When Kisch moved to larger premises, a new network had to be installed. Because handheld devices are used in the warehouse, the wifi network had to provide full coverage anytime, anywhere. To make that happen, PQR recommended, provided and manages a secure network based on HPE Aruba and Fortinet.
New premises
After 48 years at a relatively old location within Amsterdam, Kisch was ready for the next step. Jeremy Parsser, CFO and co-owner at J. Kisch and Sons: “We faced more and more logistical challenges with freight transportation. We also started a new label for sit-stand spaces in 2017: Office by Kisch. This is a growing business and because we supply large projects, we needed more storage space. When we found a nice spacious building on Dukdalfweg, we decided to move.”
The collaboration with PQR
Jeremy Parsser engaged PQR to set up and manage the network and workstations. Jeroen Geurtsen, Senior Technical Sales Consultant at PQR, began working on a design for the network after a site visit. “Since Kisch uses handhelds for order picking, coverage had to be perfect everywhere. The warehouse is 9 meters high, so hanging the access points from the ceiling as is usually done was not convenient. In addition, the building has a steel construction and the warehouse racks are also steel. So it’s basically one big Faraday cage. We hung the access points about 3 meters high and they were positioned so that they radiated between the racks. The result: 100% coverage, high speed, and the network is further expandable should the need arise in the future.”
The new network of Kisch
PQR advised, supplied and implemented Kisch’s network. An HPE Aruba InstantOn network with PoE switches and Wi-Fi 6 access points was chosen. A Fortinet SD-WAN solution consisting of a FortiGate firewall and FortiExtender LTE modem provide a redundant Internet connection in combination with a KPN fiber and KPN 4G LTE connection. The entire environment is managed by PQR.
Jeroen Geurtsen: “Kisch’s ERP and warehouse management applications run in the cloud, so a stable connection to the Internet is essential. Therefore, in addition to fiber optics, we have an additional 4G mobile data connection that acts as a backup. This is controlled via the FortiExtender and activated when the fiber connection is unavailable. To prevent Kisch from using too much data in the process and running out of the so-called ‘fair use policy,’ we have set up the firewall so that when using the 4G connection, only business-critical applications can connect to the Internet.”
Experiences
Jeremy Parsser: “We have been working with PQR for a long time and again this project went very well, both in terms of technology and guidance and communication from PQR. We were on a hard deadline and PQR made sure everything was running as needed when we moved into the new building. A great example of the fine cooperation is that PQR connected directly with the electrician to install the wifi access points. That’s a pretty technical story anyway, so we as customers don’t need to be in the middle of that. The Aruba system ensures a seamless connection when you switch from one accespoint to another with your handheld.
It is also nice to note that PQR keeps raising the bar when it comes to customer service, for example. If there is an issue at all that is quickly addressed and if it is necessary then someone comes to us to solve it. Contact is smooth and when we call everyone knows who we are.
Nothing but compliments for the team at PQR. The cooperation is fine, communication is good and everything was delivered neatly as agreed. I honestly can’t think of anything that didn’t go well, so we are very satisfied with the project.”
About J. Kisch & Sons
Kisch has been the wholesaler for furniture hardware for 126 years. From its warehouse in Amsterdam, it supplies more than 8,000 professionals in the woodworking industry. At Kisch, the customer is always the focus and providing the best service is deeply rooted in the Kisch DNA. The motto: The client focuses on the project, Kisch focuses in consultation on picking the products that will help make the project shine.