Cable & Wireless’ network services subsidiary Allnet has implemented a complete internet protocol (IP) communications system for PepsiCo in Cork as part of a drive by the drinks distributor to reduce communications costs and boost customer service.
The new comms system was implemented at a greenfield side that houses Pepsi’s production and distribution systems for the concentrates that go into its soft drinks as well as back office services and supports for PepsiCo’s businesses in Europe and the rest of the world.
According to Ian Burnley, managing director of Allnet, the company implemented an Avaya Converged IP MultiVantage platform that is scalable to match PepsiCo’s growth plans for Cork.
Under the system, new users can “plug and play” their computing and telephony systems and cost savings can be achieved through reduced systems administration costs and the removal of international call charges. As other PepsiCo sites move to IP, national and international calls between sites can be made free of charge over the internet.
The new system also complements PepsiCo’s hot desking policy. With the new converged technology, Pepsi staff will have access to all their normal channels of communication such as voicemail, email and the corporate network. Emails will be able to be read over the phone using text-to-speech technologies.
According to Alison Cullimore, network manager for PepsiCo, the greenfield site in Cork was recently opened to accommodate increased demand for Pepsi products worldwide.
By John Kennedy
Pictured: (l-r) Alison Cullimore, network manager for PepsiCo with Ed Pettit, regional sales manager, Allnet and Klara McAuliffe, network analyst, PepsiCo
