AST Networks, a business unit of the AST Group, has successfully installed a Philips system at Delta EMD in Nelspruit. Delta EMD is a leading supplier of electrolytic manganese dioxide.
On the foundation of a SOPHO iS3030 PABX, AST Networks has installed a DECT system with 38 `C922` phone sets and eight base stations, which will be increased to 29 in the near future.
According to Hannes de Villiers, Senior Technician at AST Networks, the Philips design is definitely superior to most other models on the market in its ability to stand up to lightning and this has been one of the great success factors of the installation in Nelspruit.
"The old system at Delta was completely outdated and had major problems with spares and after-sales service. Also, the performance of the technology was way below par and a lightning storm 20km away would knock out the system," explains John Butler, Information Systems Manager of Delta EMD.
Delta`s particular needs make DECT a natural solution. The area of the factory is more than 2km^2 and the nature of the business is that everybody must be in communication with each other at all times. According to Butler, the Philips DECT system has been fundamental in increasing productivity at the plant.
"Our ability to communicate with one another has improved productivity to such an extent that we hope to increase the use of DECT substantially over the next year. We will be installing at least 20 more base stations and will be ensuring that more people get phones in order to be in continuous communication with the rest of the organisation," said Butler.
The control and management system that has been installed with the new technology has enabled Delta to cut the phone costs by a staggering 50%. "This has represented a significant saving to the bottom line and has also resulted in a reduction in time spent on the phone. So not only have we saved money, but we have increased productivity at the same time," said Butler.
"There are many good products on the market today and there is no doubt that Philips is one of the leading technologies in the world. But a leading technology without an outstanding service is worth nothing and AST Networks has provided us with excellent service," concludes Butler.
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In just three years the AST Group has established itself as one of the leading information and communication technology (ICT) companies on the JSE Securities Exchange. Its consistent creation of value for shareholders, clients and employees has resulted in a steady increase in monthly revenue to the R100 million plus mark.
AST is now the fourth largest South African IT company by market capitalisation, and is one of the top three in terms of physical infrastructure (mainframes, servers, desktops, and networks under management) and geographical footprint with over 62 physical locations. Counting almost 90% of the top 100 JSE-listed companies among its clients, the AST Group services mostly large corporate and government clients, but is increasingly offering services to rapidly evolving small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
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