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The Latest News, Tips and Information from Taylored Systems Newsletter Library

February 2024

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Customer Spotlight: Expanding aRange of IT Services to Bright Ideas
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Upon starting their collaboration with Taylored Systems in August 2022, Jan Lorenzano, CEO/Principal of Bright Ideas, quickly realized the tremendous value of Taylored Solutions expertise and solutions. As the company was planning a move to a new location, Taylored Systems stepped in to assist them in making informed decisions regarding their IT infrastructure. The sales team at Taylored Systems meticulously explored Bright Ideas' requirements and recommended services that would best suit their needs.

One key figure in this process was Bonnie Dolick, Director of Sales, who was a crucial link between Bright Ideas and Taylored Systems. Her in-depth knowledge and exceptional communication skills helped Bright Ideas understand the different services and products offered by Taylored Systems. Bonnie's kindness, patience, and professionalism made the initial stages of their business relationship genuinely remarkable.

Initially, Bright Ideas sought assistance from Taylored Systems for three main areas: complete wiring of their new location, IT security, including anti-virus and firewall implementation, and the deployment of a VoIP system. These services provided immense value, giving Bright Ideas a solid foundation for their IT infrastructure. However, as time went on and the partnership between Bright Ideas and Taylored Systems grew stronger, the benefits of adding IT management and monitoring services became increasingly evident. Within a year of moving into their new office, Bright Ideas expanded their collaboration to include this critical service. The decision was transformative for Bright Ideas, as it allowed them to focus on their core business activities while leaving the management and monitoring of their IT systems to the experts at Taylored Systems.

The team at Taylored Systems working with Bright Ideas consisted of several highly skilled professionals, including David Rash, Director of IT Services; Keith Stambaugh, Network Engineer; Ryan Rush, Service Engineer; Beth Brown, Customer Support Specialist; and Jason Homan, IT Service Engineer. Each team member was crucial in ensuring Bright Ideas received the highest service and support.

Whether addressing IT-related issues promptly, monitoring network performance, or delivering proactive maintenance, Taylored Systems' team consistently exceeded Bright Ideas' expectations. Their expertise and professionalism allowed Bright Ideas to escape the "Tech Business" complexities and focus on what mattered most – their core operations.

Regular meetings, prompt responses to queries, and a proactive approach to addressing potential issues have elevated the partnership between the two organizations. Bright Ideas cannot praise the Taylored Systems team enough for their exceptional work, and the company looks forward to many more years of collaboration with these dedicated professionals.

"The level of service, communication, and work has been phenomenal. Cheers to a well-built team of Professionals!" said Jan Lorenzano.

January 2024

In This Issue

  • Top 5 IT Signs
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Top Five Signs Your Managed IT Services Need an Upgrade
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IT downtime can be financially devastating for businesses of all sizes, with costs ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per minute. Upgrading your managed IT services when needed is crucial to preventing losses. Here are the top 5 issues to watch for:

  1. Frequent and Prolonged Downtime Impacts Customers:
    If your company experiences frequent and prolonged downtime that impacts customers, it can result in lost sales, damage to your brand, and customer churn. The cost of downtime is much higher when your customers notice, so it's essential to identify and address the root cause. Upgrading your managed IT services can help prevent these issues by adopting a proactive approach to avoiding downtime.

  2. Decreased Productivity and Employee Frustration: When your employees are affected by IT downtime, their productivity suffers. Even more, regular downtime can frustrate employees and increase turnover rates. High turnover costs can be significant for both large and small businesses, especially for hard-to-replace employees. Upgrading your managed IT services can eliminate these productivity hindrances and reduce employee frustration.

  3. Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities and Attacks: With the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals, organizations must be proactive in mitigating cybersecurity risks. Many businesses rely on a large attack surface, including mobile devices, endpoints, and IoT systems, making them vulnerable to attacks. Upgrading your managed IT services can help protect against threats like viruses, phishing scams, malware, ransomware, and more.

  4. Lack of Proactive Monitoring and Prevention: Managed IT service providers that take a proactive stance use a combination of automation, artificial intelligence, and human oversight to anticipate problems and identify emerging issues. These providers focus on eliminating unplanned downtime by implementing preventative maintenance, infrastructure monitoring, and performance analysis.

  5. Increased Human Error: Human error is a common cause of unplanned downtime, occurring due to misconfigurations, outdated applications, server failures, or network maintenance issues. Upgrading your managed IT services can mitigate human error by using well-trained and up-to-date technicians. Additionally, your business can leverage automation and artificial intelligence to streamline mundane workflows and monitoring tasks, freeing up your team to handle more complex responsibilities.

Keep an eye out for signs of trouble and protect your bottom line. Taylored Systems is here to help you do just that. Contact us any time. We're happy to help.

December 2023

In This Issue

  • Employee Spotlight
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Employee Spotlight: Celebrating Significant Milestones
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L to R: Bonnie Dolick, James Whittington, Mary Couch, Allen Wilson, and Amy Hart-Ramey


We've recently celebrated some noteworthy anniversaries here at Taylored Systems. We're proud to share that five team members reached significant milestones. To honor this achievement and highlight the diverse experiences within our team, we decided to shine a spotlight on these individuals and catch up with them about their journey working for Taylored Systems.

Bonnie Dolick, Director of Sales at Taylored Systems, had this to say about her experience here.
Throughout my years at Taylored Systems, I've had the opportunity to grow professionally and personally. It's rare for people to work for the same company for 30 years, but I am proud to have stayed because I feel respected and appreciate the company's ethics and integrity. Taylored Systems positively impacts its industry and community by offering innovative and reliable products from leading manufacturers to address our customers' challenges. Our internal team continually stays current on emerging technologies, ensuring we provide the best solutions possible.

If I had to pick one memorable experience from my time here, it would be the everlasting friendships I have formed with my colleagues. The connections and relationships built over the years have been truly special.

James Whittington, Warehouse Manager, explained why working for Taylored Systems has been a career highlight.
Firstly, the company's proximity to my house at the time was incredibly convenient for me, as my wife was frequently traveling for work, and I needed to be close to home for my 7-year-old and 18-month-old children. Additionally, during my interview with Steve McDonald, I felt a strong connection and believed Taylored Systems would be a great fit.

One aspect that makes me particularly proud is my ability to adapt to the evolving nature of our business. Over the years, as our company has grown and changed, I have navigated those changes and ensured the smooth functioning of our warehouse operations. Also, Taylored Systems has consistently demonstrated a commitment to supporting the community. We have positively impacted those around us by donating materials and labor to the Noblesville Boys and Girls Club and adopting a needy family each Christmas.

Mary Couch, Administrative Assistant, says working here has been incredibly rewarding.
One of the highlights for me each year is organizing the sponsorship of a family in need for Christmas. We run raffles to raise money, which we use to purchase gifts and clothing from Taylored Systems. I also coordinate our Annual Food Drive to support the sponsored family. It's heartwarming to be part of a company that is so family-oriented and committed to giving back to the community in various ways.

Furthermore, Taylored Systems is dedicated to staying ahead in the industry, consistently embracing new technology and innovation. We understand the importance of evolving and keeping up with the changing landscape. What may have been good several years ago may not be ideal now, and we are committed to embracing and incorporating better ideas and creations in our operations.

Working as the Senior Business Development Manager, Allen Wilson has had several accomplishments in which he takes great pride.
One of my most significant achievements was securing the Nestle USA account, which resulted in numerous projects across the United States and a total revenue of around four million dollars. It was truly gratifying to have made such an impact on a significant client like Nestle.

Another major milestone for me was securing my first million-dollar contract, which marked a noteworthy breakthrough in our business. Lastly, I am proud of achieving over one million dollars in margin for the company, showcasing not only my success but also the growth and financial stability of Taylored Systems. These accomplishments have driven the company forward and filled me with immense pride and satisfaction in my work.

Amy Hart-Ramey, President and GM at Taylored Systems, had this to say about her growth working here.
I was initially drawn to working for this company because of Bill Taylor, the previous President. I saw the opportunity to make a positive impact and contribute to the company's growth under his leadership. However, working with Bill far exceeded my initial expectations. He became an exceptional mentor, offering guidance, support, and valuable insights beyond my professional life.

