Project goals

The project’s goals were to establish a secure, managed, and trusted Microsoft 365 Cloud Productivity Solution to support ProBlast BS’ business strategy.

Success was defined by aligning ProBlast BS’ ICT landscape with Microsoft best practices, transitioning the administration, support, and maintenance to Mint MSP Managed Services.

The desired outcomes included enabling ProBlast BS to fully leverage their investments in Microsoft Cloud and associated services, enhancing security, operational management, and lifecycle processes.

 

Client Context

ProBlast BS is a leading provider of drilling, blasting, and bulk explosives services, specializing in the platinum, chrome, coal, and limestone industries. With a team boasting over 150 years of combined experience, ProBlast BS offers a comprehensive range of services, including the supply of bulk and packaged explosives, as well as initiation systems.

The company operates a fleet of Mobile Manufacturing Units (MMUs) for on-site production of bulk explosives, with a capacity ranging from 6 to 20 tonnes. ProBlast BS’ mission is to enhance clients’ value chains through the application of technology, expertise, and safe practices, while fostering long-term partnerships.

The company’s core values of safety, integrity, respect, teamwork, and empowerment guide its operations, ensuring quality services, innovation, and cost-effective solutions across the mining process.

 

Why Did They Choose Mint’s Solution?

ProBlast BS, an industrial company focused on the mining sector, sought a secure and efficient Microsoft 365 cloud solution to improve their ICT landscape, enhance collaboration, and streamline operations.

ProBlast BS chose Mint’s solution due to its comprehensive approach that combined secure cloud architecture, strategic planning, and seamless integration with existing processes. Mint’s proven expertise in Microsoft technologies, security standards, and managed services provided ProBlast BS with confidence that the proposed solution would not only meet but exceed their business needs.

 

Project Background & Problem Statement

Context and Situation:

ProBlast BS was seeking a transformation in their ICT operations to better align with modern cloud practices, secure their environment, and improve service management. They needed to move from their existing, disjointed on-premise infrastructure to a modern, scalable cloud platform, ensuring alignment with Microsoft’s security and compliance standards.

Problem or Opportunity:

The key challenge for ProBlast BS was transitioning their ICT systems to the cloud in a secure and managed environment while ensuring that the new setup would support their strategic objectives and enable future growth. Additionally, there was a need for expert support to maintain and optimize the cloud infrastructure in the long term.

 

Challenges & Obstacles

Key Challenges:

• Integration Complexity: The existing ICT landscape had to be seamlessly realigned with the new cloud architecture.
• Adoption Resistance: End users had to adapt to the new cloud-based systems, requiring careful change management.
• Security: Ensuring the cloud setup was secure and fully aligned with Microsoft’s best practices posed technical and procedural challenges.
• Cost Considerations: Initial setup costs for a modernized cloud infrastructure, although cost-avoidant in the long term, were a concern.

 

Solutions & Strategies

Implementation Plan

Mint’s approach was segmented into several key phases:

• Assessment and Planning: Detailed evaluation of ProBlast BS’ current ICT landscape, user needs, and security compliance requirements.

• Re-alignment and Deployment: Configuration and optimization of cloud services, including identity management, access control, and security baselines.
• Operationalization: Integration of service delivery management and onboarding processes to ensure continuous support and maintenance.

Technologies or Tools Used:

• Microsoft 365 for cloud productivity.

• Azure Sentinel and Microsoft Defender for security and monitoring.

• Mint’s Modern MSP Framework for lifecycle management and service delivery.

Mint’s service delivery leveraged Microsoft’s secure cloud solutions, automation tools, and proactive management frameworks to ensure reliability and security.

 

 

Results & Impact

Quantifiable Results:

• Efficiency: Reduction in system downtime and faster response times for cloud service issues.
• Security: Compliance with industry standards and Microsoft security protocols, leading to a reduced risk of cyber threats. 
• Cost Savings: Streamlined operations and better resource allocation resulted in cost savings over time.

Qualitative Impact:

ProBlast BS saw enhanced collaboration across teams through a secure, user-friendly cloud platform. Employee satisfaction improved as the transition to Microsoft 365 allowed for more seamless and efficient workflows.

 

Future Opportunities & Next Steps

Mint will continue to support ProbBlast BS through ongoing Managed Services, ensuring that their cloud environment remains optimized, secure, and aligned with industry best practices.

Implications for Future Projects:

The successful implementation of the Secure Cloud Foundation provides a blueprint for similar companies in the industrial sector looking to adopt Microsoft 365 while maintaining high standards of security and compliance.

This case study encapsulates the successful implementation of the Mint MSP Secure Cloud Foundation with M365, demonstrating the positive impact on ProBlast BS’ operational efficiency, security, and cloud adoption journey. Through careful planning, advanced technology, and a customer-focused approach, Mint delivered a solution that not only met the client’s needs but also provided a roadmap for ongoing growth and optimization.

Client Testimonial

ProBlast BS expressed satisfaction with the solution, noting that Mint’s expertise in Microsoft Cloud services and security management gave them peace of mind that their ICT landscape was in safe hands.