Advance Network Solution to Taco Inc.

Taco, Inc., turns to CBE Technologies and Cisco for advanced network solution

Business Challenge

Leading HVAC manufacturer Taco, Inc., had an antiquated phone system that didn’t meet the company’s communication needs or provide Enhanced 911 (E911) capabilities required of all large manufacturing companies. Further, maintenance costs were spiraling out of control and the system was difficult to configure and manage.

“Our old system was coming to end of life and we wanted a better solution,” says Dennis Rachiele, Sr. Network Administrator, Taco, Inc. “Even simple things like moves, adds and changes were becoming difficult. It was time for a change.” After evaluating several providers, Taco selected CBE Technologies, New England’s leading unified communications and managed IT services provider. The Cisco premier certified partner with approximately 250 employees working in the company’s five sales and service offices throughout the Northeast offered the expertise Taco required.

“We’d worked with CBE on a few projects prior and had always had great results,” says Rachiele. “And we knew we wanted to use Cisco throughout. Once CBE put together the best solution for us, we were ready to go.”

Unified Communications Solution

CBE Technologies began the implementation in December 2006 by installing Cisco Unified Communications Manager. The advanced, integrated call-processing solution empowers employees to interact more efficiently with customers, partners, and suppliers, improving responsiveness and productivity.

CBE Technologies also implemented a Cisco Wireless Solution — complete with wireless access points and controllers — that empowers employees to securely connect with people and resources anywhere, anytime, using virtually any mobile device.

Finally, CBE improved Taco’s emergency preparedness by installing the Cisco Emergency Responder solution. Coupled with Cisco Unified Communications Manager, this advanced solution surpasses dynamic tracks user and phone locations for advanced emergency 911 safety and security.

Business Results

Following a smooth implementation and transition, Rachiele says the CBE-deployed Cisco solution has lowered Taco’s administration costs by 40 percent, is more flexible, and enables the company to better support its customers

Beyond easier administration, Rachiele says Taco is taking advantage of features such as four-digit dialing between locations, Cisco Emergency Responder for enhanced 911 functionality, and have plans to deploy Berbee Informacast paging system.

Taco is using its Cisco wireless solution to facilitate bar code scanners, directly improving efficiencies throughout its facilities. And Rachiele says the company soon will take advantage of wireless voice, which will provide further cost savings.

“We’ve equipped our forklifts with wireless PCs and Bluetooth scanners to read product bar codes throughout our warehouse facilities,” says Rachiele. “This significantly reduces time and overhead. Additionally, the solution positions us for dual-mode cell phones that will allow us to use the network for calls, significantly reducing mobile costs.”

Finally, Taco is now equipped with E911 capabilities, which means a safer, compliant work environment for all of its facilities. Rachiele says he’s pleased with CBE Technologies and Cisco, and plans to continue the relationship going forward.

“I recommend CBE and Cisco 100 percent,” says Rachiele. “They’ve been professional from project scope through completion, and I still turn to CBE for support when needed. Now we’ve got the solution and the partners to accomplish our goals.”