One of my proudest accomplishments is assuming the role of President and GM at Taylored Systems. This new role occurred when Bill Taylor retired, and New Lisbon Holdings, Inc. acquired the company in September 2021. I am incredibly grateful for the unwavering support and confidence extended to me by John Greene, the CEO of New Lisbon Holdings, Inc., over the past two years. Our collaboration has been instrumental in establishing and working towards a vision of sustained growth and excellence for Taylored Systems.

November 2023

In This Issue

  • Customer Spotlight
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Customer Spotlight: GEMCO Constructors
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GEMCO Constructors helps its customers shrink their procurement and construction timelines through creativity and innovation. The company also focuses on delivering energy efficiency for its clients, regardless of project scale. GEMCO’s engineers, estimators, project managers, and installers work in concert to provide the company’s clients with best-fit systems that are delivered on time and on budget.

To deliver all of this to clients, GEMCO must have high standards. David Smith, Director of Information Technology at GEMCO, recently told us about his frustration with an existing voice services provider that led his company to try Taylored Systems.

“We would never hear from our account rep, and when we tried to reach out for assistance, he never responded,” he said. “We had acquired another company that was a long-term customer of Taylored Systems, and people at that company highly recommended Taylored.

Once our experts started working with David and the people at GEMCO, we were able to focus on a significant project: combining the phone systems of two physical offices to create a more seamless experience for GEMCO’s end users.

It was greater flexibility that GEMCO was looking for when they approached us, and we were happy to provide an innovative solution for their business. David said members of our staff — particularly Sherry Littrell, Bonnie Dolick, and Mike Welker — were instrumental in guiding his company through the entire process.

“They walked us through the process and were always available to assist,” David said. “All have been attentive, thorough, and responsive during and after our transition.”

While GEMCO was satisfied with our voice solution, David sounded more impressed by our experts. GEMCO prides itself on having a strong company culture built on its mission statement and values. Everyone from the company’s leadership team to its front-line workers understands the importance of solid company principles.

Like the experts at GEMCO, our team members know the technology they provide inside and out. They also combine their expertise with a customer-first focus. Innovation and creativity can be the heart and soul of a company, but only if those things are targeted toward end users and customers.

“Taylored Systems’ customer-first way of doing business is a breath of fresh air,” David said. “I know I can reach out to multiple people for questions and assistance and always get a fast response.”

October 2023

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Protect your Operations with Cybersecurity Training
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Providing cybersecurity solutions is one of the most critical ways we support long-term planning and success. But it takes more than technical measures to keep the digital wolves at bay. Your company and others must shore up their cyber defenses with comprehensive cybersecurity training.

There’s a saying in cybersecurity that humans are the weakest link in any defense and statistics regularly bear that out. According to a recent report from Verizon, more than 70 percent of data breaches are at least partly caused by humans. Given that people are such a significant vulnerability, it’s shocking that fewer than 1-in-9 companies provide cybersecurity awareness training.

When employees are properly trained, they learn how to defend against one of the most common and successful attack vectors: phishing. According to the Verizon report, scam emails and other phishing attacks are responsible for 1-in-3 data breaches. While there are technical measures to prevent phishing, awareness is the best defense against it. Cybersecurity training can show employees how to spot suspicious emails and check their validity before they even think about responding or clicking on an embedded link.

Phishing awareness training is essential to protect your company and individual employees from potentially devastating consequences, such as the loss of personal information and identity theft.

Cybersecurity training is critical to the long-term success of your company and it can do a lot more than prevent successful attacks. When your employees are properly trained, it shows customers that your organization is responsible when it comes to security.

Customers are increasingly wary of data breaches and surveys have shown that many of us are skeptical about businesses’ ability to protect sensitive information. Surveys also show that many people will avoid an organization that has suffered a cyberattack, and they are particularly wary of companies that have been victimized by data breaches, phishing and social engineering. Simply put, the long-term success of your company is at risk if it’s hit with even one successful attack.

Regular cybersecurity training also helps to engage your workers and build a responsible corporate culture. In every industry, there’s pressure to take shortcuts and skip security practices. Fostering a responsible culture is essential to having a workforce that keeps security top of mind, significantly lowering the chance of a successful attack.

The benefits of cybersecurity training typically aren’t measured in terms of days and weeks but more in months and years. With just a minimal investment in training, your company will take a proactive approach to its long-term success and security.

September 2023

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  • Customer Spotlight
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Customer Spotlight: Insurance Management Group
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Since its founding in 1954, Insurance Management Group has been a family-run insurance agency dedicated to supporting underserved markets with affordable insurance products.

Over the decades, IMG has grown and evolved.

The company expanded several times and currently has four different Indiana locations in Marion, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and Elwood. They recently planned to open its newest location in Indianapolis when they were hit with a surprise.

"About four weeks before we had to move in, we learned there was more to be done than we had realized," says Matt Worrell, IT Support Lead at IMG. "The property owner said we need to find our own internet service provider and there isn't any network infrastructure in the building. We kind of panicked."

Worrell says he knew Taylored Systems through other companies he'd worked for in the past.
 
At Taylored Systems, our people pride themselves on being difference-makers who use their experience to help companies like IMG grow and evolve. For his experience, Worrell says he was particularly impressed with Greg Monts, Director of Low Voltage Technologies at Taylored Systems. "He's super great to work with and the one who actually installed our open path access control system," Worrell says. "There was always great communication. Greg was letting me know when he would be here, what he needed and what he had left to do. If he had to deviate from the plan, he would check with me before he did it."
 
At Taylored Systems, the job isn't done once an installation is complete. We always follow up our installation services with strong customer service. While some companies need significant follow-up support, others only require a light touch.
 
Worrell also enjoyed collaborating with David Rash on the wiring and setup for IMG’s Marion office. Worrell found David's approach to be not only highly professional but also personable, making the entire process a pleasure to work through. "We're pretty independent; we like to do things ourselves," Worrell says. "But if we do need help, it's a fast response from Taylored Systems. They've been very responsive to our questions and anything else we've needed."

August 2023

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Customer Spotlight: Hydronic & Steam Equipment
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Hydronic & Steam Equipment has built a sterling reputation for providing central Indiana heating, cooling, plumbing and industrial process equipment. The company primarily helps commercial, industrial and wholesale customers choose the necessary equipment.

With Hydronic & Steam Equipment having such a strong background of service and tradition, it should come as no surprise that the company chose Taylored Systems when it was looking to upgrade its voice technology and security systems.

Operations Manager Brad Madden says Hydronic first expanded from South Bend into the Indianapolis market in 1988 (well before his time), and shortly after worked with Taylored Systems to install a new phone system that could grow with the business.
The Decision to Upgrade
Two factors led to Hydronic upgrading its technology through Taylored Systems. The first was COVID. Like many companies, Hydronic was forced to shift some of its employees into remote work during the pandemic. The sudden change made Hydronic realize that its communications systems were suboptimal in the new business environment.

The second factor leading to a technical upgrade was company growth. The hiring of new personnel forced Hydronic to renovate and expand some of its facilities. Because of renovations, the company had to relocate its IT closet. Ahead of this move, Hydronic was approached by Verizon with an offer to upgrade its communications system.

Using a simple three-step process, Taylored Systems helped Hydronic install a modern VoIP system, which involved coordinating with a third-party provider. Hydronic's new facilities also required more modern security and access control systems, which Taylored Systems also installed. Madden says the new systems are "everything he expected."

The Customer Experience
Madden says his company had a great working relationship with Taylored Systems. He was quick to praise Sales Engineer Bonnie Dolick who provided everything from technical details on equipment to build-out plans. That personal touch, along with great service that exceeded expectations, is why Madden says he's happy he went with a local company over a big national brand.

"You know, when Verizon approached us – and I don't have anything against them – but we didn't like the idea that we wouldn't have local support," Madden said. "Now, the Taylored Systems techs that are coming out to do work in our office are from the company that has sold the products to us. That is very valuable to us.”

Expand Your Company's Possibilities Today with Our Combination of Experience and Modern Solutions
Our work with Hydronic & Steam is just one example of how Taylored Systems combines experience and know-how to help companies expand and update their capabilities. Whether you're looking to upgrade your phone system or security system, you can be confident that Taylored Systems will meet your needs with the utmost professionalism. Contact us today to learn how we can deliver for your company.

