Consulting engineering firms rely on fast, stable and secure technology to keep projects moving. From drawings and specifications through to project correspondence, tenders and client deliverables, their teams need dependable systems every day. In a busy engineering environment, downtime does not just cause inconvenience. It can delay project milestones, disrupt collaboration and create frustration across the business. For firms that work with large files, specialised applications and tight deadlines, the right IT solutions and a clear roadmap are essential. That is why many organisations turn to a trusted Perth IT company for strategic guidance, responsive support and long-term planning. In this case study, we outline how Qbit IT Solutions helped a Perth-based consulting engineering business refresh its infrastructure, strengthen security and build a practical roadmap for future growth.
The challenge
When this engineering firm approached Qbit IT Solutions, they were looking for a new provider after years of inconsistent support from their previous IT partner. The business had been neglected for too long and had not been given a meaningful roadmap for its technology environment. As a result, systems had become outdated, support was reactive rather than strategic, and staff were feeling the impact in their day-to-day work. Slow systems, ageing devices and uncertainty around future planning were affecting productivity and contributing to frustration across the team.
The firm ran a local Exchange server for email, relied heavily on a traditional file server, and was carrying older laptops that were not aligned with a modern Windows 11 standard. Their firewall also needed replacement, and the overall security posture required improvement. This was not simply a matter of fixing one or two isolated issues. The business needed comprehensive managed IT services Perth organisations can depend on, along with a security-focused uplift that would support both immediate operations and future growth. Qbit won a competitive bid for the work by presenting a clear, practical and forward-looking approach that addressed both operational pain points and strategic priorities.
Solutions implemented
Qbit began by onboarding the client onto a Managed Services agreement for everyday support. This gave the firm access to responsive assistance, proactive monitoring and a structured support model designed to reduce downtime and improve the user experience. For a business that had been underserved for years, this shift was important. Instead of waiting for problems to build up, the client now had a partner delivering consistent managed IT support Perth businesses expect from a mature provider. This foundation created immediate value while also giving the business confidence that support requests, maintenance and strategic advice would be handled properly.
Security was another major focus. We implemented a managed security plan aligned with MSSP principles to improve protection across the environment and reduce risk. As part of this work, the existing firewall was replaced with a modern solution to strengthen perimeter security, improve performance and support better control over the network. For engineering firms handling sensitive project information, commercial data and client communications, modern cyber protection is not optional. It is a core part of business resilience. This uplift positioned the client alongside businesses seeking stronger support from cyber security companies Perth organisations trust to deliver practical, business-focused outcomes.
We also migrated the business from a local Exchange server to Microsoft 365 for email. This change reduced reliance on ageing on-premises infrastructure and delivered a more flexible, modern and maintainable platform for communication and collaboration. Moving to Microsoft 365 helped the client improve reliability, simplify administration and support mobility for staff who needed secure access across locations and devices. For many businesses evaluating small business IT solutions, this is one of the most effective ways to modernise core systems while reducing future infrastructure overhead.
Document management was another key area of improvement. The client is now moving Word and Excel files from a traditional file server into SharePoint to improve accessibility, collaboration and document control. At the same time, we recognised that engineering environments often have specific requirements for large technical files and specialised workflows. Because of this, the strategy allows for the likely retention of a local file server for engineering documents where that remains the most practical option. This balanced approach supports the advantages of cloud collaboration without forcing a one-size-fits-all model. It is a good example of how tailored IT services Perth providers should match technology decisions to the way a business actually works.
To further improve performance, security and consistency, Qbit completed a laptop refresh to bring all devices onto Windows 11. This reduced the risks associated with ageing hardware and unsupported operating systems while giving staff a more stable and productive user experience. Standardising the fleet also helps with future management, patching and support. For a firm that had been dealing with dated systems for years, this was a practical step that made an immediate difference. Modern devices, paired with strong IT support Perth and a strategic management plan, help create a more reliable working environment for staff and leadership alike.
Building a strategic IT management plan
One of the biggest differences in this engagement was that Qbit did not stop at fixing current issues. We created a practical IT management plan to guide the client’s next stages of improvement. This roadmap gave the business clarity around what to prioritise, what could be staged over time, and how each recommendation would contribute to security, resilience and operational efficiency. Rather than being left without direction, the client now has a structured plan supported by a team delivering Perth IT services with both technical capability and business understanding.
- BCDR solution: A dedicated backup and disaster recovery device for onsite and cloud backups, helping the business maintain access to critical systems and data in an emergency.
