Client
Pontem Group
Industry
Fire Suppression and CP Code Consulting
Location
Vancouver
Employees
30
Overview
Pontem Group, a leading fire suppression and code consulting firm in Vancouver, was grappling with growing IT challenges. With four principals sharing IT responsibilities across a 20-person team, technology was becoming a liability rather than a competitive advantage.
That changed when they partnered with Huntertech for comprehensive IT management and transformation.
The Challenge
Before engaging with Huntertech, Pontem Group faced serious IT pain points that were impacting their business operations and security:
- Decentralized IT Management: Four principals juggled IT duties, leading to inconsistent systems and oversight.
- Licensing Issues: Software was either over-licensed or under-licensed due to lack of centralized tracking.
- Security Risks: Work computers had non-business apps, games, and missing security updates.
- Password Mismanagement: Shared credentials, unsecured text files, and no single sign-on system.
- Hardware Inefficiencies: Staff used high-powered gaming laptops that were too heavy to travel with, overheated easily, and lacked sufficient memory.
- Inadequate Docking Stations: Consumer-grade hardware used displaylink-based docks that caused performance issues.
- Data Protection Gaps: Devices were unencrypted, and there was no centralized data security.
- Inconsistent User Experience: Different Windows versions, configurations, and app versions across staff devices.
- Unmanaged Admin Access: Users were local admins and expected to handle their own software installations and updates.
- Network Access Issues: Critical network equipment was installed by a third party, and no internal staff had administrative access.
- Frequent phishing email attempts: Staff were targeted for phishing emails on a regular basis.
The Solution
Huntertech implemented a complete IT transformation plan, tailored to Pontem Group's specific needs and industry requirements:
Centralized IT Management
- Single point of contact for all IT services and support.
- Shift of IT responsibilities to Huntertech.
Software Optimization
- Full audit and rationalization of software licenses, reducing unnecessary spend.
- Software version standardization, software updates, and software deployment.
Security Overhaul
- Removed unauthorized apps and games
- Deployed secure password management
- Implemented SSO and security audits
- Added EDR and ITDR systems
- Encrypted all devices with BitLocker
- Removed local admin rights
- Deployed spam/phishing filtering with a clear escalation policy to engage Huntertech if something suspicious slips through
Hardware Standardization
- Business-grade devices (saving ~$1,000 per device)
- USB4/Thunderbolt docks with charging
- Regular hardware refresh cycle
User Experience Improvements
- Windows 11 Pro standardization
- Azure AD and SSO integration
- Passwordless authentication
- Streamlined app deployment
Strategic Planning & Budgeting
IT budget aligned with business goals through spend analysis and lifecycle planning.
The Results
After implementing our comprehensive IT transformation plan, Pontem Group achieved remarkable improvements in their operations and security:
Time Savings
3,000 hours/year
Recovered from IT tasks
Productivity
20%
Increase in employee productivity
Security
100%
Reduction in incidents
Hardware Downtime
90%
Reduction in related tickets
License Costs
20%
Reduction through optimization
Support Tickets
40%
Drop in help desk requests
Data Security
100%
Encryption coverage
Key Benefits
The transformation delivered significant benefits to both leadership and staff:
Leadership Benefits
- Freedom from day-to-day IT distractions
- Predictable and optimized IT spending
- Secure and compliant infrastructure
Staff Benefits
- Higher productivity and satisfaction
- Reliable, professional-grade hardware
- Consistent, user-friendly workspace
Implementation Process
Our systematic approach ensured a smooth transition and successful implementation:
1. Assessment
Inventory of hardware/software, and vulnerability analysis.
2. Planning
Strategic roadmap tailored to Pontem Group's operations.
3. Security Enhancement
Deployment of Windows 11 Pro, Azure AD, encryption, EDR, and ITDR.
4. User Experience
Cloud integration, SSO, and consistent application environments.
5. Training
Hands-on sessions to onboard staff to new systems.
6. Ongoing Support
Continuous monitoring, updates, and strategic advice.
Lessons Learned
This case study highlights several important lessons for businesses considering IT management:
Cost Management
DIY IT often leads to higher costs and risks.
Security
Security must be proactive, not reactive.
Hardware
The right hardware makes a big difference in productivity and reliability.
Management
Centralized management delivers consistent, scalable results.
Modern Tools
Modern cybersecurity tools like EDR and ITDR are essential for protection.
User Experience
User experience improvements reduce support demand and staff frustration.
Why Huntertech?
As demonstrated in this case study, Huntertech provides comprehensive IT solutions that deliver real business value:
End-to-end IT Management
Comprehensive solutions for all your IT needs
Expert Security
Professional security and compliance implementation
Cost Reduction
Strategic cost optimization across IT operations
Modern Infrastructure
Performance and scalability built-in
Ongoing Support
Expert-level monitoring and assistance
Ready to Transform Your IT?
Whether you're overwhelmed by DIY IT, facing security risks, applying for cyber insurance, or just want to modernize your systems, Huntertech is here to help.
Contact Us Today