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Case Study
Pretty Little Thing
Network security and resilience solutions for logistics & manufacturing
Overview
MLR was selected as the ideal partner to deliver the IT Network for Boohoo Group’s Pretty Little Thing’s Warehouse Automation Programme.
In response to its growing portfolio and increasing supply chain pressures, Pretty Little Thing (PLT) embarked on an initiative to retrofit its 500,000 sq ft distribution centre in Sheffield with state-of-the-art automation from SSI Shaefer for inbound, storage, order processing, sortation and distribution.
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Network solutions for a global leader in e-commerce
Network solutions for a global leader in e-commerce
One of the most searched-for fashion brands, Pretty Little Thing operates websites in multiple countries offering affordable, trendy clothing aimed at Gen Z women. A specialist IT network partner was required to design and deliver the new network for its major automation project.
The client had four main requirements for the project.
1. Solution Design for Automation.
1. Solution Design for Automation.
Understand the requirements of the automation provider and translate them into network specification that would deliver the required performance and resilience. Be capable of implementing the solution to the milestones set out in the programme.
2. Network Security & Performance.
Deliver a secure zero-trust network model in tandem with any legacy systems Ensure the performance of the large number of handheld IoT devices wirelessly at the edge to deliver operational efficiency and productivity across the site.
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Network solutions for a global leader in e-commerce
One of the most searched-for fashion brands, Pretty Little Thing operates websites in multiple countries offering affordable, trendy clothing aimed at Gen Z women. A specialist IT network partner was required to design and deliver the new network for its major automation project.
The client had four main requirements for the project.
Network solutions for a global leader in e-commerce
3. Monitoring, Management & Visibility.
Provide a simple way to maintain and troubleshoot the network without the difficulties posed by traditional Command Line Interface managed devices. The whole network needed to automatically detect and even resolve issues without human intervention.
4. Maintain Current Operations.
To further complicate matters, any new network had to be rolled out during the live operation of the facility. Network coverage needed to be maintained for operations in production areas of the warehouse while implementing new networks in the new automated area and upgrading others.
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MLR Chosen for Proven Delivery in Complex Built Environments
MLR Chosen for Proven Delivery in Complex Built Environments
MLR was selected as the network partner as we had demonstrated an understanding of the client business and the facets of the relationship with the 3PL and the automation provider.
MLR also had a proven track record of delivering to expectations in similar use cases in the built environment and had experience of working directly with other contractors such as construction companies and automation specialists acting as facilitator for the many parties involved.
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“We have excellent relationships with all people in the organisation from engineers to C-level. MLR can respond to immediate pressure and they are the right-sized organisation to respond agilely to requests. I’d go as far as saying that MLR go beyond the partner model to become an extension of the team.”
Connor Watson, PLT Infrastructure and Networking Lead
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Delivering a Design and Plan that would Work
Delivering a Design and Plan that would Work
MLR was the design and consultancy lead for the IT Network project in collaboration with the other on-site teams including the third-party logistics company, GXO (Formerly Clipper), the facilities company, the main contractor and SSI Shaefer.
To start, the project was planned in detail to ensure that MLR could deliver to meet the operational requirements of PLT’s warehouse and the milestones of the automation installation.
MLR had to interpret the requirements of the automation system and then translate these into a design that would offer the levels of performance, security, and resilience necessary. MLR worked with multiple stakeholders including Clipper (GXO), the main contractor and SSI Shaeffer acting as a facilitator navigating multiple cultures and languages. At times managing the sometimes-conflicting priorities of the stakeholders. Ultimately translating the client’s desired outcomes into the required technical deliverables which was challenging and required MLR to deploy the latest network technology.
Adding to the complexity of the project, the facility was still fully operational as the project was rolled out. So, the network programme needed to be designed to support the legacy network whilst simultaneously deploying the new network for the automation and new operational functions. Ensuring both networks operated concurrently was no mean feat.
The Test of Peak Period
The Test of Peak Period
The real test was how the network would perform at peak. The client completed its peak weekend flawlessly – where the load was at its maximum. Even with hundreds of handheld devices and large amounts of critical data traversing the system, there were no issues related to the network. This enabled the client to navigate its busy period without needing to concern itself with the network which performed as expected.
The MLR network solution provided Boohoo with the visibility and control to manage all network devices benefitting from shortened deployment cycles. and greater agility as conditions change and opportunities arise. The Boohoo team can now manage security with policy-based automation, complete visibility and control, and assurance across all network areas.