Client background
Healthtec is a Queensland-based manufacturer and supplier of medical furniture, specialising in massage tables, paediatric chairs, and other clinical equipment for healthcare professionals. With a diverse workforce requiring both onsite and remote access, Healthtec needed a centralised IT environment to support collaboration, equipment access, and operational reliability.
The challenge
Distributed staff, mixed device use, and the need to connect with onsite appliances created several challenges:
- Fragmented data storage: Files were stored across multiple staff devices, creating inefficiencies and risk of data loss.
- Remote connectivity: Staff needed secure access to company resources, including onsite devices like 3D printers and office printers.
- Reliability & uptime: Dependence on individual computers meant downtime or device failure could directly impact productivity.
- Collaboration needs: Staff required consistent access to Microsoft 365 apps and OneDrive for file sharing and document management.
- IT management: Maintaining multiple endpoints with differing configurations was resource-intensive and harder to secure.
The solution (delivered by JTIT)
JTIT designed and implemented a centralised, server-based solution underpinned by secure connectivity and modern collaboration tools.
1) Centralised infrastructure
- Deployed a Windows Server 2019 virtual machine as the single workspace environment for all staff.
- Configured server resources to balance performance, scalability, and availability.
- Streamlined IT management by shifting updates, backups, and security to a single, controlled environment.
2) Secure connectivity
- Implemented a pfSense firewall providing VPN access for remote staff.
- Enabled secure connectivity not only to the Windows server but also to onsite resources including 3D printers and standard office printers.
3) Productivity & collaboration
- Integrated Microsoft 365 accounts across the workforce, providing OneDrive storage and desktop applications.
- Ensured a consistent experience regardless of user device, with files and apps accessible through the centralised server.
4) Reliability & continuity
- Reduced reliance on individual staff computers by centralising logins and workloads.
- Delivered near-continuous availability, achieving ~99% uptime since deployment.
Outcomes
- High availability: Business operations continue with minimal downtime thanks to server-based access (~99% uptime).
- Simplified IT management: A single virtual environment reduces administrative overhead and increases control.
- Consistent user experience: Staff access the same applications and data environment regardless of device or location.
- Secure remote work: VPN connectivity enables safe access to company data and onsite resources from anywhere.
- Improved collaboration: Microsoft 365 integration ensures files and documents are easily accessible, versioned, and shareable.
Architecture snapshot
| Layer | Technologies / Notes |
|---|---|
| Compute | Windows Server 2019 virtual machine |
| Remote access | pfSense VPN for secure remote connectivity |
| Storage | OneDrive (Microsoft 365 accounts) |
| Productivity | Microsoft 365 desktop applications |
| Identity | Centralised server logins tied to user accounts |
| Onsite devices | Access to 3D printers and office printers via VPN |
