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Our Successes
LAN Implementation
Avant's client uses technology that communicates via TCP/IP over Ethernet to VME control racks; these systems are designed
and programmed off-site, and then installed on site in some of the world's largest production steel mills. One of the challenges
in designing a solution was to provide an environment that enables multiple test and program systems to operate smoothly, without
disrupting the main office network with unnecessary packet traffic.
Avant recommended segmentation of the TCP/IP network, using a multi-protocol router facility to bridge the two segments.
Addtionally, bridges provide MAC level filtering of unwanted packets from one test system to another. A multi-domain design
with trust relationships provides the framework for central management and backup of all network services and programming changes.
This solution offered stability throughout the production environment while allowing remote access to mobile users.
Network Design
The client's Technology Management Group retained Avant to assist in the design and implementation of a LAN/WAN. Specified
business requirements for the physical layer included connecting corporate headquarters with all remote plant and office
locations and to maintain 24 hour a day, 7 day a week reliability for TCP/IP connectivity to insure that access to centrally
located databases as well as office productivity applications was unimpeded.
Two additional and equally important business goals were: central management of the WAN, with no technical expertise being
available at remote plants and offices, and no more than one full time staff person devoted to network administration. In
conjunction with Ernst & Young, LLP, and client associates, Avant designed the physical layer of the LAN/WAN, down to the
level of router and switch selection, router configuration, and integration into the frame relay vendor's network. Avant also
designed and helped implement the office automation network layer, including 15 domain controllers; approximately 400 workstations;
and management tools.
All design guidelines, specifications, configurations, and installation procedures were thoroughly documented using Lotus Notes.
This serves as the primary reference tool for administration and future implementation. Design and rollout were completed on
schedule, and all business goals were met or exceeded.
Turnkey Solution
A law firm in Columbus,OH retained Avant to design and implement a turnkey solution based upon their case management software.
Specified business requirements included porting of data from a legacy system; planning and overseeing the physical layer
installation during renovation of a new building; and installing and customizing the new aplication to meet exact user needs.
Avant designed the physical layer of this IPX based network, working with third-party vendors to insure timely delivery of
specified components. Considerations ranging from the physical environment of the server room to cable routing were taken into
account during the architectural planning phase. A single server was configured and installed to provide file and print services
for workstations running case management and general office suite programs.
The case management software was installed and customized to meet the unique needs of this client, and all data was ported
from their existing computer system into the new package. On-site training was provided to help jump-start this project. The
net result: years later, the firm continued to enjoy low (less than $50/month) maintenance cost for an information technology
solution that ran their business.
Turnkey Solution
An Avant client installed an integrated Human Resources/Payroll information system at international headquarters, and a
comprehensive information system at plant locations.
Avant completed two major projects for this system: the design and implementation of a 401(k) processing module and an
electronic associate appraisal module. The 401(k) processing module captured payroll information for associates at all plants
and headquarters, and computed 401(k) withholding amounts according to defined deductions in the database. Additionally, 401(k)
business rules are applied, so that it an automatic check of the actual withholding was performed. Finally, the results were
formatted in an electronic file, and transmitted directly to the 401(k) adminstration group. A process that formerly took
man-days to complete is now completed within two man-hours, and 401(k) withholdings are invested immediately upon payroll processing.
Systems & Infrastructure Audit
Avant performed a detailed audit for a law firm faced with skyrocketing IT costs. In the course of the audit, Avant identified
several material and procedural deficiencies in the current systems' design and implementation. These deficiencies were thoroughly
documented, and presented to the ownership, along with a suggested outline for remediation.
The remediation plan was sufficiently detailed that the firm was able to get competitive bids from vendors. Avant's bid on the
remediation was successful, and the implementation of new network electronics, cabling, servers, and workstations was completed
on time and within budget.
Avant continues to supply ongoing technical support for the systems in place. The bottom line: Avant has succeededing in
trimming the IT budget at this firm from a former high of $100,000.00 annually to current 3-year average of $20,000.00 per year.
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