When Trek Bicycle Australia rapidly expanded, it selected IMC Communications to design and implement its new networking and communications infrastructure.
For over 15 years, Trek Bicycles Australia (TBA) has been a distributor of the famous Wisconsin-based Trek Bicycles. They now distribute to over 150 outlets Australia-wide.
Trek road bikes are synonymous with Tour de France victories; Lance Armstrong claimed seven consecutive wins of the prestigious race riding a Trek Madone.
THE CHALLENGE
TBA was rapidly expanding however, the business’ existing communications model was cumbersome. Warehouse staff communicated intermittently via mobile phones at a high monetary cost. A lack of centralised data reporting meant the distribution business struggled to achieve a ‘real-time’ picture of stock levels and demand.
With the relocation to a new warehouse and head office in Rydalmere, NSW, the organisation saw an opportunity to increase productivity and improve distribution services through the adoption of new technologies.
THE SOLUTION
The company chose IMC Communications to design and incorporate an up-to-date networking and communications infrastructure, including Cisco IP Telephony, Cisco wireless access points, and a security firewall.
David Cook, Business Development Manager for TBA and head of the relocation team, was particularly interested in the Cisco advanced IP Telephony system.
“In the US, Trek Bicycles with over 1,800 employees implemented Cisco solutions over many years and I could see the benefit that we, as Trek Bicycles Australia, could gain by adopting the same technology,” he said.
IMC implemented a Cisco Call Manager Express solution with 20 handsets in the office and warehouse. Via wireless access points and wireless handsets, staff can now roam the warehouse and still remain available to the call manager server – replacing the use of mobile phones.
“In particular, it is the combination of IP telephony with WiFi technology that provides the added level of flexibility which is essential in a busy distribution and retail environment,” explained Cook.
“Not only are we saving money by using the wireless phones we are also experiencing real benefits in convenience, flexibility and mobility. At last we have a WiFi solution that is working well in our warehouse, but is also the focal point of voice and data integration in the firm.”
“Working with the IMC team provided us with the specialist networking and IP Telephony knowledge required to achieve the best solution for our business,” said Cook.
BENEFITS
The new system has increased employee productivity and efficiency, provided a greater competitive advantage, and offers TBA a new level of business freedom and flexibility:
1. Transferring to an IP-based communications solution has given TBA centralised voice and data communications, realising efficiencies across the organisation.
2. Via the Cisco IP WiFi solution, TBA Account managers on the road, interstate and in remote locations now have access to stock levels, business applications and other network resources – all in real time. The CallManager Conferencing feature allows TBA’s remote workers and teams to communicate more effectively across a range if devices – wired or wireless – saving time and reducing costs.
3. Having gone live with Cisco IP WiFi technology, TBA has the future option of adopting wireless mobile hand held devices for staff to assist with dealer enquiries and the annual stock take.
