Franciscan Ministries, a leading nonprofit healthcare organization headquartered in Lemont, Illinois, faced several technology challenges that impeded its operations. With annual revenues of approximately $500 million and a workforce of 2,000 employees across eight U.S. communities, the organization needed a comprehensive strategy to improve communication, ensure security, and enhance productivity. Fortium Partners’ interim CIO provided the solution by delivering expert technology leadership to quickly close the gap on key issues.
Before Fortium’s involvement, Franciscan Ministries encountered significant roadblocks:
Outdated Software Versions: The use of different software versions across devices and operating systems created delays in communication.
Cybersecurity Threats: A Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy exposed the organization to high risks of data breaches.
Lack of Secure Protocols: Mobile devices operated without secure communication measures and complicated compliance in a regulated industry.
Bandwidth Limitations: High device usage during peak periods led to communication bottlenecks.
Software Incompatibility: Applications failed to interact seamlessly and reduced operational efficiency.
These issues not only disrupted daily operations but also posed serious security risks in a highly regulated environment.
Fortium Partners addressed these challenges by implementing a strategic overhaul of the organization's technology infrastructure. Fortium’s interim CIO’s actions included:
Virtualization of Desktops: Introduced a robust desktop virtualization system to enable smooth collaboration across various platforms.
Centralized Applications: Migrated applications and services to centralized servers to improve both security and performance.
Solid-State Hosting: Used solid-state devices to host virtual desktops, eliminating performance bottlenecks and ensuring reliable operation.
Streamlined Updates: Adopted standardized "Gold" images for software that simplified updates and patches.
Enhanced Data Security: Implemented strict measures to control the downloading and printing of sensitive information to reduce data vulnerabilities.
The transformation led by Fortium’s interim CIO brought remarkable improvements to Franciscan Ministries:
Improved Collaboration: Employees gained the ability to work seamlessly across all devices to enhance their productivity.
Standardized Software: Consistent versions across platforms eliminated delays and incompatibilities.
Enhanced Security: The introduction of robust security protocols reduced the risks associated with BYOD policies and safeguarded sensitive data.
Optimized Performance: The organization overcame communication bottlenecks and achieved greater efficiency, even during peak usage.
Remote Work Enablement: Secure access to organizational systems from any location became a reality and provided flexibility for the workforce.
The partnership between Franciscan Ministries and Fortium Partners illustrates how strategic technology leadership can resolve critical challenges while driving operational efficiency. By implementing secure, scalable solutions, an interim CIO not only addressed existing issues but also positioned the organization for future growth.
If your organization is grappling with similar technology challenges, contact us to learn how Fortium Partners can leverage proven expertise to deliver transformative results.