CMGT 578 V11 Course Scenario ✓ Solved

CMGT/578 v11 Course Scenario CMGT/578 v11 Course Scenario Reynolds Tool & Die

Analyze the IT infrastructure and strategic initiatives of Reynolds Tool & Die, considering its current state and expansion plans, and propose recommendations for future technology management.

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Reynolds Tool & Die is a prominent automotive component manufacturer with a clear mission and vision aimed at delivering high-quality engineering standards and expanding market share through technological innovation. As the company embarks on significant expansion efforts—including joint ventures in Mexico and acquisitions in Canada—it faces critical strategic and operational challenges in managing its information technology (IT) infrastructure and aligning technology initiatives with its growth objectives.

Assessment of Current IT Infrastructure

Reynolds’ IT environment comprises multiple sites connected via MPLS circuits, with a well-established, though aging, hardware infrastructure. The primary data center in Akron houses substantial resources, including EMC SAN devices, redundant backup appliances, and servers supporting critical enterprise applications like SAP. The other sites—Bloomington and Memphis—have small footprints, retaining essential hardware such as Microsoft Exchange servers, file servers, and Active Directory servers, all running on Microsoft Server 2012. The use of EMC SANs facilitates data redundancy, vital for manufacturing continuity and disaster recovery.

Legacy systems are prevalent, with SAP being two versions behind, and Windows 7 desktops and laptops still in operational use—though Microsoft Office 2010 is in place, and some virtualization has been achieved via VMware. Network equipment from Cisco®, servers and desktops from HP®, and storage solutions from EMC form the backbone of Reynolds’ infrastructure, primarily focused on on-premises resources with no cloud integration. This setup supports significant operational requirements but limits flexibility and scalability for future growth.

Security devices, including Cisco firewalls and routers, provide perimeter defenses, but the company currently lacks a comprehensive Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, despite internal demands for integrating mobile devices with Microsoft Exchange and other applications.

Innovation and Expansion Challenges

Reynolds’ expansion into new markets through joint ventures and acquisitions presents strategic opportunities but also necessitates technological readiness. The partnership with Peraltada LLC in Mexico involves sharing engineering expertise and developing joint intellectual property. Peraltada’s use of Microsoft Office 2016, Oracle ERP, and Windows Server 2016 suggests potential compatibility challenges and integration complexities. Additionally, the Vancouver acquisition introduces a different technological environment, with the adoption of SAP version newer than Reynolds, Microsoft Office 2013, Windows 10, and Dell hardware, alongside a BYOD policy supported by VMWare AirWatch MDM.

These diversified environments increase the complexity of maintaining consistent security policies, data management, and system interoperability across the enterprise. Moreover, each location’s infrastructure maturity varies, with some sites implementing newer systems while others operate on legacy technologies.

Strategic Recommendations

To address these challenges and position Reynolds for successful expansion, several strategic initiatives should be prioritized:

1. Modernize and Consolidate IT Infrastructure: The company should plan phased upgrades of its servers, operating systems, and enterprise applications. Upgrading SAP to the latest version and migrating to cloud-compatible solutions can enhance scalability and flexibility. Virtualization should be accelerated, targeting at least 80–90% server virtualization to improve resource utilization and disaster recovery capabilities.
2. Enhance Security and Mobile Device Integration: Implementing a comprehensive MDM solution, such as VMware AirWatch or Microsoft Intune, will streamline device management, security, and compliance. Strengthening perimeter security with next-generation firewalls and intrusion detection will safeguard sensitive manufacturing and proprietary data, particularly as mobile access increases.
3. Standardize across Locations: Developing unified IT standards and protocols will improve interoperability and reduce support complexity. Harmonizing software versions—such as SAP, Office, and Windows—to minimize compatibility issues is critical, especially given the mixed environment of Reynolds, Peraltada, and P.T. Tracy.
4. Leverage Cloud and Hybrid Solutions: While Reynolds currently has no cloud applications, adopting hybrid cloud infrastructures for certain workloads can provide agility, scalability, and cost savings. Cloud-based disaster recovery, data analytics, and remote collaboration tools will facilitate international operations and remote workforce integration.
5. Align IT and Business Strategies: Establishing a governance framework that aligns technological investments with strategic business goals—such as market expansion and product innovation—will ensure IT effectively supports Reynolds’ growth ambitions.
6. Implement Change Management and Training: As new systems and policies are introduced, training programs and change management initiatives will be critical for user adoption and minimizing operational disruptions.

In conclusion, Reynolds Tool & Die’s current IT infrastructure provides a foundation for its operations but requires modernization and strategic refocusing to support its aggressive expansion plans. Prioritizing cybersecurity, infrastructure upgrades, standardization, and cloud adoption will position Reynolds to capitalize on new market opportunities while maintaining operational excellence. A well-implemented IT strategy, aligned with business objectives, will secure Reynolds’ competitive advantage in the evolving automotive supply industry.

References

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