Case Study
Abzorb delivered a unified connectivity & security solution that provides Howarth Timber with seamless and secure network access across every location all managed via a centralised dashboard.
Howarth Timber Group is the UK's leading independent timber company, operating branches and several manufacturing facilities nationwide.
To support its growing business, the company required a modern networking and security solution that would improve resilience, strengthen security, reduce costs and provide the flexibility to connect new locations quickly.
Opportunities for Improvement
Howarth Timber's existing MPLS network had become increasingly restrictive. Site and remote users required separate configurations, all internet traffic was routed through the company's data centre, and adding new locations relied on costly leased lines with lengthy installation times
Having already partnered with Abzorb for Hosted VoIP services, Howarth Timber approached their account manager to explore a more flexible and cost-effective alternative.
Following a detailed network and infrastructure assessment, Abzorb recommended migrating to a solution based on a Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) architecture and installing a cloud-based security product.
The Solution
Abzorb delivered a unified connectivity & security solution that provides Howarth Timber with seamless & secure network access across every location all managed via a centralised dashboard.
Design process
Initially, Abzorb conducted a network and infrastructure assessment to understand Howarth Timber’s existing network structure. This allowed our team to identify areas of improvement and enabled them to scope out and propose an alternative, more cost-effective, and future-proof solution.
Secure connectivity
By maximising the use of cost-effective and scalable connectivity services in place of multiple existing expensive leased lines, Abzorb delivered a high-performance, replacement network solution that reduced infrastructure costs without compromising connectivity or reliability.
Our team designed SD-WAN connectivity with a primary and redundancy connections to provide unified connectivity across all of Howarth Timber’s sites.
Protection against cyber threats
To protect users against malware, malicious websites, and data loss before threats reach the Howarth Timber network, all activity is managed and monitored centrally. Internet traffic passes through a multi-device security solution before access to the network is granted.
Howarth Timber’s IT team can apply consistent security policies across all sites while enabling employees to work securely from branch locations, head office, or remotely. The result is a more resilient, scalable network that supports flexible working without compromising security.
The final solution delivers managed next generation firewall capability, offering enhanced threat detection and mitigation capabilities, while offering more robust protection against evolving cyber threats.
Howarth Timber has been a valued client for many years, so when we heard that they required a modern and value driven approach to connectivity, we were keen to support them.
Working closely with their team, we assessed their existing network infrastructure, operational requirements and future growth plans. Based on this, we designed a future-ready connectivity solution that strengthened their network infrastructure and introduced cloud-based security to provide enhanced protection against evolving cyber threats.
The solution we delivered combined SD-WAN connectivity with integrated cloud security in a single solution. This delivers reliable, secure connectivity across the business while providing the resilience and scalability needed to support Howarth Timber's continued growth and future expansion.”
Dean Al-Sened
Head of Public Sector and Enterprise
Abzorb
Benefits
Improved resilience
Moving from a legacy MPLS solution to a more resilient, flexible and future-proofedS D-WAN solution has enabled Howarth Timber to migrate to multi-site connectivity that can be managed remotely in one place.
Unlike MPLS, SD-WAN enables organisations to use multiple connectivity providers, improving resilience while reducing dependency on a single carrier. The installation of an SD-WAN allows Howarth Timber to select from a wider selection of carriers.
Reduced operating costs
Opting for an SD-WAN delivers significant cost savings as circuits are a cheaper alternative to a leased line. It is also quicker to install and onboard low-cost connectivity rather than a leased line, ensuring that Howarth Timber is well placed for future site expansion.
Strengthened cyber security
We transformed Howarth Timber's security, delivering cloud-based protection that helps keep users secure on any device, and from any location. This is the ideal solution for safeguarding and supporting remote working environments.
Simplified management
Both solutions are managed by a dedicated Abzorb Account Manager, providing a single point of contact for all support needs. As Howarth Timber's existing voice services were already managed by Abzorb, the new solution was integrated into their existing invoice, avoiding unnecessary admin.
Faster site deployments
SD-WAN provides Howarth Timber with a more flexible and resilient connectivity platform. As Howarth Timber continues to grow, new sites can be connected to the network quickly without the delays and extra costs associated with leased line installations. Abzorb's in-house bespoke network design enables new locations to be seamlessly integrated into the existing SD-WAN architecture, providing a scalable solution that supports future expansion and faster site deployment with minimal disruption.
The Future
Improved resilience
Howarth Timber now has a scalable networking platform capable of supporting new sites and remote working.
New sites can be connected rapidly using a range of connectivity solutions, providing the business with the flexibility to scale as needed. This removes the reliance on traditional connectivity methods, creating a secure, future-ready infrastructure.
The whole project, from signing the contract to handover took 8 months. Abzorb worked closely with our team throughout the project, providing regular communication and a seamless migration.
The new installed SD-WAN and cloud security platform have not only reduced our operating costs but also given us the confidence that our network is ready to support future growth. We now have a secure, reliable infrastructure with theflexibility to connect new locations quickly and efficiently as our business continues to expand."
Howarth Timber
