Otsuka Pharmaceutical Network and Audio Visual Design and Implementation Project

When Otsuka Pharmaceutical Europe Ltd decided to consolidate their UK sites and relocate to a central European regional office, they turned to trusted services partner Krome Technologies to plan, manage and implement the complete re-design of their entire networking and AV infrastructure

The Otsuka Group was founded in 1921 as a manufacturer of chemical compounds in the Japanese city of Naruto. Following rapid overseas expansion into major global territories, Otsuka has evolved into an established global healthcare business, with an international network of 158 companies operating in 25 countries and regions and providing both pharmaceutical and consumer products, as well as, funding research programmes all over the world.

New European Headquarters

Otsuka had made the decision to relocate to bigger premises; consolidating their regional European office in Uxbridge and UK operations in Stockley Park to one central location. Otsuka approached their trusted IT service provider Krome Technologies to provide assistance evaluating suitable sites, as well as plan a new networking infrastructure and leading edge AV solution, to be implemented alongside the relocation of Otsuka’s hardware estate.

Comprehensive Implementation Strategy

Krome set to work developing a comprehensive implementation and relocation strategy, designed to minimise downtime and ensure little or no impact on European operations or on Otsuka employees throughout the course of the project. Following an initial review of architectural floor plans, each of the rooms was carefully mapped ahead of the upgrade; the position of everything from the patching frames to connect each of the three storeys to the purpose built server room, to the location of network points on each wall was planned in advance; with every aspect of the new layout considered and all eventualities covered, before work could begin.

Installation

The ‘first fix’ phase was scheduled to take place three months in advance of the launch of the European regional office; and with the implementation of the networking and AV infrastructure to coincide with structural building works, it was imperative that the project schedule be executed with absolute precision.

Following the successful completion of Otsuka’s AV infrastructure, Krome moved on to the ‘second fix’; the implementation of production services at the new Thames Valley offices. This included a purpose built server room designed by Krome along with an inline cooling solution, networked ‘intelligent’ APC Power Distribution Units (PDUs) and the storage infrastructure was completed with the installation of 14 Dell Power over Ethernet (PoE) 48 port switches connected to the patching frames, with copper and fibre cables and new Dell core switches linking the entire Otsuka network.

With Otsuka’s data successfully transitioned, Krome turned their attention to cabling mobile phone signal boosters and installing Otsuka’s Wi-Fi infrastructure; positioning access points and data outlets, based on heat maps and CAD drawings produced by Krome and Otsuka during initial planning stages.

Phase two was finally completed with the installation of internal CCTV, utilising high definition AXIS dome cameras, along with the implementation of Milestone software; a sophisticated browser based surveillance application for the management of CCTV footage, and a dedicated Dell NAS device to store recorded images.

On completion of the building works, final fix stages were initiated ahead of the scheduled relocation date. This included the installation of screens, speakers and assorted desk and wall-mounted AMX Novara ControlPads in each of the meeting and training rooms, with the functionality to control both light and temperature.

Otsuka’s comprehensive AV solution was combined with projectors, drop down screens, 46 and 55-inch Samsung LED commercial displays, and a 110-inch video wall and management console, installed in the new reception area for the administration of all video screens situated in various locations throughout the building.

On Time and On Budget

Staff finished work on the Friday and arrived at their new site on the Monday morning, with everything in position and fully operational. The launch of the new Otsuka European regional office proved a resounding success, and despite some challenges along the way, the project completed on time and on budget, with minimal impact to the business.

Facilitating Plans for Future Growth

“With the new networking and AV infrastructure at our European regional office, staff can now work more efficiently, with high grade, high quality tech based solutions that enhance productivity and innovation, and minimise IT support requirements, so our team can focus on future projects and plans for our evolving infrastructure. Krome were instrumental to the overall success and positive perception of the project across the business. Throughout the process Krome proved an invaluable partner; meeting all of our requirements and more. They continue to exceed our expectations.” IT Director, Otsuka Group.

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