Last year, their 11th in business, Simplicity moved to new premises to allow them the room to expand from 7,000 to 14,000 sq ft. Simplicity needed to move quickly, effectively and with low risk. Module IT were asked to work with the project team to oversee the installation of cable for Internet and Phones and to co-ordinate the actual movement of the computing equipment. This project presented a number of challenges and opportunities. Firstly, Module IT carried out a review and recommended the purchase of a new telephone system rather than continue using the ageing and expensive Avaya system provided by the Landlords. Moving to Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) would mean that Simplicity could invest in a system with lower capital costs and much greater flexibility. Giving them the ability to offer a much higher level of customer service to their growing customer base. Without getting too technical, systems were put in place to ensure a high level of availability and 60 attractive and highly functional handsets were purchased. New users can be added within minutes. A second fail safe switchboard was provided to ensure continuity of service. Mobile phones were linked to the switchboard to allow Sales staff to transfer calls to mobiles free of charge. Finally, Simplicity’s customer service department installed a Call Centre statistics package to allow them to monitor performance of staff when making and receiving calls. David Thornhill, Managing Director said ‘Going for new technology when you’re dealing with a fast moving and demanding customer base, takes a lot of thought and careful planning. Module IT took that responsibility away from us allowing our management team to concentrate on the logistics of a major move. This has been a very successful project.’
- Simplicity Office Move , Simplicity
Faced with completely restructuring the cabling to allow a switch cabinet to be moved from the Sales Office at Simplicity during their office move, MD David Thornhill decided that it would make more sense to turn it into a feature. Staff were asked for suggestions and someone said that it looked a little bit like the Tardis. Module IT were asked if it would be possible to make it look more like the Tardis but maintain it’s use as a fibre optic switch cabinet. Image Signs in Lydney were contracted to design and fit the graphics, which were similar to those used on vehicles. Since the shape of the cabinet was not exactly in the right proportions, some artistic licence was used to achieve the desired effect. Happily, the colours used blended well with Simplicity’s corporate image and the end result is a feature which is great for customers and staff. Every customer comments on it but more importantly, they remember us for being different. Simplicity’s Managing Director, David Thornhill said “ We want to provide our staff with a working environment that is fun and inspirational. IT is a vital part of our business and getting it to fit in with our people is really important to us”. On a practical note, the system needed updating and this exercise allowed us to carry this out with the additional benefit that the business continuity system was greatly improved.
- The Tardis Lands at Vantage Point , Simplicity