Case Study: Implementing a Microsoft 365 Cloud Office Environment / Chuou-Densetsu Inc.

広報
Oct 3, 2022
4 min read

Client Overview

Chuou-Densetsu Inc.

Established in 1956, Chuo-Densetsu has over 65 years of experience in the design, construction, maintenance, inspection and investigation of electrical and telecommunications facilities. Their primary focus is on public infrastructure such as railroads (mainly Tokyo Metro), schools, and buildings.

Construction Division, Deputy Director: Mr. Nakae

Q: Why did you decide to consult with THT?

We had previously entrusted our internal IT environment to a long-time vendor familiar with computers.

However, the spread of COVID-19 required us to shift to remote work. While we provided laptops to all employees, it quickly became clear that we also needed to rethink wide range of operational processes including how we share and manage files not just device setup.

At the time, we weren't sure where the problems lay or how to begin addressing them. With limited understanding of current IT trends, we didn't even know who to consult. That's when we were introduced to Tokyo Preservation communication (Hereinafter THT), and the relationship began.

Q: What challenges were you facing?

The first major issue was that only one person who was not even an in-house employee was familiar with our internal systems.

THT immediately took the initiative to coordinate with our existing IT vendor and began assessing our internal network structure and data storage setup.

It soon became clear that because our file server was located on-premises, both data access and application processing speeds were extremely slow.

On one particularly hot night, the server even went down completely.

We had grown so accustomed to this outdated system that we hadn't fully realized how much it was impacting our operational efficiency until THT helped us recognize the problem.

In addition, as we were preparing to rebuild our Kawaguchi Warehouse and transition it into the new Kawaguchi Techno Station, we were also exploring ways to remotely monitor the Construction Department office from our Otsuka Head Office.

Kawaguchi Techno Station

Q: How did you resolve these issues?

First, we decided to migrate all files stored on each employee's computer and on-premises servers to the cloud.

We implemented Microsoft 365 to unify the information-sharing process between the head office and Kawaguchi warehouse.

We also introduced Microsoft Teams, creating groups for each department and roles to facilitate seamless communication.

Second, a dedicated network camera was installed at the Kawaguchi warehouse. By separating the camera's installation location from the data storage site, we ensured that footage remains securely stored on the server even if the camera itself is damaged. This setup allows us to monitor the warehouse remotely from the head office, eliminating the need for frequent phone calls to check on the situation.

Q: Was the cloud migration smooth?

The biggest challenge was organizing files during the migration to the cloud.

Because our network was quite weak, the migration process took longer than expected.

We also faced the risk of losing files during the transfer, but with THT's support, we were able to avoid any data loss.

Another bottleneck was the insufficient performance of the computers provided to employees.

THT suggested upgrading the hard disk drives (HDDs) to solid-state drives (SSDs), which allowed us to resolve the issue at a low cost.

Q: How do you feel after starting to use the system?

First of all, the speed and efficiency of all computer-based tasks have improved dramatically.

This includes everything from application startup and file access to overall work efficiency and communication.

Instead of sending Excel files as email attachments, we can now collaborate on documents online and communicate via chat.

With the introduction of Teams, group chats have become the norm, making internal communication much smoother.

File exchanges with our Vietnam branch, which were previously done by email, are now stress-free.

Teams has also enabled us to check attendance and work schedules online.

In the past, employees had to come to the office and write their schedules on a whiteboard, but now I no longer need to call night-shift workers to confirm their schedules.

Schedule coordination between locations has become surprisingly smooth as well.

The network cameras not only enhance security but also allow us to monitor the Kawaguchi Warehouse in real-time from the head office, making it easy to know the whereabouts of staff members we need to contact.

Q: How do you plan to operate it going forward?

We are now motivated to explore and try out the various features of Teams.

Just having this motivation is a breakthrough for our company.

We aim to use the system to visualize construction progress and further improve work efficiency. However, we believe it is first important for our employees to become more comfortable and familiar with the system.

Q: Please tell us about your future plans and expectations for THT.

We must develop new strengths to adapt to the increasing diversity and rapid changes in society.

Our company has expertise in electrical equipment and communication technology, but since technological innovation in IT advances quickly, we plan to promote digital transformation (DX) with the support of THT.

Q: Finally, could you please help promote THT to those reading this article?

By sharing our business strategy with THT, they propose IT solutions tailored to our needs. With the safety, security, and stability they have built through maintenance and operations, THT equips us with new tools to strengthen our company.

We look forward to their continued support.