Global Manufacturer Modernizes WAN Infrastructure for Scalability and Cost Savings
Published:
October 2025
Category:
Manufacturing
Client:
Anonymous
Partner:
Client Summary
A global automotive manufacturer with 40,000+ employees and 140 facilities across 30+ countries sought to modernize its networking environment to support a large-scale corporate transformation. Facing legacy connectivity, a divestiture initiative, and mounting operational costs, the organization needed a trusted partner to design and deliver a more agile, cost-effective WAN strategy.
Challenges
The client had committed to a full global SD-WAN migration, intending to retire an outdated and expensive MPLS network.
Key challenges included:
- Unclear SD-WAN deployment roadmap • Limited visibility into current-state connectivity
- Over $60,000/month spent on under performing managed router services
- Reliance on internal monitoring tools due to vendor gaps
- Tribal knowledge and resource bottlenecks from long-tenured staff and limited documentation
Solution
HighPoint engaged at a pivotal moment, offering a no-cost evaluation to demonstrate commitment and establish trust. The partnership quickly evolved into a comprehensive, three-pronged approach:
Connectivity Strategy & Discovery
- Conducted in-depth discovery and documentation of existing connectivity
- Created a future-state connectivity template based on site criticality, bandwidth utilization, and uptime requirements
- Facilitated a global carrier bidding process to replace MPLS with dual internet circuits across all global locations
Cisco SD-WAN Deployment Services
- Executed professional services to deploy Cisco SD-WAN globally using existing hardware
- Delivered a clear project plan and executed technical implementation
SD-WAN as a Service
- Replaced the legacy managed router service with HighPoint’s SDWAN as a Service
- Provided proactive monitoring, ticket escalation, and circuit-level visibility using custom dashboards
- Delivered a higher-quality service at one-third of the previous cost, with faster issue resolution and greater transparency
Impact
- $2M+ in Annual Savings: SD-WAN investment projected to pay for itself within 18 months
- Operational Efficiency: Freed internal IT from hands-on maintenance, allowing focus on strategic initiative
- Knowledge Transfer: Reduced risk from tribal knowledge through documented SOPs and shared tooling
- Increased Confidence: The client ended their previous managed service contract before onboarding completion, confident in HighPoint’s value
- Strategic Partnership: HighPoint now helps shape the client’s 3–5-year IT strategy, guiding future transformation initiatives
Why the client Chose HighPoint
Superior Value: Comprehensive managed service at a fraction of the cost
Responsive & Agile: Rapid adjustments based on feedback, with expert-led engagement at every step
Trusted Relationship: Operates as an extension of the client’s internal team
Values in Action: Consistently demonstrated alignment with the client’s core values, strengthening trust and fostering a shared commitment to excellence