Modernizing IT Infrastructure and Streamlining Operations at Valley Grinding
Summary of the Problem
High Costs and Legacy Systems Hindered Growth
Valley Grinding & Manufacturing, a manufacturer with four locations across the U.S., faced significant operational challenges and high recurring costs tied to their aging IT infrastructure. The reliance on disparate, complex, and expensive systems created inefficiencies and required costly maintenance.
Key challenges included
- Dependence on On-Premises Servers: Company files and Active Directory services were tied to on-site servers, leading to high hardware maintenance costs, a physical footprint, and scalability limitations.
- Expensive and Complex Networking: Secure site-to-site VPNs for their three remote shops were managed using expensive Cisco and Palo Alto hardware, which required costly annual hardware maintenance renewals.
- Costly Software Licenses: A specialized, expensive software license was used for scanning automation, even as the company was already licensed for more modern, integrated tools.
- Antiquated Communications: The company’s Mitel phone system was built on antiquated technology, making it complicated and expensive to operate and difficult to integrate with modern collaboration tools.
- Legacy Security and Reporting: The building access control system was a legacy setup, and critical Epicor reports and dashboards were built on an interface scheduled for end-of-life, threatening future disruption.
Approach to the Solution
A Phased Transformation to the Cloud
We partnered with Valley Grinding on a year-long transformation to modernize their entire IT stack. The solution involved a strategic, multi-pronged approach to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance security by leveraging cloud-native and modern hardware solutions.
Embracing the Cloud with Microsoft 365
Our first major task was to migrate Valley Grinding’s company files and Active Directory services to Microsoft 365. This strategic move eliminated the need for on-site servers, reducing both the physical footprint and the maintenance costs associated with server hardware. The transition to cloud-based services not only improved data accessibility but also enhanced security and scalability.
Simplifying Network Infrastructure with UniFi
We replaced the existing Cisco and Palo Alto hardware with Unifi devices to manage the secure site-to-site VPN connections. This change simplified the network setup, is significantly more cost-effective, and does not require hardware maintenance renewals. This resulted in substantial savings without compromising the quality of the connections.
Streamlining Scanning Automation with Power Automate
To further optimize operations, we replaced Valley Grinding’s scanning automation software with Microsoft Power Automate scripts. This change eliminated the need for an expensive software license, reducing costs while maintaining the same level of functionality. Power Automate’s robust features allowed us to create custom workflows tailored to Valley Grinding’s specific needs, all utilizing already-approved Microsoft technologies within their organization.
Ensuring Business Continuity
Recognizing the critical role of internet connectivity, we set up redundant internet connections at each of Valley Grinding’s four locations. This setup ensures that even if one connection goes down, the other can seamlessly take over, minimizing downtime and maintaining business continuity.
Modernizing Communications and Security
We moved Valley Grinding from their Mitel phone system to Microsoft Teams Phones to modernize their communications. As part of the broader modernization, we also installed new door access controls using UniFi, replacing the legacy system to provide enhanced physical security and centralized management.
Preparing for the Future with Epicor Modernization
With Epicor planning to sunset its legacy interface in the spring of 2026, we re-wrote and modernized Valley Grinding’s Epicor reports and dashboards. These updates improve performance, user experience, and maintainability, positioning Valley Grinding to adopt future Epicor updates without disruption.
Use Case Highlights
Technologies Used
- Microsoft 365
- Microsoft Power Automate
- Microsoft Teams Phones
- UniFi Network (Devices)
- UniFi Door Access
- Epicor
Zeytech Services
- Cloud Services
- Managed IT Support
- Process Improvement
- Infrastructure Management
- Application Development
- Technical Advising
Business Impacts
- Substantially reduced licensing costs
- Eliminated the need for on-site servers
- Modernized communications
- Improved business continuity
- Enhanced physical security
- Ensured Epicor’s future-readiness
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