We take pride in offering tailored IT solutions for businesses across Birmingham. Our partnership with The Chameleon, a popular entertainment venue in the heart of Birmingham, presented us with a complex but rewarding challenge.
The Chameleon approached us seeking to review their IT infrastructure, which had suffered from occasional hardware malfunctions, slow operating systems, and integration issues with their point-of-sale (POS) devices and finance applications. Below is an outline of the services we delivered.
Hardware investigations
One of our tasks was a full hardware investigation, starting with a thorough diagnostic of their systems. We conducted stress tests on processors and memory diagnostics and analysed network bottlenecks. Based on our findings, we recommended upgrading several components, including swapping out less efficient hard drives with solid-state drives (SSDs), replacing ageing network switches, and upgrading their central server to a more reliable model with enhanced multi-core processing and redundant power supplies.
Operating system optimisation
The venue systems were running Windows versions, which required optimising and security enhancements to protect against vulnerabilities. We upgraded the relevant machines to the latest versions of Windows, ensuring proper system configurations for enhanced performance. The upgrade process involved cleaning the systems of unnecessary startup software, tweaking registry settings for faster boot times, and ensuring all drivers were up to date. We also enabled automated updates for security patches to keep systems optimised and secure.
Backup and recovery solutions
Data loss was a significant concern for The Chameleon, especially with sensitive financial and customer data at risk. We implemented a robust backup and disaster recovery plan involving setting up a hybrid backup solution, ensuring daily incremental backups of all critical data and weekly full system backups. In case of system failure, a fast recovery option was set in place using snapshots of their virtual machines, ensuring minimal downtime, if any.
POS devices and financial applications
The Chameleon was experiencing connectivity issues between POS systems and financial applications. After investigating, we found that outdated software drivers and misconfigured network settings were the cause. We updated the relevant firmware, reconfigured the IP allocation for the devices, and integrated with their accounting software, providing seamless data transfer and reducing transaction errors due to TCP/IP package loss. We also optimised the system to handle peak hours without lag, ensuring that payment processing remained smooth even during busy periods.
Supply chain and inventory management
As a venue with a high turnover of goods, The Chameleon needed their inventory and supply chain systems integrated into their IT infrastructure. We integrated their ordering systems with suppliers, allowing for real-time tracking of stock levels and automatic reordering when supplies were low. This automated workflow has streamlined their supply chain management, ensuring smooth operation and efficient stock turnover.
Through our comprehensive approach, The Chameleon now enjoys a fast, reliable, and secure IT environment that seamlessly supports its business operations.