New Network Creation

Revolutionizing Facility Management: The Power of a Private Network

The Problem

Are you tired of relying on your IT department to manage your network? Do you find yourself spending too much time trying to fix network issues or waiting for IT to respond? Does your critical equipment suffer from communication issues caused by IT updates and security scans? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may benefit from a private facilities network from PTI.

The Customer

The head of facilities is responsible for monitoring equipment and executing responses when there is an issue. However, having to work through the IT department often creates roadblocks that prevent them from doing their job effectively.

The Solution

We propose creating a completely separate network for the facilities team only. This private, secure network would be solely controlled by the facilities team, helping to prevent any monitoring failures for their critical equipment.

The Process

Step 1 – Qualifying

To begin, we’ll work with you to determine your monitoring needs. Do you currently have monitoring in place? Are you satisfied with your current monitoring system, or would you like to switch to a new one? If you want to switch, we can provide monitoring software systems as part of the installation process.

Step 2 – Begin Build

After finalizing which building monitoring system you will utilize, we will create the monitoring environment by building dashboards, connecting equipment, setting up alarms, and more. Do you need a server to host the software? If so, we will provide one. We’ll also help you determine how many network switches you need and which cellular provider is the most reliable in your area. Do you have or need a laptop to access the monitoring software? Do you require any additional monitoring hardware, such as comm cards, protocol converters, or environmental monitoring hardware?

We also recommend utilizing RLE Technologies for their secure environmental monitoring devices, which are connected through network lines. For example, wireless temperature sensors are already encrypted and function more like a radio signal than a wireless signal.

Step 3 – On-Site Installation

The on-site installation is a multi-phase project that involves setting up servers, switches, laptops, and cellular networks. New network lines may need to be run, which can be completed by your cable electrical providers or by our team as part of our scope of work. We always recommend using the electrical group that is familiar with your facility for projects like this. During the installation, we’ll create a cable management matrix and deliver a step-by-step VPN tutorial for your facilities team.

The installation process includes three phases:

Phase 1

Set up servers, switches, laptops, and cellular networks.

Phase 2

Verify that all IPs are communicating. If not, another visit will be required.

Phase 3

Set up facility monitoring hardware and add it to the network monitoring software. We’ll reconfigure the software to monitor your equipment in the way that you prefer, such as setting up alerts, alarm thresholds, and emails. We’ll also work with you to determine what you want to see on your dashboards, what category of alarms each piece of hardware requires, and if there is an escalation phase once an alarm happens

ROI

By implementing a private network, you can save time and reduce lost production that facility directors experience when trying to manage their network. It also frees up IT time from working on daily requests and issues. Plus, the added layer of security separates facilities equipment from the IT equipment and removes it from the main network.

Enhanced Security for Your Corporate Network 

Our private network provides a heightened level of security by completely separating all equipment from the corporate network, eliminating the need for VPNs that could potentially expose your company to hacks.