By Insight UK / 2 Jul 2019
Bassadone Automotive Group (BAG) is a multi-franchise pan-european vehicle distributor, including brands Toyota and Honda, based in Gibraltar with a workforce of close to 300.
Systech is the BAG company which provides computer hardware, network solutions, developers and IT support to the entire Group. BAG are in the process of moving all their various Gibraltar operations under one roof to an extensive new facility inside what was previously an MOD Naval Dockyard. Challenging times for the entire Group but especially for Systech who have enlisted the help of Insight to take on the task.
While BAG’s Gibraltar location is enviable with its warm climate and stunning views, Gibraltar is a small business community with a limited choice of suppliers.
As a result, Systech (the network systems arm of BAG), has traditionally worked with vendors in the UK. However, previous suppliers have not offered the strategic partnership approach that Systech and BAG were looking for.BAG were also experiencing challenges in their purchasing process. Having to send requests to multiple IT suppliers for information and pricing caused long purchasing cycles.
Systech and BAG wanted a trusted partner it could rely on, not only for products but for advice and guidance on IT strategy.
One such area involved ordering stock. Kitting out a new warehouse in a listed building is a complex undertaking with unpredictable timelines. Systech didn’t have this luxury, with the new building requiring a completely new network solution that would enable them to connect to the HQ network. The task was further complicated by the fact that when BAG ordered products, vendors wanted to ship immediately, before BAG were in a position to install them.
With nowhere to hold the stock until its warehouse was ready, BAG looked for storage locally. But unlike the UK, storage facilities are difficult to come by in Gibraltar and can be expensive.
The team at BAG needed an expert solution to manage its stock as it prepared the new headquarters.
BAG was dissatisfied with the price and service its current suppliers were providing, so when Insight offered BAG a better pricing arrangement than the competition and a plethora of expertise, a new partnership was established.
With pricing in place, Insight looked for a solution to resolve the challenges BAG was having with the storage of its IT equipment prior to the opening of its new premises. Saving BAG 100% of the potential storage costs they would have incurred with the alternative solution.
Insight provided a stock bonding and holding service for BAG’s Sophos firewalls, Dell switches and more in its Sheffield distribution centre. Insight held the kit until BAG were ready to install, meaning that the company could get its new premises up and running and ready for the employees to connect to the network.
Insight then looked at ways to help BAG manage its purchasing. Previously, staff had been searching a range of suppliers for key products which was time consuming and costly. Insight introduced BAG to its e-commerce platform.
BAG set up a portfolio on the e-commerce platform of products it regularly orders. Not having to single source products freed up staff time and provided a solution for all BAG’s technology requirements. This method of purchasing, enabled BAG to realise significant reductions in time spent purchasing IT equipment.
To help BAG build a headquarters fit for the future, Insight worked with Sophos on a site survey to ensure secure, reliable and compliant wireless coverage, and ensure a network solution to promote smarter working.
