Modernizing IT for ERP Success

Client Snapshot

Client: Mid-sized global manufacturing company
Industry: Manufacturing
Size: ~300 employees
Services Provided: Infrastructure Modernization, Network Redesign, Microsoft 365 Migration, ERP Enablement

CLIENT OVERVIEW

This U.S.-based manufacturing company operates both domestic and international offices and production facilities. At the time of engagement, their IT infrastructure was severely outdated, relying on legacy Hyper-V hosts, old HP switches, and a single firewall at the corporate office that funneled all global traffic through one central internet connection. Remote sites were connected via low-bandwidth MPLS T1 lines, and many systems were running unsupported server operating systems, including Windows Server 2003 and 2008 R2.
Performance issues were widespread, particularly at remote locations, and the organization was still using Lotus Notes for email and collaboration. This aging environment had become a barrier to growth and was unfit to support the client’s upcoming rollout of a modern ERP system.

THE CHALLENGE

The client needed a complete infrastructure refresh to meet the requirements of a new ERP platform and to modernize core systems across all locations. Objectives included:

Upgrading outdated server and networking hardware.
Replacing legacy WAN connections to improve bandwidth and reliability.
Transitioning from Lotus Notes to Microsoft 365.
Establishing a more resilient, secure architecture for both corporate and remote locations.
Preparing the environment to support mission critical applications, including ERP.

Several remote sites also presented unique challenges, such as poor connectivity and harsh physical environments with electrically conductive graphite dust that damaged traditional computing devices.

SERVICES DELIVERED

Temple IT led the design and implementation of a staged transformation initiative. Although the original scope was priced at nearly one million dollars, the client’s board approved a phased approach, starting with a six hundred-thousand-dollar infrastructure modernization.

Services included:

Deployment of new HPE servers with redundant SAN storage and VMware virtualization at the primary datacenter.
Upgraded servers at remote sites using HPE VMware architecture.
Full network redesign with Meraki switches and firewalls at every site.
Server operating systems upgraded to Windows Server 2012 R2.
Replacement of MPLS circuits with high-speed internet, increasing bandwidth to 20 Mbps or more and enabling redundant connectivity.
Implementation of thin client systems in manufacturing environments to withstand dust and temperature conditions.
Migration from Lotus Notes to Microsoft 365, including email and file transfer.
Active Directory cleanup and restructuring for centralized authentication and policy management.
Microsoft DFS-R configured to support file syncing and redundancy between locations.
New backup systems implemented using Acronis.
Installation of UPS battery systems at all locations to ensure hardware protection and uptime.

The Lotus Notes migration was delivered on a time and materials basis, while the infrastructure work was delivered under a fixed scope project.

RESULTS

With this infrastructure overhaul, the client achieved measurable improvements in system performance, connectivity, and resilience. The upgraded environment provided:

Reliable connectivity and faster access to critical applications at remote locations.
Successful deployment of the new ERP system, which would not have been possible under the legacy setup.
Enhanced uptime and recovery readiness through redundant systems and modern backup architecture.
Seamless migration to Microsoft 365 for more effective communication and collaboration.
Improved IT governance and identity management through a rebuilt Active Directory.

Temple IT’s phased execution, engineering leadership, and modernization strategy delivered a foundational transformation aligned with the client’s long-term growth and operational objectives.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

At Temple, we sell solutions not products. Our team of experienced senior engineers have over five decades of combined experience working with IT solutions in all capacities.

We provide our clients with the most efficient business solutions to fit their individual needs, from managed IT services, and networking infrastructure to cybersecurity. Our work is backed by honesty, accountability, and forming long-lasting trusted relationships.