All Case Studies

Nationwide Retail Chain

This client’s environment is very dynamic due to recent changes in business strategy and significant expansion activities.  They have approximately 500 stores across 4 divisions and are opening 30 – 40 new stores per year.  We took over invoice processing and monitoring of all telco invoices shortly after we became engaged by Client and have been instrumental in rationalizing spend per store and providing accurate charge back information to accounting.  We reduced telecom costs by approximately 20% in the first year by improving rates in existing master contracts during contract negotiations, removing unneeded or unused lines and services, finding and cleaning up billing errors and consolidating services to Clients’ key providers via audit/optimization.  Cellular invoices are processed monthly and cellular management is performed to optimize services and packages.  On the operational front, our role includes coordinating installation of telco services for new stores, leading an effort to upgrade approximately 200 stores with DSL to integrated voice and data T1 service, implementing new standards for telecom and data services in the remaining stores, and providing technical support and assistance to client’s telcom support staff who handle trouble tickets and other day to day operational issues.  Strategically, we work with the CIO to develop new standards for voice and data services for stores in each division to reduce costs and improve service levels based on the divisions’ varying needs, manage contract and pricing related issues with the major carriers, and consult on network technology options. 

Prominent Law Firm

Client has 11 offices located throughout the United States.  We have performed numerous projects for this client beginning with a telecommunications audit/optimization in 2003 that yielded significant savings results.  Following the audit/optimization we performed a competitive long distance carrier bid process, selection, and contract negotiation project.  In 2006 we completed a Local Exchange Carrier bid process, selection and contract negotiation that resulted in a unified CLEC solution for each office with consolidated billing and sophisticated call redirect capabilities.  In 2007, we assisted with the implementation of the unified CLEC solution in conjunction with the installation of Cisco IP voice systems at each location.   We also perform ongoing invoice processing and monitoring services in which their telecom bills come directly to the BAZ Group and we review for correctness and process for payment every month.

Manufacturer/Supplier

We provide invoice processing and monitoring service and help desk support for this client’s 17 domestic and 4 international locations.  We are also continuously involved in managing multiple ongoing projects including contract negotiations and implementation services for integration of newly acquired companies as well as help desk support to handle service and MAC issues and other miscellaneous investigation and implementation as required. In 2005, we assisted in an initiative to replace their frame relay data network with a Virtual Private Network and are currently providing support for a company-wide effort to upgrade local services in conjunction with replacing current phone systems with IP telephony.

Large Nursing Home Corporation

Performed a telecommunications audit/optimization project which encompassed the headquarters location and 550 nursing home facilities located throughout the United States.  For each of the larger sites (331) a survey was developed and a technician dispatched to collect information from the each site regarding the telecom and data environment, equipment and capacities, and telco service inventories.  The project resulted in annual savings exceeding $2.1 million from the telecom service optimization effort and provided vital survey and inventory information for ongoing management of telco services and equipment.

K-12 School District

This School District has 15 buildings and we have performed numerous projects for this client as well as have an ongoing relationship.  In 1997 we performed a telecommunications audit/optimization which netted significant savings.  In 1998 we began processing all required documentation for e-rate filing.  In 2003 we assisted the district with procurement of a private fiber optic network to each of their locations.   In 2003 we also performed an assessment of their telephone systems which included researching vital information related to the longevity of their systems as well and upgrade/replacement options and associated budgetary costs.  In 2005 we prepared Specification/RFP documents for a district-wide integrated telephone system, managed a competitive bid process and oversaw the deployment.  We currently perform ongoing invoice processing and monitoring services, perform contract negotiations as required and continue to perform all e-rate filings.

Large Mortgage Institute

A baseline of voice, data and Internet services supporting 330 locations was developed.  Services included local lines, long distance, frame relay, private lines services and high capacity Ethernet circuits.   Rates and services were benchmarked and a strategic plan for the network was developed.  Specification/RFP documents were developed and a competitive bid process was managed.  Our role included acting as lead in contract negotiations and contract finalization with all selected vendors.  This project resulted in cost reduction in excess of 20% and a conversion of the data network to MPLS with broadband back-up.  The solution retained the primary incumbent vendors and was supplemented with key niche providers.

Insurance Risk Management Firm

Performed a network audit /optimization for this firms eleven locations located throughout the southern and Midwest united states.  As a result of the audit/optimization and contract negotiations for local, long distance and data services a 22.4% savings was generated and significant retroactive credits were obtained.

National Distributor

A long term relationship was developed with this client to support the telecommunication needs of their 200 national locations.  The following services are included in the engagement, help desk services for supporting the organizations trouble ticket and move add and change needs, assistance with procurement of telecommunication equipment and network services at new sites and relocating sites.  Invoice processing and monitoring of all telecommunications services.

Regional Insurance Firm

A telecommunications assessment was provided for this client that addressed the market viability and manufacturer “end of life issues” of their telecommunication equipment platforms and identified weak point or gaps in the overall telecommunications environment.   As part of the assessment a detailed user survey was developed, distributed to staff and tabulated to gain insight into the user’s perspective and identify deficiencies and/or desired improvements.  Upon completion of the assessment a strategic telecommunications plan was formulated that defined short and long term goals for equipment platforms, and network services.  A cost/benefit analysis was developed for appropriate technology platforms and a ”road map” outlined for how to proceed.  

Prominent Food Retailer

Performed a network audit/optimization and led contract negotiations for this Ohio based food retailer that produced significant savings and greatly reduced contract liability and revenue commitments while remaining with the incumbent vendors.  Invoice processing and monitoring services are performed on an ongoing basis that incorporate fairly complex allocations of costs to various client entities.  Cellular management is also performed in conjunction with invoice processing and monitoring that has produced generous savings as a result of continuous monitoring and adjustment of cellular packages to best fit the dynamic nature of this clients shifting usage patterns.