Industrial settings, characterised by sprawling layouts, dense infrastructure, and dynamic operations, demand robust wireless connectivity. No longer a mere convenience, reliable Wi-Fi is now vital for industries such as manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics. Real-time data access and uninterrupted communication are essential for workforce efficiency and overall productivity. Despite the inherent challenges these environments pose to wireless signals, a comprehensive network capable of seamlessly spanning both indoor and outdoor areas, is crucial for operational success.

Kingsland Drinks faced these exact challenges with its hybrid indoor/outdoor facility. The company’s story of overcoming patchy Wi-Fi coverage and achieving comprehensive, reliable connectivity offers valuable insights for IT professionals in similar industries seeking to optimise their own wireless networks.

Kingsland Drinks faced a significant challenge: unreliable Wi-Fi coverage across its 18-acre site. This hampered productivity, particularly for forklift drivers who relied on handheld terminals for real-time stock management. The existing network, plagued by black spots and inconsistent connectivity, forced drivers to abandon their tasks and manually input data, causing delays and impacting efficiency.

Allied Telesis, in partnership with Holker IT, designed and deployed a robust wireless network solution tailored to Kingsland Drinks' unique environment. The solution centered around Allied Telesis’ innovative Channel Blanket architecture, utilising a single wireless channel to create a comprehensive “blanket” of coverage across the entire site. This approach eliminated interference issues common in complex manufacturing environments.

The solution included:

  • Channel Blanket Licensing: Ensuring seamless connectivity across the hybrid indoor/outdoor facility.
  • Allied Telesis TQ5403 & TQ5403e Access Points: Strategically placed to provide optimal coverage in both indoor and outdoor areas, including those requiring external antennas.
  • Allied Telesis Vista Manager EX & AWC: Providing Kingsland Drinks’ IT team with centralized network monitoring and management capabilities, enabling real-time visibility and control.

The implementation of the Allied Telesis solution delivered immediate and impactful results for Kingsland Drinks, including enhanced productivity, comprehensive coverage and centralised management.

Chris Dyke, sales director UK & Ireland at Allied Telesis highlights the transformative impact of the new network: “Our Channel Blanket solution is a game-changer for manufacturing and warehousing environments like Kingsland Drinks. By creating a single, unified blanket of coverage, we eliminate the interference and dead zones that plague traditional Wi-Fi networks in these challenging settings. This means forklift drivers, production line workers, and other mobile staff can rely on consistent, high-performance connectivity to do their jobs efficiently. For IT managers, it means simplified management, reduced troubleshooting, and the peace of mind that comes with a network built for uninterrupted productivity.”