An online MeissnerUPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) has become the power lifeline for British American Tobacco South Africa`s (BATSA`s) local offices in Stellenbosch. This UPS is aided by additional Meissner models in supplying power to strategic regional BAT branches.
Riedwaan Daniels, technical services manager at BAT SA, explains that the UPS unit in Stellenbosch is a 55kVA model. "We run a centralised operation from our Stellenbosch branch, and due to the SAP system being the driving force behind our business we also have that located here.
"Each branch accesses the SAP applications that resides in the main server, which naturally highlights the need for a continued, clean stream of power. We opted for an online model because it not only provides us with 45 minutes of backup power, but also ensures that the computer room is protected from spikes and surges, in other words functioning on 100 percent clean power."
Daniels says, the Stellenbosch office also has a generator linked to the UPS, which ensures continual power, even after the 45-minute battery backup, if the municipal power is not restored within that timeframe. "If we take the Port Elizabeth branch as an example, we realise the importance of our main computer system. PE is the communication hub that allows East London staff to access the SAP system in Stellenbosch, thus if PE goes down it will effect the operations of two branches," he says.
Daniels explains that he would typically safeguard mainly servers and networking equipment at more remote branches with 3- or 5kVA units. "At times we would also link a UPS to a key workstation, but this is not the norm."
Mike Kersten, MD of Meissner Power Systems, is of the opinion that service plays a major role in satisfying clients such as BAT. "Maintenance is crucial in environments such as that of British American Tobacco as they run a high-speed operation that demands 100 percent uptime during office hours. With our nation-wide network of engineers we are able to deliver support even to remote locations."
Daniels considers Meissner a stable product. "I believe if a system is maintained it will function at optimum level, and the Meissner products have not proved me wrong."
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