July 2023

In This Issue

  • Christmas in July Golf Outing
  • Featured Blogs
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Golf Outing Raises Funds to Brighten Holidays for Families in Need
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Taylored Systems Christmas In July teams; L to R, Team Sheehan - Winners, Team Allen Wilson - 2nd Place. Row 2; Team Wire Supplies, Team NLBC. Row 3; Team Monts.


Taylored Systems successfully hosted a 6th Annual 'Christmas in July' golf outing, a significant event in support of families in need during the holiday season. As proud sponsors, we are thrilled to have organized a golf tournament that brings extra joy to those less fortunate.

This year, the tournament saw overwhelming participation, with 19 teams and 76 golfers taking part. It was particularly heartwarming to have many of our valued Taylored Systems customers and vendors among the participants.

Contributions poured in from players, spectators, and guests, including attendance fees, hole sponsorships, raffle ticket purchases, door prize donations, and cash. The result was a successful fundraising effort that will enable us to extend our assistance to more deserving families in our community.

June 2023

In This Issue

  • Cybercriminals Target Small Businesses
  • Featured Blogs
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Small Businesses in Indiana Need World-Class Cybersecurity
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Small businesses everywhere are often viewed as easy targets by cybercriminals for several reasons.Understanding their motivations can help business owners sharpen their cybersecurity defense.

  • Limited Resources. Unlike larger organizations, small businesses typically have limited budgets and fewer resources allocated to cybersecurity. This makes them an appealing choice for cybercriminals who want to exploit vulnerabilities and gain access to sensitive data.
  • Lack of Awareness. Many small business owners underestimate the potential risks associated with cyber threats leading to complacency, leaving their businesses vulnerable to attacks. Criminals take advantage and exploit weaknesses in security measures.
  • Valuable Data. Although small businesses may not possess the vast amounts of data that larger enterprises do, they still possess valuable information. This data could include customer records, financial details, or proprietary business information, making them targets for cybercriminals.

Evaluating Your Cyber Risks.
To protect your small business from cyber threats, it's crucial to assess and evaluate your specific cyber risks. By understanding the potential vulnerabilities, you can implement targeted security measures.

  • Identify Assets. Start by identifying the critical assets. This includes customer data, intellectual property, financial information, and any other sensitive data that could be targeted by cybercriminals.
  • Conduct a Risk Assessment. This involves analyzing your IT infrastructure, network security, data storage practices, employee access controls, and third-party integrations. Consider seeking professional assistance or using cybersecurity risk assessment tools.
  • Prioritize Risks. Once you have identified potential risks, prioritize them based on their potential impact and likelihood. This will help you allocate resources and focus on addressing the most critical vulnerabilities first.

Best Cybersecurity Practices for Small Businesses.
Implementing cybersecurity practices is crucial for small businesses to protect their valuable assets and maintain the trust of their customers. Here are some best practices to consider:

  • Employee Training Educate them about common cyber threats, phishing scams, password hygiene, and the importance of reporting any suspicious activity. Regular training sessions can empower your staff to be the first line of defense against potential attacks.
  • Strong Password Policies Enforce strong password policies across your organization. Encourage employees to use complex passwords, change them regularly, and avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
  • Secure Network Infrastructure Ensure that your network infrastructure is secure by implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and virtual private networks (VPNs). Regularly update your network devices with the latest security patches and firmware to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Taylored Systems helps small business owners looking for personalized cybersecurity solutions. We've been providing IT services for over 30 years. We understand that every business is unique, which is why our solutions are tailored to the specific needs of our customers. Give us a call at 317-776-4000. We look forward to hearing from you!

May 2023

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  • Customer Spotlight
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Customer Spotlight: BDA, Growing and Going Bold
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When BDA was looking to build out its new fulfillment center in Plainfield, company leaders made another bold decision that turned out to be the right one: Choosing Taylored Systems for their security camera, access control systems, and networking.

“We moved into a completely new space,” said Kamini Patel, director of employee services. “As we were building it from the ground up, we told Taylored Systems where we wanted certain technology to be sitting.


Working hand-in-hand with representatives at BDA, our team was able to install a complete camera system and access control points to create a comprehensive anti-intrusion system. The Taylored Systems team also provided cabling and networking solutions to keep the fulfillment center a fully-connected part of the BDA supply chain.

Navigating IT Supply Chain Hiccups and Finding Solutions
As with any project, there were bumps in the road throughout the build-out. Patel notes that supply chain issues forced some projects to get pushed back, but our team at Taylored Systems was able to address issues in a timely manner.


“They would always find alternative solutions,” Patel said. “For example, this card reader was not coming in, and they said, if we stay with this company for card readers, it will take an extra four weeks. So they suggested this other company and we went with their card reader. It works fine and switching helped us save some time.”

Exemplary Service is The Foundation of Taylored Systems
Like BDA, we’ve been in business for around 40 years. Our founder Bill Taylor made many bold decisions, and one of the most important decisions he made was building his company on a solid foundation of great customer service.

Over the decades, we’ve realized that providing exemplary service is just as important — if not more important — than the solutions we provide. As a result, we’ve been able to partner with impressive, innovative companies like BDA.


When speaking with us, Patel made a point of calling out our service as the main reason why her company is so satisfied with Taylored Systems: “Our project manager was Andy Hancock. But everyone was always very responsive and if something didn't work, they would get back to us and come to fix it.”

“I'm completely happy with their services,” Patel added. “They gave their care and attention to us.”

April 2023

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  • Customer Spotlight
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Customer Spotlight: Helping Meyer Foods Management Expand
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Meyer Foods Management is a franchisee of Culver’s fast-casual restaurants throughout Indiana, Ohio and Georgia. For many years, the company operated out of a small building in Noblesville, Indiana that had a few private offices and minimal IT infrastructure. A few years ago, the company made the strategic decision to open many more Culver’s locations. This planned expansion required the company to expand its management capabilities, so the decision was made to buy and redevelop the old former Boys & Girls Club in Noblesville.

“When we moved into our new office, we were out of our comfort zone in the amount of technology we needed and would be able to manage!” says Lana Thompson, director of administration for Meyer Foods Management. “We went from having two exterior doors to 13 and from eight private offices to 50. Our new building also has some unique spaces for an office setting, including an auditorium, two fitness rooms and a gymnasium.”

The different areas and their different uses require a lot more access control than the company had at its old offices. For example, Meyer Foods Management wanted people to come in and use the coworking space and basketball court, but not be able to access private corporate offices. The company also needed significant technology upgrades to realize its ambitious vision.

“The Taylored Systems team conducted several walk-through meetings with us before our building renovation,” Thompson says. “Their team presented options for equipment and services to maximize our productivity and security.”

To address their security needs, the company adopted a modern access control system and a video surveillance system from Vekada. These systems were installed by our technicians and continue to be managed by Taylored Systems, at the direction of Meyer Foods Management.

Meyer Foods Management also stepped up its business communications system with the purchase of 26 IP phones and two conference room speaker phones with their own dedicated lines. We also provided the company with equipment for its new wired and wireless networks, which included access points, switches and three separate networks for the building. On top of that, we started providing cloud computing services, allowing Meyer Foods Management to upgrade its technical versatility and capabilities.

“On a project as big as ours, it was important to only have one person to reach out to,” Thompson says. “Sherry Littrell was our salesperson, and she did a terrific job of being our main point of contact.”

When it comes to providing solutions for our clients, it isn’t a one-and-done affair. We follow up our first-in-class installation services with attentive management and maintenance services. This level of dedication removes a lot of uncertainty for our clients, allowing them to focus on their core business functions.

“Our central office has been up and running at this location for 18 months, and we have had very few issues with our tech equipment,” Thompson says. “We are satisfied with the service that Taylored Systems provides for us, and we definitely would recommend them!”

March 2023

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Customer Spotlight: TOA Winchester Partners with Taylored Systems for Upgrades, Expertise, and Reliability
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TOA Winchester is an automotive parts manufacturer with a large facility in Winchester, Indiana. As one of the largest employers in Randolph County with more than 220 employees, TOA Winchester produces Tier II stamped, welded and assembled automotive parts. The company has partnered with Taylored Systems over several years to upgrade its business phone systemmanaged IT servicesstructured cabling and video surveillance capabilities.

In addition to providing these technical services, Taylored Systems also provided much-needed expertise and dependability. Despite not having an IT background, production control manager Kathy Cook suddenly found herself in charge of upgrading the IT capabilities at TOA Winchester.

