Ctek Tool & Machine
Industry: Machining & Millwork
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Industrial strength
Ctek Tool & Machine Co. has been serving industry since 1993. As the Cincinnati-based company started winning more domestic and international business, it became apparent that its phone system and technology approach was not keeping up. Ctek called in the experts at PRO OnCall for help in selecting more flexible systems. Along the way, it opted for a ‘Small Office Network Analysis’ to determine the status of its information technology and internal management practices.
More opportunities
With sales expanding across time zones, Ctek lacked the means to handle calls after normal business hours. Its phone system could not easily accommodate even a basic Auto Attendant, which meant calls went unanswered. During peak business hours callers often encountered busy signals, and it was a challenge for customers to track down the Ctek person they needed. Lacking voice mail, callers could not leave important messages. Exploring IT, PRO OnCall’s Small Office Network Analysis identified several problems − servers being used as workstations, out-of-date virus definitions, inconsistent password and network policies, and the absence of procedures for testing the restoration of data backups. Any of these deficiencies could have hurt relationships with customers and slowed the company’s growth.
Gearing up
To help Ctek keep pace, PRO OnCall installed a Toshiba CIX40 digital phone system that included auto attendant, voice mail, and call recording. Now, Ctek can manage incoming calls anytime, from anywhere in the world. To increase application performance, PRO OnCall installed a Dell OptiPlex to act as a dedicated server and domain controller, which allowed for better administration with passwords, access privileges, and overall information management. It also eliminated risks of users’ accidental keyboard errors that could have wiped out important files. Underperforming workstations received memory upgrades, avoiding unnecessary capital expense for new systems while still gaining greater efficiency and speed through the upgrade. PRO OnCall also updated Ctek’s anti-virus software and ensured that all its systems had the most current operating patches and updates. The data backup system was validated, updated, and tested for its ability to restore critical client-related files without error and was paired with procedures to ensure data backup over multiple drives and physical locations on a rotation basis.
On a roll
Like many small companies, Ctek focused on growing its business and eventually found that its voice and IT environment could not keep up. Recognizing that it needed a new phone system to take advantage of global opportunities, Ctek also understood the value of having a thorough technology analysis performed by PRO OnCall since communications do not stop with the voice systems. With PRO OnCall remedies prescribed and implemented, Ctek now has a solid, secure IT environment that is fully capable of supporting the company’s continued growth. And by opting for PRO OnCall’s predictably priced IT Partnership Support Service, Ctek has a trusted technology partner keeping its IT environment finely tuned and up to date.