Strengthening Cybersecurity with an SD-WAN Upgrade for a Global Pharma Leader
CTS successfully completed an SDWAN Distro Center Upgrade project for a leading global pharmacy chain, ensuring 24/7 uninterrupted network connectivity while upgrading routers across multiple international locations. This project focused on modernizing the network infrastructure, streamlining routing protocols, and delivering a scalable, reliable solution that met stringent industry standards for data security and performance. Before the upgrade, the client faced a 45% increase in network outages due to aging routers. Post-implementation, CTS improved network stability by 50%, achieving zero outages and enabling 100% uptime while also reducing configuration time by 40% and saving an estimated $400,000 in the first year. By ensuring compliance with global healthcare regulations and integrating seamlessly with the existing infrastructure, CTS provided a robust solution that safeguarded sensitive data and maintained uninterrupted operations through precise project management and technical expertise.
Challenges Faced by the Customer
The customer, who was responsible for managing global pharmacy network operations, faced several critical challenges with their outdated router infrastructure. These challenges necessitated immediate upgrades to align with modern network demands:
- Aging Routers: The legacy routers were not equipped to manage the modern surge in data traffic, causing frequent packet loss and congestion, which contributed to a 45% rise in network outages and reliability issues.
- Inconsistent Routing Protocols: Fragmented routing configurations across separate locations led to inefficiencies and higher latency, increasing network congestion incidents by 30%.
- Compliance with Data Regulations: Operating in a highly regulated healthcare environment required strict adherence to international security and data protection regulations, adding 25% to the operational overhead for compliance.
- Zero Tolerance for Downtime: Due to the critical nature of pharmacy operations, the client required the network to remain fully operational throughout the upgrade process, with no acceptable downtime.
- Custom Network Needs: Each pharmacy location had specific operational demands, such as varying bandwidth requirements and distinct local compliance rules, necessitating custom router configurations and adding an estimated 15% more project time.
CTS’s Strategic Approach to Future-Ready IT Infrastructure:
CTS provided a comprehensive solution, utilizing Cisco ISR routers with advanced features like Multi-Gigabit Ethernet support and embedded security protocols to boost network resilience and safeguard sensitive healthcare data. The project started with a thorough assessment of the customer’s network to identify vulnerabilities and compliance requirements. A phased deployment strategy was adopted to ensure a seamless transition with zero downtime. Custom configurations were developed to address the specific network needs of each site, accounting for an additional 10% project time. The infrastructure was designed to accommodate future network growth of up to 40% capacity, ensuring compliance with global healthcare standards and reducing legal risks by 30%.
How We Accomplished It
- Network Audit and Compliance Check: Conducted an in-depth audit of the existing network, identifying improvement areas while ensuring full compliance with global healthcare regulations.
- Phased Deployment Strategy: Implemented a phased approach that ensured router replacements with zero downtime, keeping pharmacy operations fully functional.
- Customization: Collaborated with on-site engineers to develop tailored routing configurations based on specific needs, including bandwidth optimization for high-traffic locations and localized security settings, which required an additional 12% of the project’s time.
- Stakeholder Communication: Maintained regular communication with all stakeholders, ensuring transparency and swift responses to any challenges encountered during the upgrade.
- Post-Deployment Optimization: Utilized advanced routing optimization tools like Cisco Prime and WAN management software to streamline data flow and improve network performance by 25%.
Delivering Uninterrupted Connectivity and Operational Excellence:
Through effective project management and technical expertise, CTS delivered the following outcomes:
- Zero Downtime: The router upgrade was successfully completed with no interruptions to pharmacy operations, maintaining 100% network uptime.
- Improved Network Reliability: The installation of Cisco ISR routers resulted in a 50% increase in network stability and a significant reduction in network outages.
- Faster Project Delivery: By reducing the project timeline by 40% from 10 weeks to 6 weeks, CTS not only accelerated network modernization but also minimized disruption to pharmacy operations, resulting in an estimated $200,000 savings in operational costs.
- Enhanced Data Flow: Optimized routing protocols improved data flow efficiency, reducing latency by 30% across the pharmacy locations.
- Global Compliance: Full compliance with healthcare and data security regulations was achieved, reducing legal risks, and increasing customer trust. Compliance costs were reduced by 25%.
Advantages of Partnering with CTS
- Zero Downtime and Continuous Operations: Our phased deployment ensures 24/7 network availability during router upgrades, keeping critical operations running smoothly.
- Enhanced Network Performance: The router upgrades and custom configurations result in a 50% improvement in network stability, significantly reducing outages.
- Faster Project Completion: CTS’s strategic approach reduces project timelines by 40%, delivering quick implementation without compromising on quality.
- Scalable Network Solutions: Our solutions are designed to scale the client’s needs, accommodating up to 40% future network expansion.
- Cost Savings: The combination of zero downtime, faster deployment, and enhanced network efficiency resulted in an estimated total savings of $400,000 in the first year. This figure includes $200,000 in operational cost savings due to a reduced project timeline.
- Compliance Assurance: We ensure strict adherence to global healthcare regulations, minimizing the risk of legal penalties and securing sensitive data.
What challenges did the global pharmacy chain face with their network infrastructure?
The pharmacy chain struggled with aging routers that couldn’t handle modern data traffic, leading to a 45% rise in network outages and frequent packet loss. Additionally, inconsistent routing protocols caused inefficiencies and higher latency, while strict compliance requirements added operational overhead. Zero tolerance for downtime and unique network needs at each location further complicated the situation.