“Taylored Systems has been a lifesaver for me,” she says. “I know that I can call them for any issue that comes up, from setting up new computers to installing new hardware. They are always there when I need them. They even checked in on a weekend when the power went out and we lost our internet connection.”

To get TOA Winchester up to speed, we helped the company run new network lines in a way that prevented any construction fees. We also started monitoring the company’s servers, assisted with back-ups to the cloud, upgraded the phone system, installed environmental sensors within the organization, and installed and serviced the video surveillance camera system.

“We are moving forward with multiple projects with Taylored Systems,” Cook says. “Thanks to them we are going to be able to do a complete overhaul of our network. From a Wi-Fi refresh to new switches to a new internet provider, NLBC. They are working with me so that we can do this as small projects, but once it is complete, the system will be faster and more reliable.”

“They also helped us with disputes that we had with former service providers,” she adds. “I know that they will be there after everything is complete to help monitor and keep TOA Winchester up and going.”

When your company partners with Taylored Systems, you get to leave all the technical details in our capable hands. With TOA Winchester, we listened to their challenges, developed solutions and followed up with attentive service. The result has been expanded capabilities and a worry-free experience for our client.

As Cook puts it, "I do not know all of the technical aspects of what Taylored Systems does for me, I just know that they help me with everything...I think that everyone there is great. They keep us up and going. I would be lost without them.”

“I would recommend Taylored Systems to any company,” she adds.

February 2023

In This Issue

  • Tips & Trends
  • Taylored Systems Events
  • Featured Blogs
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Tips & Trends: Sound Masking Makes Financial and Healthcare Institutions More Secure
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Any mention of the term “information security” immediately sends the mind toward topics like access control and cyber security. However, sensitive information often gets passed over the phone or during face-to-face conversations.

For example, people doing business with a financial institution often have to give personally-identifying information or reveal information about their personal finances. Anyone within earshot of these delicate conversations would be able to write down the information and possibly use it for sinister purposes.

Financial institutions do have a legal obligation to protect their customers’ sensitive information. Passed by Congress in 1999, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) says financial institutions must identify risks to information security and have effective safeguards in place.

Unfortunately, standard office constructions and layouts are not sufficient when it comes to protecting sensitive conversations. Furthermore, emerging trends in the use of office space are only going to make it more difficult to protect customer information. The rise of remote and hybrid work arrangements has caused companies to significantly reduce their use of office space.

The result has been increasing the number of workspaces in a dedicated office space. Employees working more closely together while they're in the office makes it even more difficult to hold sensitive conversations. On top of that, a shift towards more open office plans also reduces privacy. Companies may have embraced these trends to optimize their investments and increase productivity, but an unintended consequence is less privacy.

Many companies use acoustic design measures to increase privacy for sensitive conversations. For example, sound-absorbing ceiling tiles absorb sound waves instead of bouncing them back down. Likewise, specially-designed cubicle walls and other barriers can prevent sound waves from bouncing around a workspace.

When passive measures aren't enough, some companies turn to an active technology called sound masking. This electronic technology involves creating unobtrusive background sound, which some have compared to the whooshing sound of airflow. Sound masking is specifically engineered to make human speech less intelligible from distance.

This technology is a very effective way for companies to comply with GLBA regulations, lowering the risk of penalties or damages. In addition to increasing privacy, sound masking also reduces audible distractions, resulting in greater productivity and employee comfort.

December 2022

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Our Most Recent Blog: New Access Control Technologies for 2023
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Considering innovative technology and buildings, it’s easy to think about brand-new, futuristic structures outfitted with cutting-edge technology. But that is not always so. It’s estimated that even in the year 2040, two-thirds of commercial properties that are standing today will still be in use. The need to retrofit old buildings with new tech is present now and will continue to be necessary for the future. This includes access control systems.

Access control technology is changing fast. The COVID-19 pandemic forced us to adopt new work and safety technologies quickly. As 2023 approaches, we anticipate growth of the following Access Control Technology trends.

November 2022

In This Issue

  • Employee Spotlight
  • Cybersecurity Webinar
  • Featured Blogs
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Employee Spotlight: Amy Hart-Ramey, President
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Amy Hart-Ramey has been with Taylored Systems for over 24 years, rising through the ranks until she attained the title of President & General Manager.

Through her unwavering commitment to providing superior customer service, she has led Taylored Systems to the top of the IT industry in Indiana. And it isn’t just industry insiders who have taken notice.

Amy Hart-Ramey has been nominated for Business Person of the Year by the Advancing Noblesville Chamber Foundation (ANCF). The Advancing Noblesville Chamber Foundation focuses on key philanthropic areas important to Noblesville’s business community and addresses the intersections of health & wellbeing, education and workforce development, economic and community development, and equity and inclusion.

Advancing Noblesville Chamber Foundation, in partnership with the City of Noblesville hosted their inaugural Advancing Noblesville Awards dinner to honor and recognize those individuals and businesses who contribute so much to our city and combined success. The ANCF is an award given to those who have shown themselves to be exemplary business leaders and upstanding members of the community.

We would like to congratulate Amy Hart-Ramey, President & General Manager for being a finalist for the Businessperson of the Year. We couldn’t be more proud of Amy and her accomplishments here at Taylored Systems. She has already done so much to help our company grow in the short time she has been President & General Manager.

October 2022

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Customer Spotlight-Unified Group Services
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Unified Group Services is a third-party administrator for self-insured group health plans. As you can imagine, any customer experience hub connected to the healthcare industry receives a massive amount of call volume. Over the summer we converted Unified Group Services over to Zultys Cloud Service — one of the leaders in voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services in the industry.

“Taylored Systems provided Unified Group Services with telecommunications service. We use an IP phone system with around 160 devices that Taylored Systems has set up for us. We recently went from having an on-premise server to a cloud-based server,” says Melissa Truitt, Vice President of Operations.

“We have been working with Joe Powless and his team. They have been amazing to work with, and they are always fast at responding and getting issues resolved as they show up. The project we had with them — moving from an on-premise server to a cloud-based server — was probably the easiest transition for a server I have ever been part of. Joe and his team worked with us in the months leading up to the changeover to ensure we got all the boxes checked that were needed for a seamless transition, and it went off without a hitch. End users didn’t see much change besides moving from MXIE to ZAC,” She continued.

In addition to installing an IP phone system, Taylored Systems installed a top-of-the-line paging system so that it is possible to make company-wide announcements in case of an emergency.

“Taylored Systems has been one of the best companies I have worked with. I don’t have to wait days for responses to emails or phone calls. I get a call or a follow-up email almost immediately and that’s something that has been non-existent in some other companies. It shows me that they really care about their customers.”

Taylored Systems offers security, cloud, voice and IT solutions to businesses, designed and engineered by the top professionals in the industry. We’re a trusted name in the field of technology services. We’ve earned that trust simply by doing what we do best — providing the best IT services in the business.

September 2022

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Customer Spotlight-Wunderkind
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Wunderkind is a New York-based online marketing analytics firm that delivers a tailored experience at scale. They have recently expanded their operations to Indianapolis, hiring an estimated 125 new employees by the end of 2022.

Wunderkind has an outstanding history of bringing in ad revenue for its clients. And quite a client roster it is. Wunderkind has provided very successful campaigns for the likes of Bloomingdales, DSW and Sam’s Club, to name but a few.

“We were moving into an office previously occupied by another tech company. There were existing cameras and some network infrastructure,” says Wunderkind about moving into their new Indianapolis facility. “Taylored Systems made the office better for us by connecting the cameras to our network and making them up to date, installing wifi equipment, video conferencing hardware and installing access control at our doors.”

Of the work that Taylored Systems has done for Wunderkind, they had this to say: “As a result of the work Taylored has done for us over the past year, we have wifi connectivity on two office floors, Zoom Rooms in over 30 rooms, access control that is easy to use and a camera system to monitor the office. We are exactly where we need to be from an office technology perspective thanks to the work Taylored has done. Our Project Manager is Andy Hancock. He's been great to work with, and all of the techs at Taylored have been professional and kind.

“Taylored Systems is a great company that stands by their work and wants to do the best job they can for the customer. I will have no problem contacting them again as our needs develop.”

Taylored Systems offers security, cloud, voice and IT solutions
 to businesses, designed and engineered by the top professionals in the industry. We’re a trusted name in the field of technology services. We’ve earned that trust simply by doing what we do best: providing the best IT services in the business.

