Case Study
Digital Transformation of "Alpha" Company's Manufacturing NetworkThis digital transformation enables a smarter, more connected manufacturing ecosystem that drives continuous improvement and innovation.
Intro
Modernizing Legacy Infrastructure to Support Automation and Drive Manufacturing Efficiency
“Alpha” Company, a global leader in the home improvement sector, offers a wide range of products, including plumbing fixtures and building hardware. With a strong focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and environmental sustainability, the company recognized the need to modernize its aging plant network infrastructure to support its growing automation needs.
To address these challenges, “Alpha” Company partnered with Malisko, leveraging its expertise in digital transformation to implement a scalable, secure, and high-performance network solution tailored to the demands of a modern manufacturing facility.

Details
Challenges
Before engaging with Malisko, “Alpha” Company faced several critical network-related issues that hindered operational efficiency and plant scalability:
Aging Network Infrastructure
The plant’s outdated network lacked redundancy, leading to risks of downtime and difficulty in maintaining network reliability.
Disconnected Controls Network
The lack of a unified IT/OT network integration resulted in inefficiencies, limiting the ability to respond quickly to production needs and exposing critical systems to security vulnerabilities.
Disorganized and Unreliable IDFs
Poorly managed intermediate distribution frames (IDFs) featured improper cabling, inadequate cooling, and insufficient power redundancy, affecting network stability and device management.
Limited Remote Management & Scalability
The existing infrastructure was not equipped to support modern automation solutions, preventing seamless device monitoring and expansion.
Details
SOLUTION
Malisko designed and implemented a comprehensive digital transformation strategy to modernize “Alpha” Company’s network, ensuring seamless IT and OT integration while maintaining high security and reliability standards. Key elements of the solution included:
Network Design & Implementation
VLAN Segmentation
Designed and deployed VLANs tailored to plant processes, switch management, and SCADA systems to enhance network security and performance.
- All new CIDR block IP assignments for entire Enterprise were rolled out on a plant-by-plant basis.
Redundancy & Reliability
Implemented redundant network connectivity and power solutions to ensure uptime, even in case of power failures.
Optimized Switching Infrastructure
Stacked and port-channeled Cisco switches from IDFs to the MDF, establishing a resilient and high-performance network topology.
Standardized Hardware & Cabling
Redesigned all IDFs and the MDF using Cisco and Allen-Bradley hardware, UPS systems, Panduit rack components, and structured cable management to improve organization and reliability.
New Server / storage infrastructure / VMs
Dedicated OT server hosts and VMs to allow for secure edge compute for OT designated systems including Engineering Workstation, Data Servers, Child Domain Controllers, etc. This enabled:
- Plant-wide connectivity for Technicians
- Plant-wide data access for Edge-to-cloud integration with 3rd party systems
- IT/OT collaboration on shared infrastructure.
Security & IT/OT Convergence
Industrial Demilitarized Zone (IDMZ)
Established a secure IDMZ to separate IT and OT networks, ensuring data protection while enabling efficient communication between systems.
Advanced Monitoring & Control
Integrated monitoring tools and standardized configurations across all network switches to provide real-time visibility and enhance network manageability.
- Cyber Vision – Deep Packet Inspection, Cyber Security posture, vulnerabilities, Device Grouping, Source of Truth
Scalability for Future Growth
Designed the network with scalability in mind, ensuring it could support future automation technologies and plant expansions.
Centralized Services
With scalability in mind, services including ISE, DNAC, and Stealthwatch were hosted centrally to allow for best use by future plants to follow this journey.
Execution & Implementation
To minimize disruptions to production, Malisko executed the network transformation through a phased approach.
1. Parallel Network Deployment
Built a fully operational new network alongside the existing infrastructure, allowing for seamless migration without impacting production.
2. On-Site Implementation & Testing
Malisko’s team conducted multiple site visits to oversee installation, configure network devices, test hardware, and clean up outdated cabling.
3. Final Cutover & Optimization
A carefully planned cutover strategy ensured a smooth transition with minimal downtime. The team rigorously tested all network components before full integration.
1. Cut over 950+ devices, both IT and OT with device specific procedures for each connection type (NAT, DF1, etc.) and IT vs OT device classifications (phones, handheld scanners, PLCs, HMIs, workstations, etc.)
2. Wireless cut-over, addressing issues with next-generation AGV system installed in parallel with project
Details
Summary
The success of this network transformation underscores the power of strategic IT/OT convergence in modern manufacturing. By partnering with Malisko, “Alpha” Company has not only reinforced its network infrastructure but has also laid the groundwork for future advancements in automation, cybersecurity, and operational efficiency. The seamless integration of scalable, high-performance technologies has empowered plant personnel with real-time insights, enhanced security, and improved reliability—driving measurable gains across production and supply chain operations. As the industry continues to evolve, this digital transformation positions “Alpha” Company at the forefront of innovation, ensuring long-term competitiveness in an increasingly connected world.
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