Sasol Synthetic Fuels has recently awarded PQ Networks, the networking division of PQ Africa, a multi-million rand contract, whereby the company will install an extensive networking system throughout the petro-chemical plant in Secunda.
The network, to be built on Cisco technology will significantly simplify the networking environment at Sasol. Sasol looked to PQ Networks to provide a new world class, network architecture, as their existing IT infrastructure, although valid for existing applications, could not support the deployment of their future new business applications.
PQ Networks was awarded the contract for a number of reasons.
Firstly the solution they proposed guarantee the integration of a number of separately existing networks, including the process control production network, the IT network and the voice network, thus saving time and increasing productivity.
Secondly, by combining the network into one environment, Sasol benefited from multiple savings.
Thirdly, Sasol realised the benefit of working with one organisation that formed part of a bigger company, PQ Africa, giving them access to more skills and expertise.
Johan La Grange head of Information Management at Sasol Synthetic Fuels cites the following reasons for appointing PQ Networks, "We were offered the benefit of consolidating our existing networks in Secunda into one environment.
Geographically the plant covers an area of 21 square kilometres and has an IT user base of approximately 3 500 people.
"The solution that PQ Networks has provided us with will not only increase productivity, but will also make maintenance and service easier, when, at later phases, we have all our work-stations on one network."
PQ Networks performed a business needs analysis of the existing IT infrastructure and environment, mapping the technology to meet Sasol`s business needs. Simultaneously, PQ Chem (the PQ Africa division responsible for delivering IT to SASOL) did a full network performance analysis on the existing network.
The results of this exercise served as input and a benchmark to the new design. Thereafter, a new architectural network blueprint was developed that met all the business requirements and took cognisance of the current and future performance criteria.
PQ Networks was then awarded the contract to implement the design and architecture of the suggested network infrastructure.
Johan La Grange goes on to say, "The blueprint that PQ Network`s provided us with, Sasol felt confident about the future networking infrastructure to be implemented by the company, thus enhancing our faith in the existing partnership we have with the PQ Africa group."
"We are in the fortunate position of being able to handpick the subsidiary best suited to accommodate our business needs, in this instance it was PQ Networks."
PQ Chem will also be offering on-site support, as the IT infrastructure is mission critical, and an on-site engineer is to be appointed accordingly, catering for 80% of all eventualities.
The other 20% of eventualities can be escalated to the 15 back-up CCIE`s (certified Cisco engineers).
"PQ Networks is pleased to be associated with Sasol on a project of this scale, deploying a world class converged network architecture from which Sasol can derive the benefits of plant wide business and systems integration with a view to enhancing productivity and efficiencies," comments Peter Dixon, technical director of PQ Networks.
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