What The Future
Client overview
WhatTheFuture are specialists in 3D printing and industrial fabrication processes, headquartered in Amsterdam. Their work incorporates the design and deployment of custom machinery solutions, Programmable Logic Controllers and IP networks. Part of their role is ensuring robust automation whilst remotely managing the fabrication tooling when required. Their success has led to deployments in countries outside of the Netherlands. As a result, constant connectivity and remote management are of critical importance.
The challenge
With multiple remote sites being deployed due to WTF’s success, a solution was required which would allow the Amsterdam headquarters to remotely access and manage the deployed production lines around the world. There were several hurdles to overcome in designing and recommending a remote management solution, including:
An existing but fragile, legacy VPN infrastructure which could not scale.
Remote Management systems already installed by, but solely for the use of, third parties (e.g. the PLC manufacturers). These would have to remain available in parallel to a new system dedicated for WTF staff.
Managing ‘boots on the ground’ and availability of staff at the remote locations. The on-site WTF engineers were not networking experts, and only occasionally at the sites. As a result, preparations and planning to ensure ‘right-first-time’ roll-out of any equipment they were asked to install was critical.
Preparations and planning to ensure the new solution was secure, and only accessible by the WhatTheFuture team.
Our solution
The solution was reached after evaluating various viable methodologies, whilst considering cost requirements and technical constraints. Part of the challenge revolved around the machines needing remote management lived in the middle of a factory floor. The area to connect into machines also had tight space constraints to work around.
At DebenTech we are fond of MikroTik hardware for its cost-to-performance and feature ratio, so this vendor’s hardware formed a core part of the solution. Plus, WTF already had some existing relations and familiarity with MikroTik. The deployment was rolled out in stages, with an experimental deployment at the HQ. This was successively copy-pasted to the remote locations. We utilised a high-bandwidth low-latency technology called WireGuard to secure and tunnel the traffic, delivering an excellent experience across the world.
The outcome
Today, WTF have a remote management fabric they can trust to work when needed. Slight additions and enhancements have been made since the initial deployment, all easily facilitated at minimal cost with regards to downtime. In the following months, DebenTech was called upon to manage a variety of aspects with regards to routing and switching within the WTF network. We’re proud of the service delivered, and pleased with the feedback from the MD, shown below.
Interested in how we can assist you in remote site management? Reach out to us via our contact form to open a discussion.
“We have been very happy with the service from DebenTech. They have facilitated implementation of an improved technical support system across our factories in multiple countries by setting up a dedicated machine VPN. They saved us a lot of time and helped monitor and troubleshoot the system when needed. Their service is clear and fast. I can definitely recommend them for your IT needs!”