The Challenge

A growing UK energy organisation was experiencing increasing pressure from an ageA further education institution delivering vocational and technical training was facing growing challenges with an ageing workstation estate. Existing CAD systems were struggling to run modern design and engineering software, impacting lesson delivery and limiting students’ access to the tools commonly used within industry.

The college needed a workstation refresh programme that would:

• – Support demanding CAD, 3D modelling and technical applications
• – Improve reliability and classroom performance
• – Fit within existing classroom layouts and infrastructure
• – Meet strict delivery deadlines aligned to teaching schedules
• – Remain within budget while delivering long-term value

The institution also wanted independent advice to ensure the selected solution was based on educational requirements rather than manufacturer preference.

The Solution

Ballicom worked closely with the college’s technical stakeholders to understand classroom requirements, software demands and physical constraints. Rather than recommending a single manufacturer, a vendor-neutral approach was used to evaluate multiple options and identify the most suitable solution.

Requirements Assessment

The project began with a detailed review of software requirements, expected workloads, space limitations and warranty expectations to ensure any recommendation aligned with both educational and operational needs.

Vendor-Neutral Workstation Recommendations

Multiple workstation configurations were evaluated and presented, allowing the college to compare performance, value and suitability. This approach provided confidence that the final solution would meet curriculum requirements while remaining commercially viable.

Classroom Planning and Flexibility

Detailed hardware specifications and physical dimensions were supplied to support classroom planning. The solution remained flexible throughout the procurement process, allowing adjustments to quantities and requirements without creating delays.

On-Time Delivery

All systems were prepared and delivered within the required implementation timeframe, helping ensure minimal disruption to teaching schedules.

The Outcome

The college received fully configured, CAD-ready workstations backed by comprehensive warranty cover and delivered within budget. The new systems provided the performance required for demanding educational applications, helping staff deliver lessons more effectively and giving students access to a learning environment that more closely reflects industry standards.

The project demonstrated how a requirements-led procurement process can help educational institutions balance performance, budget and long-term reliability when refreshing specialist IT equipment.