CheckPoint Software > Case Studies > Matheson Tri-Gas Streamlines Operations and Reduces Costs with IoT

Matheson Tri-Gas Streamlines Operations and Reduces Costs with IoT

Technology Category

Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Exchange & Integration
Cybersecurity & Privacy - Network Security

Applicable Industries

Buildings
Telecommunications

Applicable Functions

Logistics & Transportation

Use Cases

Inventory Management
Tamper Detection

Services

System Integration

About The Customer

Matheson Tri-Gas is a leading supplier of pure gases and gas mixtures of every kind, from acetylene to xenon, along with equipment and systems for their safe handling and delivery. Its products are used in a wide range of applications, including hospitals, labs, factories, artist studios, and home workshops. They are used to fill party balloons, make lasers work, etch silicon chips, anesthetize patients, and calibrate detectors and analyzers, among other uses. The company has developed a strong Internet business presence that gives it a distinct advantage over competitors. Located in Parsippany, New Jersey, Matheson Tri-Gas has more than 900 employees and 60 locations across the United States.

The Challenge

Matheson Tri-Gas, a supplier of pure gases and gas mixtures, was facing a significant challenge in connecting its numerous branch offices and integrating newly acquired businesses. The company, which has over 900 employees and 60 locations across the United States, was growing rapidly and had plans to acquire more distribution companies. Many of these locations were small offices and retail outlets with limited IT resources. These locations required access to the company’s intranet, centralized ERP applications, and a proprietary cylinder management system that tracks more than 700,000 gas cylinders nationwide. The existing frame relay networks were slow and expensive, and the company wanted to leverage the development of broadband services to link its branch offices. However, the company was concerned about the security risks of always-on Internet connections and needed a cost-effective Internet security and Virtual Private Network (VPN) solution that was easy to use and transparent to the users.

The Solution

Matheson Tri-Gas found its solution in Check Point's Safe@Office. This solution, available from a variety of appliance vendors, protects data and networks with Check Point VPN-1/FireWall-1 technology, enables multiple PCs to share one broadband connection, and provides subscription services for both Web content filtering and the latest virus protection. As broadband Internet service became available in various regions, Matheson Tri-Gas began replacing frame relay companywide with Safe@Office appliances. One branch office in New Jersey even has a converged service, carrying both voice and data on the same line. The Safe@Office solution was chosen for its SIP-enabled firewall, which was necessary for this setup. The solution also made it easy to integrate newly acquired businesses. With a broadband Internet connection and a Safe@Office appliance, the new site could have secure access to corporate email, intranet, and business applications in a matter of minutes.

Operational Impact

The implementation of the Safe@Office solution has brought about significant operational benefits for Matheson Tri-Gas. The company has been able to reduce the cost of connecting its branch offices significantly, making it a more cost-effective solution compared to the previous frame relay networks. The solution has also helped in preventing Internet attacks, ensuring the robust security of the company's systems. The ease of integration of newly acquired businesses has allowed the company to expand rapidly and efficiently. The solution is also easy to manage for branch offices, requiring less than 10 minutes for installation and can be managed centrally from the corporate office. This has made the solution completely transparent to the users, reducing the need for IT expertise at remote sites.

Quantitative Benefit