Network Infrastructure Overhaul for Global Materials Leader

Client Description

The customer is a global leader in high-performance tungsten powders and materials, catering to industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and electronics. With over 70 years of expertise, the customer is renowned for its innovative solutions, quality, and precision in developing advanced materials for complex industrial applications. Headquartered in USA, the customer operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and maintains a strong focus on sustainability and technological advancement, ensuring it remains a key partner for industries requiring high-quality, customized solutions.

Project Description

Axians USA is currently working with the customer to modernize its network infrastructure to support critical manufacturing operations. The project addresses the limitations of the customer’s aging fiber infrastructure and hardware by delivering a scalable, high-availability solution tailored to the unique demands of their OT environment. The collaboration began with a comprehensive network design phase, focusing on building a blueprint to tackle the customer’s immediate challenges while aligning with its long-term goals. The project has since progressed to the preparation and staging of new network hardware, with implementation and commissioning phases set to begin. The overall goal is to provide the customer with a robust, future-proof network capable of supporting their current needs and future growth.

The manufacturing environment’s sensitivity to downtime necessitated meticulous planning, as even brief disruptions could have significant financial and operational impacts. Axians is coordinating closely with the customer‘s operational teams to ensure continuity, scheduling deployment activities during planned shutdowns and maintenance windows to avoid disruptions. This requires a phased, collaborative approach to navigate the unique constraints of OT environments while delivering an effective solution.

Approach

Axians adopted a phased approach to address the customer‘s needs, starting with extensive engagement to understand their priorities of high availability, resiliency, and minimal downtime. The initial design phase delivered a detailed, scalable blueprint addressing the customer’s aging infrastructure and operational challenges. Axians established trust by focusing on the immediate priorities of the client while positioning itself as a long-term partner. As the project progressed, Axians began preparing for the implementation phase by configuring cutting-edge Cisco hardware, such as Catalyst 9500 and IE3300 series switches, at its staging facilities. This preparation included rigorous pre-deployment testing to validate the readiness of all components. The upcoming implementation and commissioning phases will prioritize minimizing operational disruptions, ensuring alignment with the customer‘s long-term goals.

Solution

Axians is delivering a tailored solution that includes the upgrade of the customer’s legacy fiber infrastructure and hardware to modern, high-performance systems. Currently, the focus is on staging and configuring all equipment to meet the specifications of the low-level design. To ensure smooth deployment, Axians is conducting thorough pre-deployment tests, including Network Ready-for-Use evaluations, to validate all components before on-site implementation. The implementation phase will begin shortly, with activities scheduled during the customer’s planned shutdowns to minimize disruption. Post-migration activities will include comprehensive testing, troubleshooting, and detailed documentation to equip the customer’s IT team for future maintenance and scalability. By maintaining open communication and a collaborative approach, Axians is on track to deliver a scalable and resilient network that meets the customer’s operational requirements while preparing them for future growth.