AlphaGraphics

Running a business and facing deadlines is a challenge in any field, but the pressures of retail are, well, special. The AlphaGraphics Network is a leading provider of print-related and digital publishing services for businesses worldwide. When they needed to move one of their top locations in downtown Minneapolis to a larger space in the Skyway system, they couldn’t afford to miss a beat. They called The Foundation to help make their technology move.

“The moment we knew when we would be moving, I called The Foundation. I knew they were the right group of people to partner with on this aspect of our relocation and I wasn’t disappointed,” – Blaine Mattson, Operating Partner and President of AlphaGraphics Twin Cities.

AlphaGraphics relies heavily on an infrastructure of networked computers and printers in addition to traditional offset and bindery capabilities. Add tying their network to partner branches, and a simple move looks more like a major endeavor. The Foundation was there early in the planning stages to break down the components of the move into manageable steps that could be scheduled and coordinated with move dates, communication vendors, product ordering and service overlap.

The move began with establishing a new high-speed Internet connection and network infrastructure in the new space. Virtual Private Network (VPN) links were also established with another branch. By carefully choreographing redundant hardware and new Internet service, and some clever programming of network devices, the new network was ready to serve the onslaught of computers, printers and users on moving day.

Other pre-planning for the move included the installation and configuration of a new Apple Xserve, a backup device, an UPS and a server rack. To ease the chaos of moving day, The Foundation set up the new server in the old space. It was integrated into operations in a familiar environment, and moved as part of existing operations to the new space. On moving day, the techs rolled the rack through the skyway to the new location and plugged it in. Cool.

Of course even the best planning needs to be executed on move day. Several techs from The Foundation arrived at the new space early Saturday morning with a tightly scripted plan and checklist for each workstation; to turn a mountain of monitors, computers, keyboards, mice, peripherals, printers etc. back into the print and publishing wonder that is AlphaGraphics-only better.

“When I arrived at the new space Saturday morning, I anticipated at least two days worth of work, but was delighted when Eric [Olson], and his team, were checking out with me that afternoon. Had we taken this project on ourselves it would have taken much longer, plus they brought a wealth of experience for troubleshooting routine setup issues. The Foundation continues to impress me.” – Blaine Mattson