Powertech case study
Essential Eight ML2 alignment and approval to start work with a new client.
Client success storiesElectrical engineering
ERM gets its servers ready for a new site on hardware it already owned
ERM is a Perth electrical engineering firm that looks after high voltage assets for mining, power and defence clients. A move to new premises meant new access control, engineers who needed their files out on site and a storage box that was nearly full. We rebuilt the server setup on hardware ERM already owned, then planned the network for the new site.
- 40 TBOf existing storage reused rather than replaced
- 2Windows servers now running on one Proxmox host
- 20+Computers managed and monitored
- 24/7Watch on Microsoft 365 sign ins
01The challenge
Where ERM started
ERM had outgrown its setup. One TrueNAS storage box sat at the centre of everything and the production copy was close to full. The business was also about to move into premises with Paxton access control, which needs a Windows server. ERM also wanted room for job tracking and costing systems later, without building something it would have to nurse for years.
One box doing every job
The NAS was the file server, the backup target and the home for other apps. At 84.5% full, the team was one busy week away from read only files.
A move with a hard requirement
The new site needed Paxton access control working from the start, and Paxton runs on Windows. Nothing in the old setup could host it properly.
Files away from the office
ERM's engineers spend their days on client sites. They needed project files on laptops and phones without a clumsy workaround.
02What we did
One host, fewer moving parts
We agreed the design with ERM's lead project engineer first, then built it alongside the move so the old storage stayed in production until the new setup was proven.
/01
Proxmox on hardware ERM owned
The larger NAS, with about ten 4 TB drives, became a Proxmox host with ZFS storage. No new server to buy.
/02
Windows only where it earns its place
Windows Server virtual machines for file shares and the Paxton software, with room for business systems later.
/03
Backups before any change
A backup of both NAS units and a restore test ahead of each stage, signed off by ERM's project manager.
/04
Files on the go
Nextcloud access to project files from laptops and phones over VPN, with simple guides for Android and iPhone.
/05
A network for the new site
UniFi switching and Wi-Fi 7 access points across the office and both warehouses, with wireless bridges out to the gate controllers.
/06
Eyes on every sign in
Huntress watches Microsoft 365 sign ins and flags logins from unexpected countries or VPNs for our team to act on.
03How we delivered it
Design it, protect it, build it alongside the move
Step 1
Design session
We mapped the move, the Paxton requirement and future systems with ERM, then agreed the direction: Proxmox, ZFS and Windows only where needed.
Step 2
Protect the data
Backups and a restore test before anything changed, with ERM's project manager signing off each stage.
Step 3
Build in parallel
The new host was built while the old NAS kept running. A UPS with automatic shutdown went in so a power cut could not take the server down hard.
Step 4
Weekly targets
From June we set a short list of goals with ERM each week, so progress was easy to see and nothing sat open for long.
Planned and delivered by our team in Subiaco, Perth.
Meet the teamEngineers, project leads and account managers
04The results
The difference for ERM
What changed Results
- 01Two Windows servers running on one Proxmox host, built on storage ERM already owned
- 02A proper Windows home for Paxton access control ahead of the move
- 03Project files reachable from laptops and phones, with guides staff can follow
- 04Risky Microsoft 365 sign ins, including logins from overseas, flagged and dealt with
What made it work Approach
- 01Agreeing the design before buying anything
- 02A tested restore ahead of every stage
- 03Keeping the old storage live until the new setup was proven
- 04Clear weekly targets with ERM's lead project engineer
Today
The network fit out for the new site is under way: UniFi switching in the office and warehouses, access points across the floor and bridges out to the gate controllers. Once that settles, ERM plans to look at job tracking and costing tools, and the Proxmox host already has room for them.
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All client success stories06Next step
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Level 2, 541 Hay Street, Subiaco WA 6008
Onsite across the Perth metro area. Remote support across regional WA and Australia.