Transputec started working with the Woodland Trust in November 2020 with an ambitious target to stabilise and transform their entire ICT infrastructure. Our goal was to reduce operating inefficiencies and enhance collaboration and communications technology to support their increasingly agile way of working. In short, they required an IT co-support partner to work with them to plan and roll out a multifaceted digital transformation strategy. Delivering this amid a global pandemic, certainly added to the challenge but one year on, in partnership with The Woodland Trust, we have reviewed the changes to see if our targets were met.
Target 1: Migrate to M365
The decision was made to migrate from the current on-premise Exchange 2016 to Exchange Online (Microsoft 365). We took a hybrid migration approach, leveraging the on-premise Exchange 2016 environment to facilitate a robust and reliable migration process. The Transputec Migration Team then worked with The Woodland Trust’s IT Team to fully implement M365, giving way for a new suite of modern and flexible resources.
“Migrating to Exchange Online has supported the Woodland Trust on its cloud migration journey, simplifying our infrastructure and removing the risks associated with running older versions of Exchange on prem. We now have a consistent and reliable email experience for all staff in the organisation, and a platform which is extensive for the future.” Kathryn Downs, Chief Information Officer, The Woodland Trust
Target 2: Mobile Device Management
Our combined goal was to introduce Enterprise Mobility Management technology to the Woodland Trust to provide secure access to business apps on the go. We leveraged leading-edge enterprise management technology via Microsoft Endpoint Manager to implement Mobile Device Management on corporate IoS and android devices. We then configured and packaged applications, tested, piloted, and deployed MDM across the organisation.
“The move to Microsoft Endpoint Manager has helped The Woodland Trust drive more value from its investment in the Office365 suite, reducing our total operating costs, while also providing a much more consistent, supportable and easier to administer platform for managing our mobile devices.” Kathryn Downs, Chief Information Officer, The Woodland Trust
Target 3: Deploy New Computers Remotely
Using enterprise management technology of Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune), we successfully deployed new laptops to over 300 remote users, including physical delivery to users – even in the
snow! The use of MS Intune simplified the process for a fast turnaround of new devices and subsequent updates.
“The Woodland Trust has staff based all over the UK, many of whom work from home or satellite offices. Microsoft Endpoint Manager has been instrumental in simplifying the process of supplying devices to both existing staff and new starters, without the need for them to commute into our Head Office to collect equipment. This has improved the experience for new members of staff and supported our further shift to remote/home-working.” Kathryn Downs, Chief Information Officer, The Woodland Trust
A year on, and with much improved IT infrastructure and technologies in place, The Woodland Trust are in an ideal position to continue to maximise and mature their consumption and adoption of technologies, to strengthen their operations and support a new way of working. As with any digital transformation project, there isn’t an end date but it’s an evolutionary journey and we continue to work with The Woodland Trust to improve customer engagement, user experience and collaboration – nationwide.
The Woodland Trust’s vision is to see a UK rich in native woods and trees and we are proud to be working in partnership with them to enable their hardworking employees to do just that.
Get in touch to discuss working with us to design and deliver your tailored digital transformation strategy.
