28 01732 759725 CLOUD the skill and understanding behind Node4’s Azure Expert MSP status really became apparent. “We also got access to Nexus, Node4’s online self-service portal for managing Microsoft licences, together with complimentary licensing and Azure optimisation reviews. It simplifies the process of adding or removing licences.” Exploring opportunities with AI Oadby Plastics and Node4 are now in early-stage discussions about how AI and emerging technologies could support the business, with a focus on identifying appropriate use cases and understanding how the technology could complement its existing systems, processes and people. “We’re interested in understanding where AI could genuinely add value to the business,” says Dan. “There are potentially a number of areas where it could help us improve efficiency, support our employees and enable people to spend more time on higher value work. We see a lot of potential in AI, but it’s important we identify the right opportunities and make sure anything we pursue delivers genuine value. We’re looking forward to seeing where those conversations with Node4 take us.” Reliable communications Since moving to Webex Calling, Oadby Plastics has gained a far more reliable communications platform and benefited from enhanced functionality. “Our Webex reporting indicates a call-performance figure of approximately 99. I can’t remember the last time we experienced any downtime or dropped calls. The reliability has been excellent. These days, support tickets are mainly questions and queries rather than issues or systems going down,” he says. “Voicemails can be configured quickly. We’re also looking into new knowledge and an obvious desire to help our business succeed.” Modernising communications Node4 arrived at the two companies’ first meeting intending to demonstrate Microsoft Teams Calling. As the conversation progressed it became clear that Webex Calling was better suited to Oadby Plastics’ business, so the MSP team adapted the demonstration on the spot, giving a clear overview of both options. Oadby Plastics liked what it saw and Node4 subsequently migrated the company from its on‑premises Cisco platform to Webex Calling supported by Node4’s tailored Silver Collaboration Support package, which provides system support from 8 am to 6 pm. This transfers day-to-day platform support to Node4 while giving Oadby Plastics a consistent group of collaboration specialists to contact. “I’m no longer directly managing the phone system,” says Dan. “The wider team can administer it without needing me to get involved on a day-to-day basis. It’s great for me and a sign of how well the new system runs.” Simplifying Microsoft cloud management The success of that project gave Dan and his team the confidence to appoint Node4 as the company’s Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) for Microsoft 365 and Azure, extending their partnership to Microsoft cloud management. “Cost was a big part of the decision,” explains Dan. “But so was Node4’s focus on cloud innovation. Rather than looking at how we were consuming cloud at that moment in time, Node4 brought trained specialists into the conversation and offered advice on how we could improve our usage and what services we might wish to add further down the line. That’s when Oadby Plastics is one of the UK’s leading independent plastics suppliers and machinists. Founded in 1969, the family-run group operates nine UK sites, employs 280 people and supplies materials, components and machining services to customers in sectors ranging from engineering and manufacturing to food, packaging and signage. About two years ago, it decided to move away from its legacy communications estate. “Our on-premises Cisco Call Manager had been in place for around eight years and was approaching end of life,” explains Oadby Plastics IT Manager Daniel Johnson. “System management tasks were difficult, with the team required to work with ageing onpremises hardware. Plus, we were not getting the levels of service we expected from our incumbent supplier. We would only hear from our account manager or contact them when something went wrong.” Following a recommendation from a nearby customer, Dan and his team got in touch with Node4. “We’d only ever worked with one supplier, a household name, so the endorsement was important. It made the move to Node4 feel less like a risk and more like a good business decision. From the outset, our Node4 account team proved themselves to be responsive and professional with deep technical After modernising Oadby Plastics’ telephony and slashing its cloud spend, Node4 is helping the company prepare for AI Evolution not revolution Daniel Johnson
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