August 2022

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Customer Spotlight-Damien Center
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Damien Center was founded in 1987 at the height of the AIDS/HIV epidemic. Its mission is to provide care, education and support for those affected by AIDS and HIV, and their friends and families in Indianapolis and surrounding communities.

The center was founded by Earl Conner, an Episcopalian minister alarmed at the skyrocketing rates of HIV/AIDS in the Indianapolis community. Damien Center is named after Father Damien, a deeply compassionate Belgian priest known for the care he provided for people with Hansen's Disease in the Hawaiian tropics.

Damien Center has helped countless people with treatment and education all throughout the state of Indiana. For more information about Damien Center’s fascinating history, you may read here.

Like any organization, Damien Center is concerned with productivity. That’s what led Chet VanWye, Damien Center’s operations manager, to research ways to increase productivity at their new facility on Meridian Street.

“We had sound masking at our main Arsenal location,” says VanWye, “and were working with a different company. After asking the previous company to assist with a project, we were not getting the customer service we needed. In fact, it took weeks for them to return calls and emails. I found Taylored [Systems] via Google and was connected to Rich. We purchased a new building on Meridian Street early this year and Rich took on the project.”

Taylored Systems offers the best in customer service and product installation.

“Rich and Andy have been our primary contacts. They have been outstanding with their customer service, communication, quality of work, friendliness of their sales and installation teams and follow through on all the projects we commissioned. We have received everything promised from them exactly as proposed.”

“I think they [Taylored Systems] are a top-notch company and we are looking forward to working with them on future projects. I would highly recommend them to anyone.”

Sound masking is a technology that matches the frequency of human speech with ambient noise in order to make a space seem quieter. It’s proven to increase productivity and privacy — two great achievements, especially when dealing with medical-related businesses.

Taylored Systems offers sound masking solutions
 to businesses, designed and engineered by the top professionals in the industry.

July 2022

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  • Christmas in July
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Customer Spotlight-Cable Ties Express
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Cable Tie Express has been providing specialty cable ties and mounting products since 1995, with one of the largest inventories in the US. They are famous for their commitment to quality, with an in-house testing laboratory and long-term relationships with some of the best suppliers in the world.

Their reputation for quality, excellent customer service and 24-hour turnaround time have made Cable Tie Express the #1 cable tie reseller in the United States. So when they outgrew their old building and built a new facility, they worked with Taylored Systems to design their new IT infrastructure from the ground up. General Manager Doug Andrew explains it this way:

“We had been in the previous building for 15 years, growing from just being one of several tenants, to taking over about 75% of the building. We decided to build a new facility for our office and warehouse, so we needed wiring for computers and phone systems for both the office and warehousing areas. In addition, we wanted security cameras and alarm monitoring… we basically just wanted a brand new IT infrastructure for our new facility.”

Because the new facility was being built and set up by contractors, and the owners were not in Indianapolis, there was a need for local supervision and oversight. The local contractors suggested Taylored for CTE’s new IT needs, and it ended up being a perfect fit.

“I thought everything was very well done, and all their communication was very professional. They had a group of individuals on the project, but Mandy Fleetwood was our main contact person and was available for all our questions. She was great; I could contact her with questions about repairs, rentals and other cost questions, and she would break things down and give impacts and alternatives. It worked out really well.”

Taylored Systems is proud to have helped a great local business like Cable Tie Express, which supports the community through their CTE Gives Back initiative, and we wish them even greater success in the future.

June 2022

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Customer Spotlight - Norris Choplin and Schroeder LLP

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Founded in 1980, Norris Choplin Schroeder LLP is a civil litigation law firm based in Indianapolis. The attorneys provide legal counsel to individuals, small and medium businesses, and large enterprises, in a wide range of practice areas. The firm has earned an AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell for its legal expertise and ethical standards, and partner Pete Schroeder was just named the 2022 Lawyer of the Year for mediation in Indianapolis.

Norris Choplin Schroder has been doing business with Taylored Systems for over a decade. Because they have been so impressed with the quality and service of their Zultys phone system, they recently chose Taylored for their Managed IT services as well.

With Managed IT Services from Taylored Systems, the team at Norris Choplin and Schroeder get a comprehensive assessment of their technology infrastructure, with recommendations and solutions focused on improving efficiency, along with expert help desk support.

NCS Legal Administrator Caroline Bogard says that working with Taylored has made a huge difference. 

Taylored Systems managed IT services offers multiple convenient ways to get IT support, whenever you need it, email, phone, or a ticketing system. Bogard says, “Thanks to the johnny-on-the-spot support, I am able to focus on my core responsibilities.”

Boost Your Firm’s Efficiency with Taylored Systems
If you would like more time in the day to focus on your own core responsibilities, consider comprehensive IT solutions from Taylored Systems. From business phones to advanced security to Managed IT, our innovative technologies and commitment to service will save you time and improve productivity. Our expert consultations focus on creating the best business solutions for your needs, so contact us
 today for more information.

May 2022

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Customer Spotlight - Clancy's Restaurants

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Founded in 1965 in Noblesville, Indiana — Clancy’s Inc. is a restaurant group with five different locations and several different dining concepts, from an Italian bistro to an all-American burger joint.

Like many growing small businesses, Clancy’s was recently in search of an IT and communications partner that could provide simple solutions for hospitality workers, on-site service and quick response times. Taylored Systems was able to address the company’s needs by providing a comprehensive VoIP system for all of Clancy’s locations. The system allowed employees to use Wi-Fi handsets to communicate with customers, and the comprehensive nature of the system enabled the seamless transition of employees from one location to another.  

“We didn't really have voicemail set up at our restaurants,” says Blake Fogelsong, owner and director of operations for Clancy’s. “We would miss a lot of calls during the night and miss out on reservations, catering, and stuff like that.”

“Taylored Systems has been a one-stop shop in terms of meeting our phone and internet needs. Whenever there's a voicemail, the managers can get it transcribed for them and get it sent to their email as well. We are not really missing any customer calls anymore, and it's just been a lot easier from a communication standpoint.”

Taylored Systems was also able to assess and upgrade Wi-Fi capabilities for all Clancy’s locations.

“We've been switching out our point-of-sale [system] in the restaurant, and it's cloud based,” Fogelsong explains. “Wi-Fi is required and Taylored Systems has been providing a private Internet access point for that. They've also been providing public Wi-Fi. So when guests come in, sit down and want to use the internet, Taylored Systems has provided that network for them to use.”

“IT director David, Sherry our sales rep, and Mike, who has been doing the phone install, have all been a pleasure to work with and everybody's been really nice. I know they're a Noblesville company and we’re a Noblesville company, so it's been nice working with somebody local as well.”

Seize More Opportunities Today with Our Comprehensive Solutions

Our work with Clancy’s is just one example of how Taylored Systems is helping companies provide better service and avoid missed opportunities. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your phone system or network capabilities, you can be confident that Taylored Systems will meet your needs with the utmost professionalism. Please contact us today to learn how we can make your company more opportunistic.

April 2022

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Customer Spotlight - Raphael Health Center

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Raphael Health Center, which provides comprehensive yet affordable community-based healthcare, offers a wide range of services including dental care for the whole family, women’s health services, optometry services, behavioral care and primary medical care. Part of the organization’s mission is offering these services to underserved and uninsured individuals with respect and dignity.

The health center had an in-house IT Director until 2020. During that time, they worked with two IT vendors but struggled with poor inventory control and were unable to forecast equipment needs for budgeting purposes. Their IT service providers, who were inexperienced at working with health centers, did not provide them with proper security assessments or the IT remote assistance they needed.

We helped turn that around. Our scope of services for Raphael Health Center included:


The team at Taylored Systems stepped in to address the center’s pain points by providing innovative IT solutions that allowed Raphael Health Center’s IT department to be more proactive about cybersecurity, ensuring that patient information always remains safe. Additionally, our solutions also helped the center provide better overall service to its patients through adequate resourcing.

More specifically, we worked with the center to help it better track and forecast its inventory needs to ensure the center always has the equipment and supplies needed to serve their patients and help the staff feel adequately resourced to do their jobs effectively. With Taylored Systems’ support, Raphael Health Center was able to take advantage of innovative technology solutions such as Vis Dental and dental imaging software that enabled them to increase their service offerings to their patients.

