Customer Stories

Graphic Packaging International

Date : 7/1/2010
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Through rapid merger and acquisition activities, we faced the challenges of setting up an IT infrastructure to bring together several different business systems and applications. We put our trust in Dell Services, and they have exceeded expectations by integrating applications, delivering an integrated IT infrastructure and consolidating multiple data centers — all on-time and within budget.

— Joe Pekala, vice president and chief information officer, Graphic Packaging International, United States

Challenge
The extensive merger and acquisition (M&A) activities that built Graphics Packaging International (GPI) into an industry leader also left them with diverse IT challenges. As with any M&A activities, the complexity of reconciling and standardizing back-office systems was monumental.

Firewalls, load balancers, proxy servers, internet access and demilitarized zones (DMZs) all had to be consolidated so that both companies could have unobstructed access to one another over a common network infrastructure. GPI knew that without careful planning, well-honed expertise and focused execution, these technology projects could easily fail which would put business continuity at risk, cut into the bottom line and jeopardize customer service.

GPI turned to our company for assistance so it could continue focusing on its core business and serving its clients while outsourcing noncore functions to a trusted IT provider with deep industry and business domain expertise. To assist GPI in achieving real business results, our team brought a proven skill set, along with a combination of M&A knowledge, technology-based solutions and transparency into the true cost of IT operations.
Solution

Dell, working collaboratively with Graphic Packaging International (GPI), provided experienced industry consultants and skilled IT professionals who recommended and then implemented strategies and tactics to achieve GPI’s business goals. Using proven processes and procedures, our team focused initially on a nine-month transition/migration program with three primary goals:

  • Establish a robust IT infrastructure for GPI at our Plano Technology Center (PTC)
  • Implement world-class processes and procedures
  • Integrate information networks, the Active Directory and the messaging environments
Benefits
Given the criticality of keeping the GPI business running — and running profitably — our solution set focused on minimizing negative impact to business operations while maintaining profitability. Working together with the GPI team, we migrated infrastructure systems and applications successfully the first time during every "go-live" event.

Now with a consolidated, robust IT environment, GPI has adopted a sweeping operating philosophy for effective management of its business that includes aligning facilities, standardizing processes and implementing human resources initiatives across its entire enterprise. Delivering a full suite of services within agreed-upon parameters while meeting budget goals has earned Dell™ Services the trust of GPI, while at the same time forging a close working team at all levels to build a solid, long-term strategy for success.