Networking Overhaul & Cybersecurity for Midrand Distribution Centre
Apex Distribution — Enterprise-grade networking, segmentation, and 24/7 security monitoring for a busy Midrand warehouse and distribution operation. Zero breaches, rock-solid uptime.
Apex Distribution — Enterprise-grade networking, segmentation, and 24/7 security monitoring for a busy Midrand warehouse and distribution operation. Zero breaches, rock-solid uptime.
The Challenge
Apex runs a high-volume distribution centre with 80+ staff, multiple shifts, WMS systems, and lots of IoT/OT devices on the warehouse floor. Their flat network was a security nightmare and performance was suffering. They had suffered two minor ransomware scares in 18 months. No dedicated IT on site.
Our Solution
Full network redesign (core/distribution/access layers, VLAN segmentation for OT/IT/guest, high-density Wi-Fi 6/7 for warehouse, redundant internet). Deployed our full managed services + advanced threat detection and response (24/7 SOC monitoring). Integrated with their existing WMS and ERP. Transparent Partner pricing with clear SLAs.
Distribution and logistics operations in Gauteng don’t have the luxury of “IT can wait until morning”. When the WMS or scanners go down, trucks don’t load and customers don’t get their orders.
Apex had a classic flat network that had grown organically. Performance was inconsistent, and the security exposure was terrifying once we did a proper assessment.
What a Proper Networking & Security Partnership Looks Like
- Proper layered design (not just “more access points”)
- OT/IT segmentation so a compromised label printer can’t take down the ERP
- 24/7 monitoring and response — not “we’ll check in the morning”
- Integration with the business systems that actually matter (WMS, scanners, ERP)
- Clear SLAs and a local team that understands warehouse realities
Outcome
The GM told us the biggest win wasn’t the tech — it was that her team stopped treating IT as the enemy and started seeing it as an enabler. Orders move faster, with less stress.
This is the level of operational partnership Johannesburg distribution businesses deserve.
Warehouse, logistics, and distribution operations: Talk to us about networking and managed security tailored for 24/7 environments.
"Our previous network was a house of cards. African Vanilla came in, understood the real operational requirements of a distribution centre, and delivered something that just works 24/7. The security piece gives us real confidence. Fixed cost, real people, local. Exactly what we needed."
Key Results
- ✓ Network performance up dramatically — picking/packing systems now consistently fast
- ✓ Zero security incidents in 8 months (previous average one scare every 9 months)
- ✓ Warehouse operations team reports 'IT is no longer the bottleneck'
- ✓ Full visibility and alerting for the 24/7 operations team via our portal