Taylored Systems’ remote desktop and in-person assistance helped to create a new IT culture within Raphael Health Center as well. Because IT is such an integral part of any health services organization, having a healthy IT culture means that ultimately, patient records remain adequately protected and the center remains safe from cyberattacks.

For administrators, all of these changes alleviated big pain points related to being able to adequately set and manage budgets, particularly related to IT. The team at Taylored Systems documented the center’s IT inventory and created a knowledge database of past IT services, hardware, accounts, and software. They also carried out a comprehensive IT security assessment.

Given the nature of the center’s work and mission, this was a really rewarding experience for the Taylored Systems team. But it’s exactly the kind of work we love doing on behalf of all our clients. If you need someone to breathe new life into your IT systems, contact us.

February 2022

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  • Ransomware Spotlight
  • Featured Blogs
  • Watch Unified Communications Video
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The Growing Battle Against Ransomware

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The massive switch to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic led to major rise in ransomware attacks, forcing many companies to make decisive changes in their cybersecurity strategy. In July 2020, FBI director Christopher Wray told Congress that ransomware attacks had tripled over the past year, and added that the situation was likely to get much worse.

In case you didn’t know, ransomware is a type of cyberattack that involves malicious software preventing people from accessing their files and demanding a ransom be paid in order for access to be returned. This attack typically involves a victim unknowingly downloading ransomware from an email or malicious website.

At the recent conference for the Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association (IHLA), Taylored Systems’ director of IT services David Rash spoke about the serious dangers posed by ransomware. Rash noted that ransomware started as a basic automated script that could easily be detected by antivirus software or treated by simple means.

More recently, ransomware attacks have evolved and become human-driven, not software driven. Rash said ransomware hackers attempt to gain admin-level access in order to download sensitive information from company servers, then delete all traces of that information from the company servers. Rather than asking to be paid in US dollars, modern ransomware attacks now request ransom in the form of cryptocurrencies, as these are much more difficult to trace.

Rash explained that there are a number of steps companies can and should take in order to prevent ransomware attacks. First, organizations should maintain strong, unique passwords that they change every six months. Rash also said macros and external code should not be allowed on any incoming documents or PDF files. Finally, Rash said it’s important for staff to be able to recognize suspicious emails and web links.

Unfortunately, even the best-laid plans to prevent a ransomware attack can fall short. Therefore, it is critical for companies to have a disaster recovery plan in place. According to Rash, the process of building a recovery plan has a dual purpose, as focusing on the recovery of critical information can actually reveal vulnerabilities in the prevention strategy.

Partner with Professional Security Provider
Our director’s presentation to the IHLA is just one example of the expertise we pride ourselves in at Taylored Systems. Whether you’re looking to cybersecurity or a physical security solution, you can be confident that Taylored Systems will meet your needs with the utmost professionalism. Please contact us today to learn how we can make your company more secure.

January 2022

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Customer Spotlight: Minnetrista

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Located along the White River in Muncie, Ind., Minnetrista is a 40-acre campus that serves as a museum and public garden dedicated to celebrating the artists and achievements of central Indiana.

The beautiful campus sits on land where the family behind the iconic Ball mason jars used to live. All but one of the original homes on the campus are still standing on the property that the Ball family named Minnetrista, which means “gathering place by the water.”

Taylored Systems has been the phone services provider to Minnetrista for many years. When the organization decided it was time to modernize its aging communications system, they turned to their dependable long-term partner.

“We had not upgraded our phones for probably close to a decade, and when it came time to look for partners in our upgrade project, Taylored Systems rose to the top of the heap,” Eric Lin, vice president of finance and operations, said. “Not only did they already know our system, but they came with the best price and product, as well as a great team.

With an upgraded phone system, Minnetrista was able to ditch outmoded technology and provide better customer service.

“The pandemic really highlighted the need for flexible communication systems,” Lin said. “We’re really excited to better accommodate communication needs for in-person and remote team members. There are also some features with the new phone system that we're excited to incorporate into our processes. For example, the visitor experience team is looking at ways that they can frequently revise the outward messaging, so that callers can have a better experience.”

Moving forward, Minnetrista will be working in concert with Taylored Systems to get the most value out of their new communications system. Lin said this working relationship has been the best part of his organization’s experience.

“We really enjoy the Taylored Systems team,” Lin said. “I think that's the biggest thing. We really loved working with our contacts Bonnie, Joe and Sherry.”

December 2021

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From Structured Cable to
Fishing Lines:      Celebrating Leadership With Dean Reskevich

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L to R: Cara Bennett, Matt Mattiello, Dean Reskevich, Greg Monts, Allen Wilson

Leaders shape companies in many ways, and Taylored Systems has been fortunate to have Dean Reskevich for the past 22 years, first as vice president of installation and then as vice president of low-voltage technologies. The newly retired executive has created new offerings and brought in many subcontractors, customers, and vendors to Taylored Systems, changing the face of the organization. A true leader, Dean’s vision, kindness, and dedication to customers and the Taylored Systems team has created a legacy that will continue for years.

After all, it is Dean’s vision that helped Taylored Systems offer sound masking, video surveillance, and access control, as Dean helped the team create more low-voltage solutions. Dean has every reason to be proud. After all, the industry has changed a lot since 1973, when he first entered the telecommunications sector with a job as a telephone technician in St. Louis, Missouri. Taylored Systems has been one of the success stories, and its people — including Dean — are a big part of that.

Doors Opening
Just five years after he entered the industry, Dean founded his own telecommunications contracting firm, growing it to 185 employees across six states, offering structured solutions for customers. But by 1992, he was ready for new adventures. A serendipitous encounter with Bill Taylor changed the direction of both Taylored Systems and Dean’s life. After working as his own boss, Dean says “I needed a boss like Bill Taylor. He let me do my thing. I truly respect that — that he had the faith in me to let me make my decisions.”

Big Projects
From the start, Dean was ready to go after new clients, vendors, and opportunities with a care and a tenacity his friends and family will recognize. In those early days, Dean routinely pursued projects that made others think “we don’t have a chance.” Dean remembers coming back from a meeting with a potential client and being told “we’ll never get it,” only to land the million-dollar project after all.

He also remembers one of the first big clients he brought on in 2007, an effort that Dean says required the whole team pulling together. The company was a multinational business with significant needs and a generous budget. Allen Wilson and Dean worked together and then went to lunch with the client.

The client was clearly impressed and praised Allen’s work. “You need to reward him,” she told Dean, to which he laughed: “If you want me to reward him, hand me a signed contract and we’re good to go.” The client leaned down into her briefcase and pulled out a signed contract.

As Taylored Systems celebrated the win, they didn’t even realize all the doors that were about to open. That client would bring in $4 million of work across the country over the next seven to eight years.

Like many leaders, Dean is modest and has nothing but kind words for the whole Taylored Systems team, who he sees as a component of his success: “I can’t sit here and tell you I’m the reason why the low-voltage department built up. It’s a team effort. Nobody does this on their own.”

By 2010, Dean and the Taylored Systems team took on a project for a hospital interested in access control. At the time, the company wasn’t even in the security business and “we didn’t have a manufacturer,” as Dean remembers. But tenacity paid off once again, ushering in new opportunities for Taylored Systems in the security field.

From Structured Cabling…
Even with all the shifts in technology and the move towards the cloud- and hosted-driven services, structured cabling and the low-voltage solutions Dean spearheaded are a key part of that business at Taylored Systems today. At Taylored Systems, cabling makes up roughly 60 percent of sales, more than any other part of the business. In the future, Taylored will be able to build on this business success.

…To Fishing Lines
And what’s next for Dean? He tells us he and his wife “closed on a home last December in Venice, Florida.” He looks forward to making their permanent home there. Taylored Systems celebrated his retirement at The District Tap Northside. It was a party full of laughs and good cheer. But don’t believe Dean is walking away from the company fully.

He knows going from “50–60 hours a week to no hours a week” is going to be a transition, and Dean isn’t one to sit around wondering “what am I going to do?” He has already decided: “I’m still going to be supporting Taylored Systems.” Now, if the company doesn’t have time to put together a bid, Dean will step in.

