Fifteen Melbourne

Imagine the industry respect and credibility needed to negotiate infrastructure, software, licensing and services in exc more

TDT Australia

Imagine the challenge that hundreds of manual document alterations poses. ZyNet took that challenge and designed and im more

Kookai

As their system reached the end of its life cycle, Kookai - and their staff - began to feel the effects. Now an integra more

Fifteen Melbourne

The Challenge

Fifteen Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, was established by Jamie Oliver in 2002 to help disadvantaged youth interested in developing careers in the restaurant industry. The organisation places successful candidates into training programs in its Fifteen restaurants, supporting and encouraging them. A new Fifteen restaurant opened recently in Melbourne. ZyNet initially met with the Fifteen Foundation, to discuss how the company could assist the organisation with its dynamic technology infrastructure needs. The Foundation required a sophisticated solution, flexible enough to handle its day-to-day demands as well as those of its new Melbourne restaurant. The catch? Every component of the computer network had to be donated to the organisation gratis and installation had to be complete within weeks for the restaurant's grand opening.

The Solution

ZyNet went to work immediately - persistently contacting its extensive network of providers to negotiate free hardware, software and licensing for the Fifteen Foundation's needs. Based on a strategic analysis of the Foundation's requirements, ZyNet designed a network configured to evolve as the organisation matures. IT components - which connect all Fifteen Foundation computers as well as several within its Fifteen restaurant - were donated by several companies, including Dell and Microsoft. ZyNet key components for the Fifteen Foundation include: a technology and business needs analysis; servers, desktop and laptop computers, software, licensing, anti-virus and back-up requirements, configuration analysis and implementation, security and email hosting, as well as technology project management between all partners and suppliers.

The Results

What began as an informal conversation at a coffee shop between ZyNet and the Fifteen Foundation turned into more than $100,000 of free hardware, software, licensing and services for celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's not-for-profit organisation. ZyNet's role was to help provide a human aspect to Fifteen Foundation's infrastructure requirements. The solution involved significant coordination, negotiation, mediation and analysis on our team's part in order for the organisation to be successfully connected by the opening of its restaurant. In addition, ZyNet were able to do their part to assist underprivileged young people.

TDT Australia

The Challenge

Transport & Logistics Industry Skills Council Ltd (TLISC) offers workforce training and resources to increase skills and develop nationally recognised qualifications in the aviation, maritime, transport and logistics industries. The organisation disseminates hundreds of documents that must adhere to strict style guidelines set by the Department of Education, Science and Training. Every time a style rule was changed, TLISC had to manually alter each affected document, a time-consuming and error-prone process. Extracting text also was a challenge due to different versions of software being incompatible and the need to re-map text from various sections or tables. Often, modifications in one part of the document resulted in new formatting inaccuracies in other areas. In addition, because many of TLISC's consultants are situated in different locations around the country, the organisation required secure remote access for those outside the head office.

The Solution

ZyNet began by conducting a needs analysis to thoroughly understand TLISC's requirements. It then designed a database solution that provides an interface into which employees input their information. Content, including all tables, are now automatically extracted into a template that instantly and accurately inserts the correct style and formatting. Only templates require alterations when guidelines are changed, with all associated documents updating automatically with each template modification. ZyNet's solution is designed for minimal manual labour and maximum consistency. TLISC employees simply call up a list of template designs within the customised software, select which documents using this template they would like to change and then click OK. The new technology seamlessly integrated with TLISC's existing systems and adheres to strict security protocols.

The Results

In less than three months ZyNet designed and implemented its solution - regularly modifying hundreds of documents has become a thing of the past for TLISC. Formatting and design are consistent across all materials and human errors have been substantially reduced. With its streamlined processes, activities that used to take hours now take seconds and employees can focus on content rather than conformity. Prior to implementing ZyNet's solution, both a technical consultant and an administrative support employee spent significant time reviewing documents. Now, administrative tasks are minimised and style standards are more accurately followed. Extracting information, including tables, no longer poses a challenge and extensive data mapping has resulted in intuitive section and document titles for quicker detection. Productivity is up, security is enhanced and TLISC is encouraging other skills councils to implement its customised software.

Kookai

The Challenge

Kookai Australia is a Republique brand known for its affordable and innovative women's fashions. In less than 15 years, the company has grown to include 24 boutiques in five states. Its technology infrastructure, particularly at the point of purchase, was reaching the end of its lifecycle. Periodic unresolved technical issues were harming sales and communications integration between the head office and retail stores was problematic. Glitches in existing software were causing inconsistencies and, because changes to the system were not regularly documented, it was taking an inordinate amount of time to identify, locate and rectify each technological issue. The ability to minimise staff frustrations and sales losses was paramount. Customers were deciding not to purchase items because EFTPOS was not working or because Kookai's systems were down and all transactions had to be manually keyed in - a time-consuming and labourious process.

The Solution

ZyNet first created network documentation for all Kookai retail stores and its head office to develop a comprehensive understanding of the company's technology situation. It then identified and recommended solutions to problems that could be readily resolved. Following these quick fixes, the company implemented an overall technology plan incorporating hardware, software and services to successfully meet the company's expanding infrastructure needs. Working in close consultation with Kookai's director and general manager, ZyNet raised several security concerns - and ultimately replaced outdated and unsupported technology. ZyNet's experts project managed the process, overseeing all external vendors associated with the company's communications.

The Results

Over 12 months, a detailed project plan was successfully implemented across all stores and Kookai's head office. Problems that could be immediately rectified were, with ZyNet eventually replacing all back-end and server infrastructure. ZyNet's understanding of critical business factors and its strict adherence to a structured process enabled minimal downtime, allowing Kookai to keep its core technology running as needed throughout the entire project. Because its computer system no longer experiences unexpected glitches during store hours, sales have increased and errors from manual inputting have decreased substantially. ZyNet continues to provide assistance to Kookai via a maintenance agreement, which includes a change management system detailing all technology problems and corrections made.