Unlocking Potential: How Kimbley IT Transformed Zappshelter's Workflow.

Zappshelter is a company that designs and constructs permanent and temporary storage solutions. They specialise in utilising the space between existing structures like shipping containers or pre-cast concrete blocks to create covered structures. These structures protect materials and people from the elements, making them particularly useful for businesses in the construction, waste, and aggregates industries. Before engaging with Kimbley IT, Zappshelter faced several IT challenges that hampered its operational efficiency and growth. These challenges can be categorised as follows:

TLDR:

• What challenges was Zappshelter facing with its IT systems before partnering with Kimbley IT?

  Zappshelter encountered several IT issues, primarily stemming from their use of Microsoft Office 365. These included syncing issues, security concerns, and conflicting file copies across devices. They also struggled with managing multiple storage solutions like Dropbox and OneDrive, leading to a fragmented and inefficient workflow.

• Why did Zappshelter choose to work with Kimbley IT?

  Kimbley IT offered a comprehensive solution to Zappshelter's IT woes, moving them away from Microsoft Office 365 to Google Workspace. Kimbley provided the expertise to navigate this transition smoothly, answering questions promptly and offering ongoing support. Zappshelter also appreciated Kimbley's personal approach, finding their team friendly, approachable, and responsive to their specific needs as a small, agile business.

• How did Google Workspace improve collaboration and file sharing within Zappshelter's sales team?

  Google Workspace resolved Zappshelter's file syncing and storage issues, providing a single, secure platform for all team members to access and collaborate on documents. Features like Google Meet enabled seamless communication and virtual meetings, particularly crucial during the pandemic when remote work became essential.

• What benefits did Zappshelter experience beyond just the technical solutions?

  Beyond resolving their technical issues, Kimbley IT empowered Zappshelter's team to become more confident and efficient in their use of technology. They provided ongoing training and support, helping the team discover and leverage advanced features within Google Workspace and other integrated systems, like their CRM. This proactive approach allowed Zappshelter to maximise their IT investment and streamline their workflows.

Initial Challenges:

• Difficulties with Microsoft Office 365: Zappshelter initially used Microsoft Office 365 but encountered various problems. The company first addressed these problems internally to avoid IT support costs. Managing Director Craig Michel often took on the troubleshooting responsibilities despite not being an IT expert. They later engaged another IT support company but found them unhelpful in resolving the persistent issues with Office 365, ultimately leading to frustration and loss of productivity.

• Conflicting Copies of Local Files: The sales team, led by Sales Director Jake Michel, encountered significant file syncing and storage challenges, resulting in conflicting copies of local files, which created confusion, hindered collaboration, and reduced overall team efficiency.

• Security Concerns: Zappshelter recognised that their data security measures were inadequate and posed a potential risk to their sensitive business information and client data.

The Kimbley IT Solution:

Kimbley IT provided a comprehensive IT solution encompassing several key elements to address the various IT challenges faced by Zappshelter:

• Migration to Google Workspace: Recognising the limitations of Microsoft Office 365 for Zappshelter's specific needs, Kimbley IT facilitated a smooth transition to Google Workspace. This platform proved to be a more appropriate solution, offering a suite of collaborative tools and improved functionality.

• Expertise and Support: Kimbley IT provided Zappshelter with continuous expert guidance and support, beginning with the initial migration process and extending beyond the implementation phase. They were readily available to answer questions, troubleshoot issues, and offer proactive advice on optimising Google Workspace. This constant availability and quick response time proved invaluable for Zappshelter.

• Integration with Existing Systems: Kimbley IT ensured the seamless integration of Google Workspace with Zappshelter's pre-existing systems, including their CRM, eliminating data silos and facilitating smoother workflows.

• Improved Security: The adoption of Google Workspace significantly enhanced Zappshelter's data security. Providing peace of mind, allowing team members like Calvin Michel, the Head of Creative, to confidently explore the system's features without fear of data loss. Additionally, Kimbley IT implemented robust data backup protocols, ensuring multiple backups throughout the day.

Positive Impacts of the Partnership:

The partnership between Zappshelter and Kimbley IT yielded several positive outcomes, significantly improving various aspects of the company's operations:

• Increased Efficiency: The new IT infrastructure provided by Google Workspace and supported by Kimbley IT enabled employees to work more efficiently. Both in-office and remote work scenarios, with tools like Google Meet facilitating seamless communication and collaboration. Letting team members access files and continue working from any device, ensuring business continuity.

• Enhanced Collaboration: Google Workspace's collaborative tools fostered a more cohesive and productive work environment. The sales team, in particular, benefited from improved file sharing and real-time collaboration features, leading to better communication and streamlined workflows.

• Freed-up Management Time: With Kimbley IT managing their IT needs, Craig Michel gained valuable time to focus on strategic business matters. He was no longer burdened with IT troubleshooting, allowing him to dedicate his time and expertise to more critical areas.

• Improved Security and Peace of Mind: The enhanced security measures implemented by Kimbley IT, including robust data backup systems, instilled confidence in Zappshelter's team. They felt assured knowing their data was secure and protected.

Conclusion:

The case study demonstrates that the strategic partnership between Zappshelter and Kimbley IT has been highly successful. By addressing Zappshelter's specific IT needs and challenges, Kimbley IT facilitated a digital transformation that increased efficiency, enhanced collaboration, improved security, and freed up management time. Zappshelter has highly valued the personal service, speed of response, and technical expertise offered by Kimbley IT. This case exemplifies the importance of choosing the right IT partner to support business growth and unlock the full potential of technology.