As Dean looks back on his decades with Taylored Systems, his overall impression is that “it’s been fun to watch it grow.” He looks forward to seeing what the company will do in the future and based on his experience, he has a prediction: “They’ll be successful and drive things forward.” We believe the same can be said for Dean, and we look forward to celebrating his future wins.

November 2021

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Customer Spotlight:        CarDon & Associates

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Jeff Barnhill, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at CarDon & Associates, talked with us about his recent experience working with Taylored Systems. CarDon & Associates offers solutions for families looking for senior care. With 24 communities across Indiana, their progressive and expertly-managed senior living and health centers help seniors and their families during this phase of life. Here is what Jeff had to say about CarDon & Associates’ work with Taylored Systems.


"We've been working very closely with Taylored Systems to install our new camera security systems, and they are our vendor choice for all new camera systems that we've been putting in. We probably have about half of our buildings now operating with Verkada cameras, all installed by Taylored Systems.

A lot of our buildings had non-integrated and mismatched video systems that use on-site DVR or NVR. We didn't have a standardized platform, so it was hard to get data off those systems. We had to back that data up and store it locally on servers on-site. But Taylored Systems brought the Verkada platform to the table and said, ‘Hey, listen, we have a cloud-based camera system. No local storage is required and does everything we think that you would want.’ We demoed it, trialed it, and fell in love with it. Now when a community camera system starts to age out, we go with Taylored Systems and the Verkada platform.


It just helps our IT team. It makes it easier to troubleshoot. It makes it easier to train on. It's cloud-based, so it takes the resources we had to maintain internally and manages it for us. It was an easy choice.

I've been with CarDon for nearly 15 years, and I think we've been with Taylored Systems for 14 of those. One of my favorite aspects of working with them is how quickly they respond. There are times when we don't know we're going to need them, and all of a sudden there's an emergency, Taylored Systems is right there.

They have helped us and bailed us out of many challenging situations over the years. We value the partnership with the whole Taylored Systems team. We think of them as an extension of our team, taking care of the telephony side of our business, and now security video as well.”

— Jeff Barnhill, CISO

We couldn't have said it any better, Jeff! All of us at Taylored Systems appreciate our longstanding relationship with your team.

If we can help you and your organization, feel free to drop us a line. We'll be sure to get back to you right away.

Contact Taylored

October 2021

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Customer Spotlight:        Pike Lumber

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Pike Lumber is passionate about producing the finest hardwood lumber in North America. Each log's journey begins at one of their three state-of-the-art, Indiana-based processing facilities, and ends with bundles that are loaded with care and shipped all over the world.

Taylored Systems is equally matched in passion for expert IT services, with cutting-edge know-how and world-class software and hardware. When it was time to update their IT infrastructure, Taylored Systems sent a highly trained and certified team of technicians, installers, and project managers to Pike Lumber to refresh their core infrastructure and PCs.

And Taylored Systems didn't stop there. Our expert team developed a security and business continuity process, as well. Knowing Pike Lumber's clientele depends on us to produce a wide variety of products, the team developed a roadmap for ongoing and continued maintenance of Pike Lumber's IT environment.

Then we put a bow on the project by improving the overall security of the system by using Fortinet hardware. As cyber-attacks and security threats are more sophisticated than ever, it was critical to implement even more layers of security software and equipment to keep Pike Lumber's network and data safe.

Find out how our IT team can help your business.

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September 2021

In This Issue

  • New Partnership
  • Featured Blogs
  • Network and Server Security eBook
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NLBC and Taylored Systems
Combine Forces. Rolling Out New Technology Services Soon.

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John Greene, CEO of New Lisbon Holdings, Taylored Systems President Amy Hart-Ramey and Taylored Systems Founder Bill Taylor stand in front of a Taylored Systems vehicle.

Taylored Systems, which has created customized technology solutions for businesses of every size and kind in Indiana, is joining forces with the New Lisbon Telephone Company, Inc. (NLTC) New Lisbon Broadband and Communications (NLBC) and Pennsylvania Telephone Company (PTC), providers of best-in-class telephone and broadband service. These companies are part of the New Lisbon Holdings, Inc.’s family of companies. All the organizations focus on delivering exceptional service that meets customers’ specific needs. That is ensuring a smooth transition and will result in new products and services offerings for both Taylored Systems’ and New Lisbon Broadband and Communications customers.

The move comes as the result of Taylored Systems Founder and President Bill Taylor’s decision to retire from telecom. An Indiana native who grew up on a farm and attended Vincennes University, Taylor has always focused on serving the needs of his community. He served on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Noblesville for over 20 years, the Board of Directors for the Noblesville Schools Education Foundation for over 10 years and the Noblesville Chamber Board. Taylor is a member of the Noblesville Sunrisers Kiwanis Club.

Taylor will stay on for several months to consult with the New Lisbon Holdings team and ensure Taylored Systems’ customers experience a seamless transition.

We are proud to announce that the staff will remain the same. The person that you worked with yesterday will be there tomorrow. You'll be getting the same level of great service, working with the same great people and using the same phone numbers and email addresses you’re used to. We are proud to be part of the Noblesville community, and we’re not going anywhere.

“I am very excited about the partnership and working with John and I am honored to lead the talented team of employees at Taylored Systems,” said Taylored Systems President Hart-Ramey, who has been a Noblesville resident for more than 45 years and a part of Taylored Systems for 23 years. “We will carry the values of family, integrity, excellence and commitment with us into this next chapter of Taylored Systems.”

Our team is ready to talk with you about your next project. Contact us here.

August 2021

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  • Project Spotlight
  • Featured Blogs
  • Network and Server Security eBook
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Project Spotlight: Kokomo First Church of the Nazarene Gets a New Cloud-Based Phone Solution

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To say The First Church of The Nazarene had an aging phone system would be putting it lightly. Calls were inconsistent at best, their voice mail system crashed on a regular basis, and to top it off, the system’s physical infrastructure required parts that were no longer manufactured.

So naturally, the church started looking for a new solution. They needed something that would be low maintenance and reliable, but securing such a system, they found, was easier said than done. After a prolonged search, Taylored was able to step in with acloud-based phone system. Since it’s cloud-based, the provider would handle the software and hardware upgrades, making life much easier for church staff.

But removing those responsibilities was only the tip of the iceberg. Taylored also provided other features, including caller ID, a unified voicemail system, the ability to change the auto attendant greeting, and a handy mobile app that allowed staff members to move around the church and never miss a call. Taylored also assisted with improving the after-hours Pastor on-call service by adding more phones. Here’s what they had to say.

"I love the app that I can answer anywhere, everywhere. Especially with COVID. I know there were times where we were stuck at home, and it was an easy seamless transition to answer those phone calls from home,” said Abagail, a staff member at The First Church of The Nazarene said. “Taylored was super easy to work with and when I did have questions they were really quick to respond."

We’re always happy to hear success stories like this, and want to thank Abagail for her kind words. If this sounds like something you could benefit from, and you think we could help you with your next project, feel free to contact us here.

July 2021

In This Issue

  • Christmas in July
  • Featured Blogs
  • Network and Server Security eBook
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The Results Are in for the
Christmas in July Golf Fundraiser

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Winning Team: Wayne Moyer, Kevin Parks, Jeff Johnson, Kevin Wedmore

2nd Place Team: Kenny Wilson, Chuck Townsend, Rich Marsh, Sam Hardwick

The real winners of this year's Christmas in July golf fundraiser are the families we serve.  Taylored is proud to sponsor a golf tournament that supports families with extra help during the holidays. This fundraiser helps provide a merry Christmas to the less fortunate.

The champions of this year's eighteen holes are pictured above. We had 80 golfers play in this year's tournament – many were Taylored Systems customers and vendors!
Players, spectators and guests alike contributed through attendance, sponsorship of a hole, purchase of raffle tickets, donation of door prizes, and cash donations.
We were able to raise roughly $6,000 for the fundraiser! This will help us serve more deserving families in our area with food and gifts during the holidays.

June 2021

In This Issue

  • Taylored Solutions
  • Featured Blogs
  • Network Server and Security eBook
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Taylored is working to craft the ideal solution for your business growth

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For the past 39 years, Taylored Systems has created customized technology solutions based on the specific needs of our clients. We’re here to offer creative solutions that make sense by listening and then crafting the ideal technology system for you.

