www.managedITmag.co.uk 29 CLOUD much easier for the team and me, and the transparency of a single bill is great, too. It fits with the company’s aim of working with a core group of trusted suppliers,” he says. Dan adds: “Our Node4 team is always looking ahead. I’ve already mentioned AI, but we’re also in early stage talks about strengthening our IT security. That’s likely to be a mix of automated penetration testing and a managed 24/7 Security Operations Centre. If adopted, that 24/7 protection will help us further protect against cyberattacks, which must be any IT manager’s greatest fear.” In conclusion, Dan says: “Starting with Webex allowed us to test everything from support and account management to billing, migration and networks. Once we saw how Node4 performed across all those areas, we knew they were the partner we wanted to work with across our Microsoft environments, explore potential AI opportunities together and revisit our cybersecurity strategy.” www.node4.co.uk everything completed within minutes. We can now add or remove licences whenever we need to. It’s far easier and far less frustrating than dealing with third parties.” The Node4 difference That said, Dan emphasises that the difference between Node4 and other IT suppliers is not just a question of technology. “I’d have to say it comes down to our fantastic account manager. Rather than waiting until there is a problem, they, and the wider Node4 team, maintain regular contact through monthly calls, workshops and emails. Those conversations have helped us identify future opportunities across cloud optimisation, AI and security. And, when we do raise a ticket, we seem to get the same person each time, so there’s real continuity within the business. “That connection is important and has helped to build a solid, long-term relationship on both sides. Having Webex and Azure managed by one company is so features, such as call listening, which will support sales training.” Cloud savings and easier management In the meantime, Oadby Plastics is enjoying measurable financial returns from the ongoing optimisation of its Microsoft 365 and Azure environments, as well as greater control over day‑to‑day licensing. “We’re probably saving around £7,000 each year in licensing costs,” says Dan. “Node4’s cloud optimisation reviews have also identified other potential Azure savings, with ongoing work expected to deliver a further monthly saving.” He adds that self-serve through Nexus is a great improvement on the old process under which licence changes had to be requested by email through an intermediary and could be delayed when the relevant contact was unavailable. “Nexus self-serve puts control back in our hands. Recently, I needed to add five Exchange Online licences. I simply logged in, selected the licences and had Reducing lead exposure HJ Enthoven reduces risk of workplace lead exposure with PPE-compatible headsets HJ Enthoven, the UK’s leading recycler of lead-acid batteries and producer of refined lead and alloys, has successfully implemented a bespoke communications solution designed to protect workers from lead exposure at its Matlock recycling facility. The solution was developed in collaboration with automated communications specialists ANT Telecom and Safer Hearing, a specialist in hearing protection and communication headsets used in hazardous environments. The 28 custom designed and developed headsets, fully integrated with HJ Enthoven’s DECT communications system, will enable maintenance staff to communicate clearly without needing to remove or adjust personal protective equipment (PPE), thus reducing their exposure to lead. Workers in areas where airborne lead particles may be present are required to wear PPE, including visors and respiratory protection, to minimise exposure to lead dust. In practice, employees often chose to lift or remove their visors to make or receive telephone calls on DECT handsets spread across the site and/or to speak to colleagues, exposing them to contaminated air. Lead exposure remains a significant workplace health concern particularly in industries such as smelting, recycling and battery manufacturing. According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), more than 5,000 workers in Great Britain are currently under medical surveillance for lead exposure. Carly Henman of HJ Enthoven said: “Communication is essential for our teams, but we realised that the simple act of taking a phone call could mean people lifting their visors and potentially exposing themselves to lead particles in the air. We didn’t want to accept that as unavoidable. By working closely with ANT Telecom and Safer Hearing, we were able to find a practical solution that allows our teams to communicate without compromising their PPE.” Since implementation, HJ Enthoven has observed a notable reduction in blood lead levels among its maintenance staff. It is now looking to extend PPE-compatible communication solutions to other operational areas. www.anttelecom.co.uk
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