Background:

London Ashford Airport, also known as Lydd Airport, is an airport located in Kent, South East England. It serves as a transportation hub for various airlines and is utilised by companies such as Bristow, The Border Force, The Coastguard, and others. The airport recently underwent a phone system upgrade, which involved the implementation of 3CX-hosted VoIP phones.

This upgrade aimed to improve efficiency and cost savings for the airport, but also to optimise its communication processes, increase productivity, and ensure that calls were handled efficiently, freeing up key staff members to focus on their core responsibilities.

Problem:

London Ashford Airport, a valued customer of MPR IT for many years, encountered a significant challenge with its outdated and expensive phone system. The arrival of a new Finance Controller shed light on the exorbitant cost of over £1.5k per month for a poorly implemented PBX solution that failed to meet the airport’s requirements, which had been implemented through a separate telecommunications company.

Realising the need for a more efficient and cost-effective system, the Finance Controller proactively engaged with MPR IT to investigate alternative options and find a tailored solution that would address the airport’s specific needs.

Solution:

After careful consideration, London Ashford Airport made the strategic decision to replace its outdated PBX phone system with 3CX-hosted VoIP phones. This choice was driven by several key factors:

1. Familiarity and ease of use of the 3CX system for a smooth transition.
2. The flexibility of 3CX enables tailored solutions for efficient collaboration.
3. Enhanced productivity and streamlined communication with flexible work options.
4. Effective call routing minimises impact on staff and improves customer service.
5. Advanced features like voicemail enhance communication capabilities.
6. Dynamic call routing optimises communication processes, minimizing wait times.
7. Mobile apps and softphone functionality enable productivity on the go. Overall, the upgrade to 3CX-hosted VoIP phones has significantly improved communication, collaboration, mobility, and functionality at London Ashford Airport.

Efficiency and Savings with 3CX Hosted VoIP Phones

• Cost-effective solution compared to previous provider
• Ability to use mobile apps and different types of phones
• Substantial savings that pay for the entire project within 1 year
• Improved network security and continuity with modern equipment
• The cloud-based system ensures uninterrupted communication during power and internet outages

Improved Communication and Enhanced Productivity

The phone system upgrade at London Ashford Airport involved strategic deployment of various hardware components to establish a reliable and efficient communication infrastructure. This hardware installation resulted in improved security, seamless business communications, increased network speed, enhanced emergency response capabilities, and expanded coverage and mobility throughout the airport premises.

• Enhanced security with the installation of a Watchguard Firewall, providing robust protection for telephony and SIP communications.
• Implemented three 48-port PoE switches for seamless and unified business communications across the airport’s main offices.
• Improved network speed, resulting in faster and more efficient data transfer for increased productivity.
• Installed a dedicated 24-port PoE switch and HP Aruba wireless access points at the fire station for reliable and secure wireless connectivity during emergencies.
• Facilitated efficient collaboration and communication among emergency responders at the fire station, enhancing overall safety and security.
• Met the requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority by providing a backup line for uninterrupted communication and supported up to 11 fax machines on-site with an analog VoIP converter.
• Deployed Yealink T46 phones in the main offices for advanced features and functionality in unified business communications.
• Strategically placed wall-mount phones for quick and easy access during emergencies.
• Implemented DECT phones for maximum coverage and mobility throughout the airport premises.
• Improved communication coverage and enabled staff members to stay connected and accessible, enhancing overall productivity and coordination.

Overall, this comprehensive hardware deployment has significantly improved telephony, SIP, unified, and business communications at London Ashford Airport, enhancing efficiency and productivity across the entire organisation.

Hardware Deployment for Reliable Communication Infrastructure

• WatchGuard Firewall for enhanced security
• 48-port PoE switches for main communications
• 24-port PoE switch for the fire station
• HP Aruba wireless access points in the fire station
• Analogue VoIP converter for up to 11 fax machines
• Yealink T46 phones for main offices
• Wall-mount phones for emergency services
• DECT phones for maximum coverage

Results:

The successful implementation of the 3CX-hosted VoIP phone system at London Ashford Airport was made possible through the collaborative efforts of MPR IT and MPR Technical Services.

MPR IT as the primary provider, played a crucial role in understanding the airport’s specific requirements and proposing the 3CX solution as a tailored IT solution. They worked closely with the airport’s management team to assess the existing infrastructure, identify pain points, and determine the desired outcomes of the upgrade. MPR IT also facilitated discussions with the airport’s stakeholders to ensure their needs were met throughout the project.

MPR Technical Services, on the other hand, provided the necessary technical expertise and support to execute the implementation. They worked hand in hand with MPR IT to deploy the hardware components, such as the Watchguard Firewall, PoE switches, wireless access points, and analog VoIP converter. MPR Technical Services ensured that the installation was carried out efficiently and effectively, minimising downtime and disruptions to the airport’s operations.

Throughout the project, MPR IT and MPR Technical Services maintained open lines of communication with the airport’s management team, providing regular updates on the progress and addressing any concerns or issues that arose. Their collaborative approach ensured a smooth and successful implementation of the 3CX-hosted VoIP phone system, resulting in the multitude of benefits experienced by London Ashford Airport.

By working together, MPR IT and MPR Technical Services demonstrated their expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering tailored IT solutions that meet the specific business needs of their clients.

Benefits of Implementing 3CX Hosted VoIP at London Ashford Airport

• Simplified billing processes
• Improved support and troubleshooting from MPR IT
• Enhanced security of communication infrastructure
• Uninterrupted communication during power and internet outages
• Seamless operations for critical stakeholders at the airport

Security:

During the network overhaul at London Ashford Airport, significant security improvements were implemented to bring the network up to modern standards. This included addressing issues such as unsecured network ports, failing cabling, and outdated firewall rules. By rectifying these vulnerabilities, the airport’s network is now better protected against potential threats and unauthorised access. The implementation of the 3CX-hosted VoIP phone system also contributed to enhanced security, as it leverages advanced encryption protocols to safeguard communication and prevent eavesdropping or interception of sensitive information. These comprehensive security measures ensure that the airport’s network is robust and resilient against potential cyber threats.

Continuity:

Continuity is paramount for London Ashford Airport, as it collaborates with critical organisations like Border Force and the Home Office. Recognising the need for uninterrupted communication, the implementation of the cloud-based 3CX-hosted VoIP phone system was a strategic choice. This system ensures that even in the event of total power or internet outages on-site, the airport’s staff can seamlessly log into their mobile apps and continue working with business phones via a 4G or 5G connection. This level of resilience is crucial for maintaining smooth operations and effective coordination with key stakeholders, ensuring that the airport can fulfill its responsibilities without any disruption.

Contact Us

Are you looking to enhance your business communication and streamline your telephony systems? Look no further than MPR IT. As experts in the field of VoIP systems, we can assist you in installing and implementing a reliable and efficient VoIP solution tailored to your specific business needs. With our expertise and attention to detail, we can ensure a seamless transition to a VoIP system, enabling you to leverage advanced features, improve collaboration, and achieve cost savings. From selecting the right hardware to configuring the system and providing ongoing support, MPR IT is committed to delivering exceptional service and helping your business thrive in the digital age. Trust us to handle your VoIP installation with the utmost professionalism and expertise.

 

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