Modernizing Network Infrastructure for Efficient Operations
Ardent Mills, a Denver-based, premier flour milling and ingredient company, faced the challenge of aging network infrastructure across 24 of its sites across North America. To maintain operational efficiency and avoid disruptions in the national food supply chain, Ardent Mills engaged with Interstates to upgrade and modernize its network equipment. This project aimed to replace outdated hardware, ensuring seamless production and positioning Ardent Mills for future technological advancements and expansion.
Achieving Real Results
Successfully updated the network infrastructure at 24 sites.
Minimized production downtime by scheduling installations over weekends.
Enabled Ardent Mills’ IT staff to focus on other critical projects.
Positioned Ardent Mills for future network enhancements.
Challenges
- Aging Equipment: Many of Ardent Mills’ sites had network equipment nearing the end of its useful lifecycle, necessitating timely replacements to avoid production disruptions.
- Staffing Constraints: The client required additional support for its internal staff to complete the modernization project within the desired timeframe.
- Budgeting Concerns: The project had to be completed within fiscal year budgets, requiring precise scheduling and the efficient use of resources.
- Operational Continuity: It was critical for Ardent Mills to have minimal disruption to ongoing milling operations during the equipment upgrades.
Solution
Interstates collaborated closely with Ardent Mills to manage and execute the modernization project according to the client’s strict timeline. The process began with thorough planning, led by project managers from both Interstates and Ardent Mills. They coordinated the preparation and staging of necessary hardware ahead of each site’s scheduled downtime.
To minimize production disruptions, the installations were conducted primarily on weekends. Interstates deployed experienced IT systems analysts to handle the physical installations, replacing the outdated equipment with new, more capable servers and networking devices. The process included installing core and access switches, updating patch cables, and ensuring seamless server integration. Remote programmers then confirmed the functionality and connectivity post-installation, allowing for immediate troubleshooting and support.
By developing a streamlined, repeatable process, Interstates ensured consistency and efficiency across all 24 modernization sites. This “co-pilot” approach allowed Ardent Mills to maintain operational focus while benefiting from Interstates’ technical expertise and hands-on availability.
Return on Investment
The modernization endeavor was completed successfully and within Ardent Mills’ preferred timeline. This multi-site project delivered several key benefits:
- Improved Reliability: New equipment reduced the likelihood of hardware failures or outages, enhancing overall operational stability at each plant.
- Reduced Downtime: Efficient scheduling and expert installation minimized any production interruptions, ensuring continuous operations.
- Future-Proofing: The updated infrastructure positioned Ardent Mills to leverage new software and systems as they are developed, supporting future technological advancements at each of the sites.
- Resource Efficiency: With the project completed on schedule, Ardent Mills’ staff were able to pivot to focus on other strategic initiatives.
The successful modernization of Ardent Mills’ network infrastructure sets the stage for ongoing enhancements at its sites across North America. With a robust and reliable network in place, Ardent Mills is well-equipped to adopt future technologies and maintain its leadership in the flour milling industry. The initial project with Interstates has evolved into a trusted collaboration, ready to tackle any challenges and opportunities together and keep Ardent Mills on the cutting-edge of technology.