Client
Century 21 Wilson Pride Noble Park is a Melbourne-based real estate agency deeply embedded within its community, specialising in property around Noble Park and all surrounding suburbs. The agency prides itself on a profound understanding of the local property market, cultivated through over 90 years of combined real estate experience among its team members.
Background
Century 21 was facing numerous IT challenges that hampered their operations, primarily in landlord and tenant services, which make up 80% of their business. Recognising the need for an upgrade, especially in their outdated phone systems, Century 21 sought a reliable IT partner.
After a recommendation from a fellow real estate agency, they reached out to Steadfast Solutions for their proven track record in delivering efficient IT solutions.
Challenges
Century 21 was dealing with a number of IT-related challenges that were disrupting their daily operations and client interactions – crucial for their real estate business. These challenges included:
- Slow and outdated computer systems that caused inefficiencies and information bottlenecks.
- Frequent dropouts and unreliability in their phone system, severely impacting communications and client service.
- Lack of endpoint protection, backup system, and overall security measures, posing potential vulnerabilities.
- Poor performance of cloud-based terminal servers, impacting data accessibility and daily productivity.
- Unreliable internet connectivity caused periods of blackouts that lasted up to four days at a time.
- Dependence on an outdated server-based infrastructure limited flexibility and accessibility.
- Inconsistent and unsecured file storage complicated data management and retrieval, frustrating employees and slowing internal processes.
Solutions
Steadfast Solutions proposed and implemented a comprehensive overhaul of Century 21’s IT infrastructure, addressing each challenge with targeted solutions.
Transition to Microsoft 365:
- Implemented a comprehensive shift to Microsoft 365, integrating SharePoint and Teams for enhanced collaboration and file management.
- Established role-based access and automated setup processes for new user accounts, ensuring seamless integration and security within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Cloud-Based Communication System:
- Deployed a Microsoft Teams Phone system to replace outdated telephony, offering a unified communication platform for voice, video, and chat.
- Enabled direct dialling for employees, improving client interaction and service responsiveness, with system configurations allowing for easy scalability and management.
Workstation Upgrades:
- Standardised hardware specifications and replaced obsolete computers with modern, high-performance devices to boost productivity.
- Utilised Microsoft AutoPilot for streamlined deployment and configuration of new devices, ensuring consistent user experiences and reducing IT overhead for setups.
Enhanced Security Measures:
- Instituted multi-layered security protocols including endpoint protection, email security, and web filtering to safeguard against cyber threats.
- Implemented comprehensive data backup solutions and DLP policies, enhancing data integrity and compliance with industry standards.
Internet Connection Upgrade:
- Transitioned to a reliable business-grade internet service with stringent SLAs to ensure uninterrupted connectivity, critical for cloud-based operations.
- Conducted infrastructure assessments and enhancements, including cabling and hardware setups, to support the high-speed, stable internet connection essential for modern real estate transactions.
Results
The IT overhaul has collectively underscored a significant leap in Century 21’s operational capabilities, directly addressing the challenges that once hindered their performance; in particular, they have not suffered any Internet dropouts or blackouts since the Internet upgrade.
Century 21 now effectively manages calls across different locations, ensuring uninterrupted service to their clients. The new cloud-based setup provides a more stable, scalable, and secure foundation for their business activities, enhancing remote working options, improving client communications, and diligently protecting data and systems.
Overall, the project has positioned Century 21 for sustained success, with an IT infrastructure that supports their current needs and is scalable as they prepare for future business growth and technology adoptions.
Future
Moving forward, Century 21’s partnership with Steadfast Solutions is poised to evolve, focusing on leveraging emerging technologies and adapting to changing market dynamics.
Steadfast Solutions will continue to provide ongoing monitoring, support, and proactive maintenance to keep Century 21’s IT environment secure and scalable. This includes regular reviews and updates to security protocols, system optimisations, and the introduction of new tools and features as they become relevant to the real estate industry.
Moreover, as Century 21 expands its operations or adjusts its business model, Steadfast Solutions will ensure the IT infrastructure can support these changes seamlessly. This enduring partnership is built on a foundation of trust, communication, and a shared commitment to future growth.
“Steadfast is great. I know that if I need something urgently, I can call them and they’ll reply back instantly. I know them by name, it’s a good relationship, with that personal touch between [our] teams.
“I think their availability is what sets them apart. I know that if I make a phone call, I don’t go to voicemail. I get through to someone and I think their record keeping system is pretty impressive, because I can speak to one guy today and speak to somebody else half an hour later, and they know what’s going on.”
