Overview
Oxford Instruments is a global leader in providing high-performance instrumentation and systems for industries ranging from electronics manufacturing to research and development. They are renowned for innovations in fields like X-ray technology and electron microscopy, and their global presence spans multiple manufacturing plants and facilities.
CLIENT
Oxford Instruments
SERVICES
Intranet Integration, SharePoint Consolidation, Custom Workflow Development, Communication Optimisation
PRODUCTS
Microsoft SharePoint, Cloud Hosting, Custom Dashboard Solutions
INDUSTRY
Electronics Manufacturing & Industrial Automation
The Challenge
Oxford Instruments faced a common issue as they expanded their operations and acquired new companies worldwide: the complexity of their internal connectivity and SharePoint management. With a growing number of sites, their IT department was increasingly swamped with requests for internal website management, SharePoint modifications, and general IT support.
The main challenges included:
Fragmented Communication & Data Management
Multiple systems with inconsistent user experience and scattered data, creating confusion and inefficiencies across teams.
Internal IT Resource Limitations
The IT team was overwhelmed with support requests and lacked the necessary expertise to handle SharePoint modifications or custom development.
Lack of Project Tracking
No centralised platform for tracking projects or sharing updates, resulting in inefficiencies and delayed decision-making.
Inconsistent User Experience Across Locations
Employees in different locations faced difficulty accessing shared resources, creating silos and impeding collaboration.
Limited Scalability
The existing setup was not flexible enough to accommodate business growth or evolving needs, hindering expansion and efficiency.
Manual Processes & Lack of Automation
Repetitive tasks were being done manually, leading to inefficiencies and wasted time without the benefit of automation.
The Solution
Target Integration was brought in to provide a tailored solution that would help Oxford Instruments improve their internal connectivity, streamline their SharePoint management, and enhance the sharing of information across the organisation.
Our team worked closely with Oxford Instruments to design and implement the following solutions:
Design and Implementation
The solution for Oxford Instruments was delivered through a structured, phased approach, ensuring smooth integration and addressing their complex requirements:
Discovery Phase: We began by conducting in-depth discovery sessions to understand the challenges of managing multiple SharePoint sites, the internal communication hurdles, and the specific IT limitations the company was facing.
Security Architecture: Designed a unified platform to streamline the communication and collaboration between global offices and departments, which included:
– Custom SharePoint Development: We integrated the disparate SharePoint sites into a central, easier-to-manage environment.
– Intranet Consolidation: We streamlined Oxford Instruments’ internal communication through a unified platform that could handle both company-wide news and project updates.
– Remote Access: Ensured that employees in different locations could access resources without barriers, promoting seamless global collaboration.
- Antivirus Protection: We suggested Avast Antivirus licenses for all laptops and PCs to safeguard devices from cyber threats.
Custom Logic Development: Implemented custom workflows for specific needs, such as document management and project tracking, ensuring compliance with internal and external standards.
Cloud Hosting & Integration: The intranet system was hosted on a secure cloud platform to ensure smooth access for all employees, with built-in security and scalability for future growth.
Spotlight Features
A key achievement of the project was the development of a centralised intranet and communication platform for Oxford Instruments, addressing their key pain points and providing:
- Streamlined SharePoint Sites: Consolidated multiple SharePoint instances into a single, unified interface for better collaboration.
- Project & Communication Centralisation: Integrated real-time updates, document sharing, and internal news on one platform.
- Easy-to-Access Global Network: Made internal resources accessible to all locations, ensuring ease of use and operational efficiency.
- Scalability & Flexibility: Built to scale as Oxford Instruments continues to grow and acquire new companies globally.
The benefits
After the successful implementation of the unified intranet system, Oxford Instruments experienced significant improvements across multiple aspects:
Improved Internal Communication: The new system created a cohesive communication network, ensuring easy and immediate access to project updates and company-wide news.
Enhanced Collaboration: Employees across different regions could now collaborate seamlessly on projects and access shared resources.
Reduced IT Support Burden: By simplifying SharePoint management and processes, we reduced the pressure on their IT team, freeing them to focus on more critical tasks.
Scalable and Future-Ready: The platform is designed to scale as Oxford Instruments continues to expand its global presence.
Better Resource Management: Streamlined access to data and improved resource management, contributing to operational efficiency.
Result
Target Integration successfully provided Oxford Instruments with a custom-built intranet solution that streamlined internal communication, simplified SharePoint management, and improved collaboration across their global operations. The result is a more efficient, scalable, and user-friendly system that allows Oxford Instruments to focus on growth and innovation, while maintaining seamless connectivity across all locations.
