The system didn't lock files. Architects kept overwriting each other's designs.
A hybrid Montana architecture firm kept losing design work to file conflicts and had no visibility into offshored IT. We moved them to one cloud suite with local support.
A Montana architecture firm with a hybrid team collaborating on design files from the office and remotely.
Architecture
Managed IT, Cloud Migration, Security Tools, Dedicated Account Management
A Montana architecture firm with a hybrid team needed its people to collaborate on designs from anywhere. Instead, their setup kept getting in the way. Files weren't locking during collaborative editing, so architects overwrote each other's changes and redid work.
Their IT support was offshore and distant, and changes happened without warning. The firm wanted technology that let a hybrid team work together without file conflicts, and support they could actually see and talk to.
Before
The Challenge
The file locking failure was the most visible problem. When the system didn't lock a file during collaborative editing, changes were overwritten and design work had to be done twice. That meant lost billable hours and frustrated architects.
Support made it worse. With offshored, distant technical support, the firm had poor visibility into its own tools and into what changes were being made. Changes weren't communicated, so staff ran into unexpected interruptions that delayed projects. When the firm did get recommendations, they were often overkill, adding complexity without fixing the core problems or improving security.
Leadership set four goals: let remote staff collaborate on projects without file conflicts or delays, get clear communication about any IT changes or maintenance, strengthen protection of client data and internal systems with remote access in the mix, and gain real visibility and control over their technology and support.
After
The Results
Remote staff can now collaborate on projects from anywhere in Montana and beyond, without file conflicts.
The firm has a full understanding of its security and technology infrastructure, through transparent communication with its dedicated account manager and our Montana-based support team.
Client data and systems are protected, reducing the firm's risk.
Architects spend their time on design instead of technology problems, and the firm has a scalable, secure digital office that can grow with it.
The Solution
We started by compiling a detailed list of requirements, working through the firm's workflows and how the team used its design software, so our recommendations fit how the firm actually works instead of adding complexity.
From there, we moved the firm onto a unified cloud collaboration suite that brought their design software together with email, file sharing, and chat, with file locking that holds up during collaborative design work. We migrated their local software and project files to the new secure cloud environment with minimal disruption to active projects.
We implemented a set of security tools to protect the firm's systems, network, and client data in the new environment. We also assigned a dedicated account manager, so the firm has one point of contact, continuous communication, and clear visibility into its tools and support. Our Montana-based technicians provide responsive support and ongoing training.
Alongside the migration, we worked with the team to streamline their collaboration workflows and trained them on the new processes.
Designs were being overwritten, and nobody at the firm could see what their IT support was changing.
Something here raise a question about your own setup?
Thirty minutes, no slide deck. If you're in decent shape we'll tell you that.
Schedule a call