalana faced many challenges, and a more detailed look exposed the magnitude of the problems from poor user experience, high WAN costs, and complex operations. Amongst the many challenges that Sefalana faced, the efficient operations of its network infrastructure were the most pressing. Physical firewalls meant there was no way to manage the network’s security from a single pane management view or incorporate more than one WAN link. It also meant that policy changes had to be exclusively on-site, resolution of simple issues and extensive periods of downtime, which led to delays given how expansive the network reach is to cover the over 120 stores.
Their infrastructure was capital-intensive, and short hardware lifecycles made it almost impossible to keep all sites live at all times. In an attempt to update the network, their existing service provider moved portions of the network to the cloud, but the mix of physical and digital only further exacerbated the issues that they faced.
Their system was losing them time, sales, and a staggering amount of cash flow. However, with the new system, they were able to save on costs and improve their financial outlook, bringing a sense of optimism to the company.
Results
By being constrained by their legacy connectivity, Sefalana was prevented from operating agilely, which hampered their business whilst dramatically increasing costs. A scalable SD-WAN ensured that growth was available as and when the business needed it. It also provided improved network performance by way of intelligent path selection and traffic shaping. In the event of connection failure, SD-WAN seamlessly switches to another connection. As a result, Sefalana enjoyed the secondary benefit of improved connection to their ERP system, as well as more stable real- time voice and video service. This has allowed the business to switch the bulk of their inter-store conferencing, training, and individual meetings to a virtual setting, removing the need to travel – saving considerable time, resources and money.
SOLUTION
inq. successfully addressed the issues mentioned above with an elegant solution that also improved their business function. The inq team proposed using ENEA-based uCPEs, low-cost modules installed on individual customer sites. These uCPEs run Fortinet NFVs, providing both an SD-WAN and firewall solution. By implementing this solution, the team was able to merge the functionality of the existing network while also allowing customers to service, upgrade and maintain their infrastructure remotely. By introducing a lease-based system for all hardware, Sefalana no longer had to carry the cost of investment for new hardware. The cost of all servicing, maintenance, and replacement or upgrade of on-site devices was also removed entirely – a benefit of the SLA between inq. and Sefalana.
Sefalana benefited extensively from our solutions. Their business was transformed as resolutions happened remotely, ensuring data no longer went missing, and redundancy measures were put in place. Beyond these critical improvements, Sefalana experienced enhanced ERP connections, ensuring stability and reliable voice/video services through our implementation of SD-WAN technology. This not only optimised their operational efficiency but also facilitated seamless remote work capabilities for their workforce.
SUMMARY
This project is the embodiment of our promise to our customers: Simpler. Seamless. Solutions. We deliver this to every business we work with, and we will deliver the same to you.
