Mashburn Construction is a full-service construction company providing preconstruction services, construction management, design-build and general contracting services.
Overview
Challenge
Headquartered in Columbia, SC, Mashburn Construction had offices across the state. All employees needed simultaneous access to Autodesk Navisworks software and it was proving difficult. They also needed better Sharepoint support and, because of awkward working hours, a helpdesk available all hours day or night. “In the past, it was difficult for us to get support around the clock and even at the jobsite,” said Mashburn Construction’s CFO Robert Parsons.
Solution
Advance2000’s Chris France introduced Mashburn to the cloud possibilities available to AEC firms. They began hosting their desktops on the Advance2000’s cloud which connected employees across the state in real-time.
During Mashburn’s five year contract, their revenue grew, their business expanded, and they added an office branch in another city. By the end of their contract, leadership knew a more robust IT solution was needed to handle and maintain their growth. They entertained offers from other IT companies who catered to the AEC industry, but those companies didn’t exhibit the same industry knowledge of AEC software. Based on their experience with Advance2000’s service, support, and demonstrated expertise with AEC, Mashburn extended their partnership with Advance2000 with a new 5 year contract and additional services to support their business expansion. According to the CFO, when the time comes to update the phone system, they will request a proposal from Advance2000.
Currently Mashburn Construction utilizes 11 Cloud Servers, 92 Desktops, and circuits for their internal network. Advance2000 also manages their email, application support, software development, and provides 24x7x365 support.
“There are many IT companies, but only a handful that understand the AEC industry and application challenges. We didn’t leave other IT companies, we went to Advance2000 because of their industry focus.”
Robert Parsons, CFO MASHBURN CONSTRUCTION
Results
The deployment for the cloud desktops and servers went smoothly and without interruption to business. Mashburn used older versions of applications, and some issues were experienced when moving them to the cloud. After Advance2000 migrated the applications, software applications were upgraded and stabilized. Advance2000 later migrated Mashburn to Office 365 and at time of this case study, Mashburn is in the process of adding more email security.
SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP:
The 24x7x365 support is the top reason they continued with Advance2000. Between the pressure to meet bid deadlines, the extended hours at worksites, and necessary regular contact with stakeholders, Mashburn needs access to their technology at all times. The immediate access to a real AEC support agent anytime means less down time when every minute counts.
“They know IT, they know AEC, they take ownership of ALL problems, and deliver. Advance2000 can do it all. Partnering was a very good decision and we really enjoy working with the staff.”
Mr. Parsons, MASHBURN CONSTRUCTION
