Following a detailed audit of Bradleys’ existing communications costs, we recommended a complete systems overhaul, starting with a new high-availability wired and wireless network comprising of CAT5e structured cabling, data cabinets and patch panels.
Cisco PoE data LAN switches enabled the convergence of voice and data within each office, while wireless access points were added in branch offices for staff access to the network and the internet from their mobile devices.
Following a two-phased proof of concept trial, we then deployed a hosted, multi-site VoIP Mitel Connect solution. This solution has revolutionised Bradleys’ day-to-day working practices, creating a unified business model. Every incoming call can be answered by any office, no matter which number the client calls in on. Calls can be easily transferred between branches using unified communications and centralised diaries to gain full visibility of colleagues’ availability.
Also, call recording and reporting software provides complete visibility of how calls are being answered, e.g. picking up calls after three rings. It also has the additional use of a training tool, providing a useful legal and compliance-ready audit trail.
System management has also been accommodated through a browser-based Mitel software, which enables Bradleys’ IT team to add, remove or change users and carry out any other system re-programming to realise a return on investment, as this largely negated the need for ongoing third-party engineering costs.
Even better, further cost savings were found by migrating Bradleys from 200+ separate telephone lines to 60 centralised SIP trunk channels to reduce call costs. All 33 sites have been interconnected using a blend of leased lines, fibre to the cabinet (FTTC), and ADSL technology.
Internet connectivity was provided to the head office via a 100Mbps leased line, backed up by a FTTC circuit, for drastically improved connectivity speed and a service level agreement (SLA) with a four-hour fault response.