- Entra ID improvement: Moving devices from basic registration to full Entra ID join for stronger identity and device management.
- Intune management: Enrolling devices into Intune once joined to Entra ID, enabling better policy enforcement, configuration and lifecycle management.
- Block executables from Microsoft Office locations: Reducing a common attack path by restricting executable files launched from Office-related locations.
- SMB1001 alignment: Recommending progression towards SMB1001 Cyber Accreditation to Gold Standard as part of a broader cyber maturity strategy.
- Further SharePoint rollout: Scoping the next phase of SharePoint setup and migration so company documents can be organised and governed more effectively.
- 3CX phone system: Considering a dedicated VoIP phone platform to improve communications capability and flexibility.
- Backup internet connection: Adding a secondary internet service to improve uptime and resilience.
- Incident response plan: Establishing a written cyber incident response plan using a government-aligned template.
Outcomes so far
While technology transformation is ongoing, the results have already been significant. The client now has an engaged provider, a clearer support model and a realistic roadmap for continued improvement. Staff have access to refreshed laptops running Windows 11, email has been modernised through Microsoft 365, and the business has a stronger security footing through the new firewall and managed security approach. Just as importantly, leadership now has better visibility into future priorities rather than dealing with one problem at a time. This is the kind of value organisations look for when engaging business IT support Perth providers who can combine strategy, support and delivery.
Future roadmap
Looking ahead, the focus is on continuing the client’s transition from a legacy environment to a secure, manageable and scalable technology platform. The next stages are expected to include further SharePoint rollout for business documents, stronger identity and device management through Entra ID and Intune, more mature backup and disaster recovery capability, and formalisation of incident response processes. Over time, these improvements will help the business operate more efficiently, strengthen resilience and support future growth with less friction. It also demonstrates how effective managed IT Perth services are not only about solving today’s issues, but about planning for tomorrow with confidence.
Client name available on request.
If your business is dealing with outdated systems, inconsistent support or a lack of strategic direction, Qbit IT Solutions can help. Whether you need responsive IT support services Perth, stronger cyber protection or a roadmap to modernise your environment, our team can design a practical solution that suits your operations and goals. Contact Qbit IT Solutions to discuss how we can help your business move forward with confidence.
Frequently asked questions
Why would an engineering firm need managed IT services?
Engineering businesses often rely on specialised software, large files, tight deadlines and smooth collaboration between office and site teams. Reliable managed services help reduce downtime, improve support response times, strengthen security and give leadership a clearer view of future IT priorities.
What are the benefits of moving from a local Exchange server to Microsoft 365?
Moving to Microsoft 365 can improve reliability, reduce dependence on ageing on-premises infrastructure and make email administration simpler. It also supports better mobility, security and collaboration for staff working across different locations and devices.
Can SharePoint replace a file server completely?
In many cases, SharePoint is an excellent fit for Word, Excel and other general business documents because it improves access, collaboration and version control. However, some engineering firms may still benefit from keeping a local file server for large technical files or specialised workflows, depending on how their systems and teams operate.
Why is replacing an old firewall so important?
An outdated firewall can create security gaps, performance issues and limited visibility across the network. Replacing it with a modern solution helps improve protection against cyber threats, supports better control over internet traffic and gives the business a stronger base for ongoing security management.
Why was a laptop refresh part of the project?
Refreshing laptops and standardising on Windows 11 helps improve performance, compatibility, security and supportability. It also reduces the risks associated with ageing devices and unsupported systems, while giving staff a more consistent and productive experience.
What is the value of an IT management plan?
An IT management plan gives a business structure and direction. Instead of only reacting to immediate problems, leadership can prioritise upgrades, security improvements and future projects in a staged and practical way. This makes budgeting easier, reduces risk and supports better long-term decision-making.
What is SMB1001 and why does it matter?
SMB1001 is a cyber security framework designed to help small and medium businesses improve their security maturity. Working towards accreditation can help strengthen controls, demonstrate commitment to good cyber practices and provide a clearer pathway for ongoing improvement.
Why choose Qbit?
Qbit combines responsive day-to-day support with strategic planning, cyber security expertise and a strong focus on continuous improvement. With 20+ years in business, 300 clients supported, and high customer satisfaction, we provide a more structured and accountable approach than reactive providers. Backed by our commitment to quality and modern best practice, we help businesses gain better visibility, better support and technology decisions that align with how they actually work.