A global leader in labeling and packaging materials recently consulted with LinkSource Technologies to manage a complex RFx project. An RFx is an overarching term that refers to the strategic sourcing and procurement in the areas of Request for Information (RFI), Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quote (RFQ), and Request for Bid (RFB). The applications and technologies produced by this company are an integral part of products used daily in every major market and industry.
The client’s environment was largely disparate with multiple service providers and Private Branch Exchange (PBX) manufacturers. In most cases the Direct Inward Dialing (DID) numbers and local services were delivered by Time-division multiplexing (TDM) Primary Rate Interface (PRI), with analog lines directly to the site. They wanted to transform their services at approximately 180 sites, operating in about 50 countries, and came to LinkSource seeking RFx and advisory services to accomplish this goal.
The key objectives of the RFx were to:
- Reduce level of deployment effort
- Improve enterprise telephony function
- Better enable their mobile workforce
- Integrate with specific collaboration platforms and CRM tools
- Form a migration path to SIP trunking, cloud IPT and related services
- Reduce TDM and Analog infrastructure dependencies at the site level
Services presented in the RFx included:
- Creation and administration of a comprehensive global RFI
- Contact with 14 leading hosted telephony and UCaaS providers
- A follow up RFQ to a down-selected group
Activities included:
- Vendor briefings
- Remote and onsite presentations
- Vendor evaluations
- Contract development
The conclusion of the RFx narrowed the field of engagement to just two vendors. Both agreed to work on a deeper level with the client to ensure all requirements were met, or in place to be met down the road, and agreed to a live pilot of services. Ultimately, a single vendor selection was made, and LinkSource negotiated a contract with competitive pricing and favorable terms to provide the wide flexibility the client required.
Presently, the client is actively turning up new locations around the world and empowering the workforce with a new, robust, cloud-based telephony solution. Their objectives were addressed through the RFx process and they look forward to a more streamlined, cost-effective solution moving forward.
Since the launch of the pilot, internal demand for the new plan has skyrocketed and thousands have expressed their excitement to have the rollout reach them. They’re looking forward to implementing the new services as soon as possible, while simultaneously taking current infrastructure and hardware lifecycles into account.
It is estimated that about 10,000 seats will be rolled out in the next few years with upwards of 20,000 seats possible for a full conversion. LinkSource will manage the relationship throughout the implementation process and act as centralized management to navigate any changes moving forward.
Managing the RFx process can be costly to develop and time-consuming to construct. Clients who work with LinkSource are offered a full range of RFx services, including 3 different ways to run projects:
- Traditional, paper-based
- Use of client’s existing RFP software
- Use of LinkSource’s proprietary DirectRFP® online software
To learn more about RFx Management or DirectRFP®, contact us or call 916-757-1100
About LinkSource Technologies®:
LinkSource believes that migrating to new technologies should be a seamless and simple experience for their clients. They work with clients to identify their unique business requirements and advise on secure, reliable, cost-effective solutions.
LinkSource partners with organizations to simplify their technology experience. They are recognized technology advisors in the Telecom, Cloud and Cyber Security industries and manage millions in annual client revenue for some of the most prominent global brands. LinkSource is known for thinking outside the box to create opportunities where others see obstacles. Their highly skilled, innovative team bring a fresh perspective to common problems. To learn more about LinkSource and their services, click here.
