CASE STUDY: CREATING A TECH-DRIVEN GROWTH STRATEGY WITH CREED FOODSERVICE
Recognised as one of the UK’s leading suppliers of food products to chefs and caterers, Creed Foodservice entrusted Optimising IT to improve their IT efficiency, connectivity and foster business expansion over a two-year period. We embarked on a journey that evolved from a temporary support solution to a comprehensive strategy for IT modernisation and business growth. Find out more about this successful project in our comprehensive case study.
THE BUSINESS: CREED FOODSERVICE
Creed Foodservice has been a dynamic presence in the UK’s foodservice industry for over 50 years. When they partnered with Optimising IT in December 2021, they initially sought interim technical support, help desk services and third-line IT support services for their staff.
Their IT system at the time had some challenges:
- An urgent need for improved network control and management.
- A lack of immediate security enhancements.
- Inconsistent support processes, with little insight and analysis for improvement.
- Unoptimised IT infrastructure and software environments.
- The lack of a coherent cyber security plan and IT-focused business risk analysis.
THE CHALLENGE: WHAT DID CREED FOODSERVICE NEED?
The initial collaboration with Creed Foodservice focused on providing transition support services to control and secure their existing network. The operational requirements of Creed Foodservice necessitated a rapid deployment of this service, which was achieved in a remarkable 48 hours, well below the usual one to two-week timeframe.
Upon completion of the initial project, we evaluated the IT estate within Creed Foodservice in terms of software, infrastructure and operation. This process highlighted areas where further improvements and enhancements could be implemented.
THE RESULTS: HOW DID OPTIMISING IT ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES?
To enhance the cyber security aspect of the network, we devised a short-term program comprising of configuration enhancements and infrastructure upgrades. System and user backup routines were developed and refined to improve resiliency. Additionally, we optimised Microsoft licensing, leading to an immediate reduction in licensing costs.
Looking to the medium and long term, we built an IT roadmap with a two-year horizon, drawn from the discovery phase of the transition process. This roadmap proposed improvements in network infrastructure, backup processes and systems, user equipment configuration and issue resolution, software integration, optimisation and licensing. The strategic roadmap also proposed minimising the use of underutilised, and near-end-of-life, server infrastructure. It included plans for the establishment of a robust and secure backup and disaster recovery solution. Moreover, it called for the integration of certain third-party technologies. These technologies spanned PV management, printing services and VOIP telephony, as well as enhancing the efficiency of warehouse picking devices.
Our two-year strategy has enabled Creed Foodservice to significantly improve efficiency and stimulate business growth. The technology backbone we created for Creed Foodservice, with our core IT systems at its heart, has enabled increased automation, enhancing efficiencies in areas such as data storage and access, warehouse connectivity and access to key business systems and management information.
OUR APPROACH: HOW DID WE DO IT?
Optimising IT’s journey with Creed Foodservice started with daily progress review calls, which gradually evolved into weekly operational review calls and monthly executive reviews. This consistent communication facilitated the smooth implementation of security enhancements and provided crucial operational support.
We worked closely with Creed Foodservice’s in-house IT team, analysing their infrastructure, software environments, and IT-focused business risks, combined with Creed Foodservice’s operational priorities and available budget. This process enabled us to create a customised and comprehensive IT strategy that met Creed Foodservice’s specific needs.
HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY BENEFITS FOR CREED FOODSERVICE
Our collaboration with Creed Foodservice has yielded exceptional results, transforming their business through better use of technology. Here are some of the key benefits that our partnership delivered:
- Rapid deployment of transition support service, ensuring a controlled and managed network.
- Improved cyber security, achieved through infrastructure upgrades and configuration enhancements.
- Implementation of a coherent IT strategy, leading to improved business efficiency and growth.
- Increased automation and efficiency in data storage, access and connectivity for the warehouse.
- Improved access to key business systems and management information.
- A cooperative, proactive and engaged partnership with Creed Foodservice, acknowledged for delivering an immediate positive impact.
The outstanding results of our partnership with Creed Foodservice have not only revolutionised their IT landscape but also had a profound impact on their overall business operations. By bringing together our IT expertise and Creed Foodservice’s operational insights, we have managed to create a technologically robust and efficient solution.
This achievement embodies Creed Foodservice’s unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, catapulting them forward in the competitive foodservice industry. With our continuous support and tailored strategies, Creed Foodservice stands poised to leverage technology for their sustained growth and expansion.
