Big Bear

Big Bear is a fulfillment company located in Buffalo, NY. The facility, which includes a large embroidery operation, resides in the former Larkin Warehouse Complex. Stretching 50,000 square feet, the manufacturing floor spreads the length of this historic building. Big Bear has been in business since 1995 and through its continued growth Big Bear has added to its network many times, making it disorganized. As a result, Big Bear spent too much time troubleshooting the problems. They noticed a decrease in network speed and dependability, especially in the warehouse. In addition, Big Bear needed access points in different areas throughout their production floor, in some cases wireless. Big Bear needed a solution to address the network issues without slowing their production schedule.

Algonquin's IT Services team proposed a new, organized network configuration that would be easier to maintain and would allow fast detection of potential network problems. Algonquin rewired the entire facility, neatly installing over 1 mile of cable. They connected wireless access points throughout the warehouse, including the loading dock four floors down. This allowed Big Bear to use hand held scanners to assist in shipping, receiving, and inventory management.

The new network infrastructure including a new, full T-1 connection provided Big Bear with a faster, more reliable internet connection. They installed a new, full T-1 connection with firewalls, providing a substantial increase in both speed and security.

All desktop and laptop computers were updated with anti-virus software and the entire printer fleet was serviced. Algonquin Studios also implemented a nightly backup system for Big Bear and provide daily reports to Big Bear. They also established remote support capabilities, allowing Algonquin to remotely log into Big Bear's computer desktops to assist with any computing problems.

Algonquin designed the new network infrastructure in parallel to the existing network, ensuring that Big Bear would not lose any manufacturing time. Once completed, Algonquin switched over to the new network easily, during a normal work shift. This provided Big Bear instant access to the benefits from the new network, without any drawbacks or lost time.

Algonquin created a solution that benefited Big Bear's production. Big Bear received the piece of mind that a new, reliable network delivers, the maintainability of a structured network and the implementation of scanners and additional devices to improve operations. They received a faster and more secure internet connection, as well as improvements to its security, backup hardware, and printers. Algonquin set up remote support and monitoring, providing Big Bear with assurance that there network will continue to run smoothly.