In this span of time, we've introduced a few services that Taylored hosts that you might not be aware of. Taylored's services are not limited to but include:

  • Unified Communications: Let your remote workers or remote offices act as one through instant messaging/chat, web and audio conferencing, and contact center applications
  • Managed IT Services: Drive your business to the next level with the right combination of IT solutions such as consulting, hardware, software, and cybersecurity
  • Structured Cabling: A structured cabling infrastructure is the most critical part of your voice and data network. Structured cabling is the copper or fiber wiring in the walls. These cables connect your computer, phone, wireless access points, cameras, and copiers to your data and phone network.
  • Sound Masking: The addition of an unobtrusive background sound (similar to airflow) to your environment leads to greater productivity and increased privacy and comfort.
  • Carrier Services: Let Taylored Systems design and manage Internet, Lines, SIP, etc connections for you and your organization to remove the headache and frustration

Talk with one of our IT experts about solutions for your business. 

Contact Us Here

May 2021

In This Issue

  • Employee Spotlight
  • Featured Blogs
  • Network Server and Security eBook
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Anita Taylor, Who Sees Taylored Through the Eyes of Our Customers, Is Retiring

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L to R: Bill Taylor, Anita Taylor, Amy Hart-Ramey

Anita Taylor is retiring, and we're happy for her but wondering how we will ever replace her. Anita has been a customer advocate with Taylored Systems for the past five years. Wikipedia would say that the definition of customer advocacy is a “specialized form of customer service in which companies focus on what is deemed to be best for the customer.” According to everyone at Taylored, Anita is exactly that and more. She has the rare gift of understanding the customers who call in, seeing our company through their eyes.

Anita has been helping our existing customers upgrade their services and introducing them to new products that Taylored has to offer. Her oversight of their projects and persistence with following up and making sure our customers are well taken care of have been key assets to making Taylored such a success.

On the personal side, Anita is the type of coworker who is always able to make someone laugh and feel welcome. She will be greatly missed by not only her coworkers but also her customers, with whom she built strong, lasting relationships over the years.

 

April 2021

In This Issue

  • Project Success Story
  • Featured Blogs
  • Network Server and Security eBook
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Taylored Helps Southern Indiana Orthopedics stay at the top of their game

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The Taylored Systems team is proud to keep Southern Indiana Orthopedics at the forefront of communications technology. Southern Indiana Orthopedics offers dedicated specialists who preserve a legacy of service, expertise and commitment to making their patients stronger. Just as they provide the latest in specialized orthopedic care, we provide them with best-in-class IT services.

We recently helped Southern Indiana Orthopedics with their move into upgraded facilities by providing key technologies. Taylored replaced obsolete analog phone systems with centralized calling for customers and internal calling between sites over five locations. Then we added call recording to improve customer service and for training. And, of course, we included live reporting.

We also improved their carrier services by installing Taylored cloud SIP trunks to eliminate multiple carriers and reduce the ongoing monthly costs. For reliable and consistent bandwidth speeds and guaranteed uptime, we installed AT&T dedicated fiber internet. Now, Southern Indiana Orthopedics has one company to handle both internet and dial-tone issues at all locations.

Taylored improved Southern Indiana Orthopedics’ IT services by leveraging Fortinet (SD-WAN) firewalls to improve their internet reliability and security. All the while, we helped them run their practice more smoothly with personalized IT care and customized solutions.

Talk to our team about your next project. We'd love to lend our expertise to help you stay on top of your game.

 

March 2021

In This Issue

  • Customer Spotlight
  • Project Success Story
  • IT for Finance eBook
  • Featured Blogs
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Making Their Move: Exec Search Firm Marketpro Hires Taylored

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The executive search firm Marketpro called on Taylored Systems to handle their move into a new building this month. Marketpro made the decision to hire Taylored after considering the parameters of moving servers, networking equipment, firewalls and their all-important phone systems, as well as evaluating their previous IT provider. Ultimately they concluded that it was time for a new IT vendor, and we emerged as the front-runner.

One of the deciding factors was that Taylored’s services went above and beyond upgrading and moving equipment. We offered a personal touch, starting with a thorough report on the state of Marketpro’s existing IT environment.

The Taylored team then got to work moving over all of their existing equipment, including five servers, networking equipment, firewalls, and phone systems. We helped connect it all to the new suite and get up and running. Finally, we took over Marketpro's managed services to ensure that their systems would continue to run smoothly without adding unnecessary responsibilities to their internal team.

If you'd like to talk with Taylored about your IT needs, contact us here.

 
 

Customer Spotlight: Cooper Tire & Rubber

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Cooper Tire & Rubber is constructing a new one-million-square-foot facility in Whiteland, Indiana. We are proud to announce that Taylored Systems was selected as the low voltage contractor. We are partnering with Security 101 and Edwards Electric to build out 16 fiber intermediate distribution frames (IDFs) and 174 wireless access points in the warehouse, along with office cabling and IT support.

A subcontractor of Taylored, Security 101 is handling intrusion, video surveillance and access control as Cooper Tire’s security vendor. Edwards Electric is providing all the electrical and conduit requirements for the low voltage. This is a great project, and we have an incredible team working together to bring Cooper Tire a successful installation.

Let's discuss your next project, from server security to a one-million-square-foot facility. Contact Us.

February 2021

In This Issue

  • Employee Spotlight
  • Access Control & Phone Systems
  • IT for Finance eBook
  • Featured Blogs
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Employee Spotlight: Allen Wilson Gets Peak Performer Award for 2020

 

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The executive search firm Marketpro called on Taylored Systems to handle their move into a new building this month. Marketpro made the decision to hire Taylored after considering the parameters of moving servers, networking equipment, firewalls and their all-important phone systems, as well as evaluating their previous IT provider. Ultimately they concluded that it was time for a new IT vendor, and we emerged as the front-runner.

One of the deciding factors was that Taylored’s services went above and beyond upgrading and moving equipment. We offered a personal touch, starting with a thorough report on the state of Marketpro’s existing IT environment.

The Taylored team then got to work moving over all of their existing equipment, including five servers, networking equipment, firewalls, and phone systems. We helped connect it all to the new suite and get up and running. Finally, we took over Marketpro's managed services to ensure that their systems would continue to run smoothly without adding unnecessary responsibilities to their internal team.


If you'd like to talk with Taylored about your IT needs, contact us here.
 

January 2021

In This Issue

  • Employee Spotlight
  • New Product Spotlight
  • IT for Finance eBook
  • Featured Blogs
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New Product Spotlight:
IronScales, Protecting Office 365 Users from Phishing Attacks

 

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Taylored Systems is always looking for the best solutions for your business's safety and security. We have recently been implementing a best-in-class anti-spam and anti-phishing filter that can be integrated over Office 365 email accounts. Ideal for the banking, healthcare and government industries as well as just about any small business, IronScales provides businesses with a complete solution for email security.

Small to medium-sized businesses need a comprehensive, automated solution to stop tomorrow’s phishing attacks today. After all, the FBI estimates that phishing attacks cost victims $26 billion from June 2016 to July 2019.

Taylored has been implementing IronScales because of its top-of-the-line effectiveness. By taking a comprehensive, all-in-one approach, this platform puts you in the best position to fight a variety of known and unknown attacks. This list includes malware, ransomware, account takeover, credential theft, business email compromise (BEC), polymorphic viruses and zero-day attacks.

Contact us today to discuss implementing IronScales to protect your business.

 

Meet Our Star Employee: Leann Vasbinder

Employee of the Year

The Taylored Systems staff is a gaggle of great employees, so it takes an extraordinary person to stand at the top of this group. Meet Leann Vasbinder. As a team player, she is always willing to help whenever a department is short-handed. Like a fast-moving stream, Leann can be found traveling through the Taylored office, assisting with payroll, answering NOC phones, and covering for our receptionist, Mary. She also jumps in to help with billing.

Leann always finds the time to follow up with customers who have questions. She does an extraordinarily thorough job when invoicing, making sure customers are not charged for items that are covered under their maintenance agreements and advocating for the customer when they call in with questions. She even works out payment arrangements with customers who need a little extra time to pay an invoice.

But Leann’s magic touch goes beyond office work. She set an example for all of us when she made meals for employees who were home due to illness. If that's not enough, she stays on top of the cleaning crew to make sure our offices remain clean and healthy for our staff. We wouldn’t blame you if you needed to sit down and take a break after reading about all of her activities!

Please help us congratulate Leann for being our employee of the year.