Energy management systems manufacturer Elstat has deployed an MPLS virtual private network from TFM Networks to manage its China manufacturing base and support its global sales expansion.

The Preston-based manufacturer, which is an approved supplier to Coca-Cola, opened a production line in China in order to satisfy growing global demand. The company selected IT specialist Netdec to set up an IT and comms network infrastructure to support its global sales, production and logistics operations.

Netdec opted for an MPLS network from TFM Networks, to provide a fast and reliable VPN from Elstat's Preston headquarters to its manufacturing base in China. The MPLS network is used to process orders, track production and communicate with staff. Transactions can now be more easily and accurately monitored, and manufacturing productivity has increased.

The MPLS connection is always up, enabling staff worldwide to access applications when they need them, and for staff in the UK to monitor production in real time. The network also runs IP-based CCTV, for effective monitoring of site security in China.

Kevin Patterson, technical director at Netdec said: "Network reliability was a crucial factor for Elstat, to ensure an efficient manufacturing process and avoid any delays in processing, handling and dispatching customer orders. Staff in China need secure real-time access to the UK customer database, and TFM's MPLS network gives Elstat the security and resilience it needs to ensure business continuity at all times."

Elstat faced a specific challenge in setting up an Internet-based VPN into China, whose Internet monitoring policies do not allow for the secure transfer of encrypted files. The MPLS VPN from TFM overcomes this issue, allowing staff in China secure access to the customer database and other files and applications.

Netdec, via TFM's Swyx partnership, has also deployed an IP telephony solution utilising the Swyx feature set. It runs over the MPLS network and connects Elstat's UK offices with its manufacturing base in China and sales locations in Atlanta and Hong Kong, creating an international IP-based phone network.

Brett Rowe, sales and marketing director at TFM Networks added: "The VoIP network provides free calling between offices for Elstat's 100-strong workforce. Customer and company conference calls are now conducted over Swyx, which is saving the company an estimated £36,000 a year in telephony costs, having switched from BT. A compelling business case in any language."

Elstat is currently looking to further expand its overseas operations and to set up a software development base in South Africa. A key benefit of TFM's MPLS network is that it has the flexibility to connect with other UK, European and global carriers, giving Elstat a scalable network solution to meet its evolving business requirements.

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