Skillfast-UK is the Sector Skills Council for apparel, footwear, textiles and related businesses. As a Sector Skills Council, Skillsfast-UK exists to help employers to compete in a global market, by ensuring access to a skilled workforce, capable of delivering added-value products and services. With strong links into the sector’s employers, Skillfast-UK can help offer ways to involve them in curriculum development and design.
BACKGROUND
Skillfast-UK underwent a significant expansion in a limited period requiring a move to larger premises and requested SICL to fully project manage the relocation. Moving premises is a complicated task to achieve whilst minimising the effect on the company’s ability to operate. SICL was approached to assist in the planning and implementation of the phone system, IT system, structured cabling, electrical provision, moving of equipment and furniture, support and voice and data communications infrastructure.
APPROACH
Based on the results of a system analysis, SICL made a recommendation to improve the overall system performance including network re-design and server upgrade. This allowed traffic to traverse the Local Area Network at higher speeds and added extra capacity for additional users.The cabling and electrical work took place over two key phases. The first phase installing under floor cable runs for voice, data and power. The second phase commenced involving the final placing of floor ports, completion of all power works, and the installation and commissioning of the server room.
SICL also provided Project Management of all resources involved in the project (electrical and voice cabling, data and comms links, SICL technical resource, third party suppliers). This included regular contact with the Skillfast Project Manager to keep all parties informed of progress and to ensure smooth completion of works within agreed deadlines.
RESULTS
Due to SICL’s methodical planning and effective Project Management Skillfast-UK experienced minimal disruption to the business and since the move has experienced major effeciencies in its IT systems. SICL is now contracted as the Helpdesk and system support provider for Skillfast and enjoy a strategic partnership.