CASE STUDY
The terminal allows Internet browsing , email , live video broadcasting , phone services , large file transfers , video conferencing and streaming and VPN applications from any location , while it is lightweight , compact and ruggedly constructed it means that it can be used in extreme weather conditions , making it a perfect solution for McMillan ’ s graziers . access SMS text messages and missed calls on their own smartphones .
McMillan added : “ The new solution has been extremely valuable for maintaining relationships with important clients and ensuring continuity of business processes such as payroll and accounting .
When staff are driving between cattle stations or away from station buildings , they can carry the BGAN terminal to ensure they have unrestricted access to reliable voice communications , SMS text and broadband data from any location , all routed through the existing business phone number . This removes the need for multiple phone numbers and means staff can use their personal devices to maintain seamless business communications at all times .
“ This BGAN terminal is robust and easily portable which makes it perfect for our workers to carry when out on the road or out into mustering camps ,” said McMillan .
“ There have been many situations where we have needed to quickly sign a contract worth millions of dollars and return it to the client from an area of limited connectivity . Now we have the capabilities to quickly print off , sign and scan a contract in a few minutes , successfully closing the deal and helping us secure millions of dollars ’ worth of cattle sales and staying in touch .
“ By routing all communications through the satellite terminal , all follow up correspondence can be conducted using the existing business number for a smoother and more professional client service .
“ We have been using it regularly for fast and secure broadband when on the road and out mustering which has meant our teammates can immediately send urgent business emails and then download or print contracts as soon as they are received .
“ Our number one priority was for all of our staff to be connected to the Internet whenever and wherever it is needed . Not only is this new terminal easy-to-use and cheaper to operate than the fixed dishes and satellite phones , but it is important to know that if one of our team is caught in an emergency situation , they will be able to immediately connect to a reliable communications network and contact the necessary emergency services .”
The results
McMillan ’ s management has been delighted with the results of the new solution as it has provided a communications solution that can be easily deployed while in the field and making them on par while working in a global market . It is a dependable alternative to the fixed satellite dishes and satellite phones .
“ Also , as payroll processing can now get done from any location , this has removed the need to undertake long drives – sometimes up to four to six hours – to reach the closest cattle station for an Internet connection point . As less driving equates to a more efficient use of resources , reduced expenses and improved sustainability , we are greatly improving our CSR and operating much more cost-effectively .”
IF ONE OF OUR TEAM IS CAUGHT IN AN EMERGENCY
SITUATION , THEY WILL BE ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY
CONNECT TO A RELIABLE COMMUNICATIONS
NETWORK .
While trialling the BGAN , the McMillan family business had a far greater level of operational flexibility , as each worker can use their personal devices to send and receive all voice and data communications over a secure Internet connection from the cattle stations and muster camps or while traveling between sites .
As opposed to the fixed dishes , the company has the option to turn the BGAN connection on and off during business hours and every member of the team can
There have been numerous situations in which extreme weather has meant that team members have had to make urgent calls to the local emergency services so they can report severe flooding and request support . The portable BGAN terminal has provided McMillan Pastoral Company management with the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no matter where team members may be located , they have a reliable method of communication for any emergency situation . p
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