Transforming Business Through Connectivity, Mobility And Innovation

Forbes

24-07-2025

Lori Thomas is Senior Vice President of Strategic Engagement and Transformation, MetTel.
Today, businesses face a common challenge: knowing how to modernize their operations while maintaining agility, reliability and scalability.
I've had the privilege of partnering with organizations in diverse industries to help them navigate these challenges. While each company's journey is unique, the lessons learned are universal, and they underscore the power of connectivity, mobility and strategic partnerships in driving business success.
Challenges & Solutions
Customer and employee expectations continue to evolve, demanding seamless experiences, real-time data and always-on connectivity. At the same time, businesses are grappling with increasingly complex environments. Legacy systems, fragmented networks and disparate technologies often hinder progress, creating inefficiencies and limiting growth.
Here are some recent examples of specific challenges we've seen clients face, the solutions we worked on together and what any business leader can learn from each scenario.
Challenge: An iconic global luxury brand was moving into a new state-of-the-art headquarters but felt its voice and communications systems did not reflect the same modern elegance and sophistication.
Solution: The brand deployed a sleek and intuitive unified communications platform. Starting with a pilot program, the company quickly scaled the solution to include all users and employees. The adoption of the new technology was frictionless and overwhelmingly positive. The result was a modern workplace environment that enhanced collaboration across regions while preserving the brand's commitment to human connection.
Challenge: An energy infrastructure giant faced the daunting task of managing tens of thousands of circuits, connections and IoT devices across remote and hard-to-reach locations.
Solution: Ensuring uninterrupted service and data flow to the energy company's remote customer base was paramount, enabling them to reach new markets and expand their operational footprint. To address this, a comprehensive solution was needed that consolidated IoT vendors, streamlined device management and integrated satellite connectivity. Starlink technology (Full disclosure: Our company is an authorized Starlink reseller) proved invaluable, serving as both a reliable backup and, in many cases, the primary connectivity option where traditional networks were unavailable or unreliable. This ensured the client could consistently deliver essential services and data, even in the most challenging environments, unlocking new growth opportunities.
Challenge: An international restaurant chain struggled with unreliable networks and outdated point-of-sale systems, which hampered its ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Solution: The restaurant chain overhauled its entire network infrastructure, implementing an SD-WAN and Cloud Firewall solution that enabled reliable connectivity, protection from cyberattacks and redundancy at every location. Upgraded guest Wi-Fi and robust access points created a welcoming environment for diners, while the improved network allowed the company to pivot seamlessly to online ordering during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Challenge: A North American beverage company sought to streamline mobility for its delivery drivers while scaling IoT-enabled smart devices for customers.
Solution: The client leveraged eSIM technology to simplify device activation and deployment for its fleet of delivery drivers. Break-fix processes were optimized to ensure replacements arrived within 48 hours, minimizing downtime. On the IoT side, single-SIM technology enabled the rapid scaling of smart water coolers, providing proactive service and improving customer satisfaction.
While these challenges may seem distinct, they share a common thread: the need for technology solutions that are not only innovative but also practical, scalable and aligned with business goals.
Takeaways
• By streamlining processes and consolidating vendors, you can reduce complexity and focus on core operations.
• Advanced technologies like SD-WAN and satellite connectivity help ensure uninterrupted service, even in challenging environments.
• From IoT deployments to unified communications rollouts, solutions like these can provide the flexibility needed to adapt and grow.
• Whether it was delivering clean water, enabling seamless collaboration or creating memorable dining experiences, these companies put people first, leveraging technology to enhance, rather than complicate, interactions.
What Every Business Should Know
These stories offer valuable insights for any organization looking to modernize its operations:
1. Start with the end goal in mind. Technology should align with your business objectives and cultural values. Whether it's creating a cohesive brand experience or ensuring operational continuity, clarity of purpose is key.
2. Embrace change incrementally. Pilot programs and phased rollouts can help ease transitions and build confidence among stakeholders. Listening to user feedback ensures smoother adoption and better outcomes.
3. Prioritize partnerships. No organization can tackle these challenges alone. Partnering with a trusted provider enables access to expertise, resources and tailored solutions that drive success.
4. Future-proof your investments. The pace of technological change is accelerating. Investing in scalable, flexible solutions ensures you're prepared for whatever comes next—whether it's a global pandemic, a natural disaster or the next wave of innovation.
Building A Better Future With Technology
I believe that technology should empower businesses to achieve their full potential. These four organizations—each a leader in their field—demonstrate what's possible when connectivity, mobility and innovation come together. From luxury retail to energy infrastructure, food service to consumer goods, the common thread is clear: The right technology, implemented thoughtfully, can transform challenges into opportunities.
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