Enterprise Manufacturing - Full Digital Transformation
To support a manufacturer's vision of becoming a household name across Africa, I led its digital transformation by architecting a new technology stack that connects the company to its customers, ensuring continuous production (via 99.9% uptime) and funding strategic growth (with $200k in annual savings).
The Challenge
Legacy Infrastructure
A traditional manufacturing company with no modern technology infrastructure, hindering growth and international expansion plans across Africa.
Unreliable Environment
Operating in regions with unstable power grids and inconsistent internet connectivity, requiring resilient and redundant system design.
Remote Management
Need to architect systems that could be fully managed from the US while supporting 130+ employees across multiple locations in Africa.
The Process & My Contribution
Acting as the de facto CTO, I managed the entire lifecycle from strategic planning to hands-on implementation and remote administration.
Needs Analysis & Gap Identification
Conducted comprehensive analysis identifying critical gaps in security, operations, and data management that were hindering growth. Created strategic roadmap for complete digital transformation.
Vendor & Cost Management
Consolidated vendors and personally handled procurement and repairs. When a CCTV contractor underperformed, took over the project, self-funding superior networked cameras to ensure quality outcome.
Resilient System Design
Designed all systems for high availability with redundant power (including supervising solar installation) and network connections to overcome local infrastructure challenges.
Remote-First Operations
Implemented systems fully manageable from the US using Tailscale mesh networking and TeamViewer, providing real-time support across continents.
The Solution: Implemented Infrastructure & Systems
Core Infrastructure
Deployed HP EliteDesk Mini PCs as on-site Active Directory controllers and application servers, all managed remotely with redundant failover capabilities.
Enterprise Resource Planning
Led migration from expensive Sage software to self-hosted ERPNext instance running on Docker, currently in final testing phase with projected 70% cost reduction.
Custom Sales Platform
Built standalone, secure 'ledger' platform for remote sales data entry. Intentionally architected separately from main ERP to minimize attack surface and protect core financial data.
IoT & Cold Chain Monitoring
Developed and deployed sensor node system monitoring temperatures in remote refrigerators, ensuring product integrity across the supply chain with real-time alerts.
Security & Surveillance
Architected and supervised installation of 58-camera, multi-site CCTV network using modern IP cameras, replacing inferior contractor-led BNC system.
Fleet & Maintenance
Established preventive maintenance system for vehicle fleet and consolidated repair vendors, improving reliability by 40% and reducing costs.
Connectivity
Deployed multi-WAN modems and Tailscale mesh network ensuring stable, secure remote access for administration and testing with automatic failover.
Power Systems
Supervised installation of solar power systems providing resilient, cost-effective energy for critical infrastructure with 8-hour battery backup.
Tech Stack
Infrastructure
Docker Active Directory Tailscale TeamViewerApplications
ERPNext Python PostgreSQL RedisIoT & Monitoring
Sensor Networks MQTT Grafana PrometheusSecurity
IP Cameras VPN Firewall SSL/TLSOutcomes & Impact
Operational Excellence: All core systems live and managed remotely with 99.9% uptime for critical infrastructure
Cost Optimization: Vendor management and system optimization resulted in $200,000+ documented annual savings
Scale Achievement: Systems support distributed workforce across multiple African locations
Security Enhancement: Comprehensive CCTV network significantly improved physical security and operational oversight
Energy Independence: Solar installations reduced energy costs by 35% while ensuring business continuity
Future Vision: Brand & Market Expansion
With the technical foundation now stable, the next phase focuses on market leadership:
- Digital Marketing Strategy: Leverage new infrastructure to launch full-scale digital marketing and social media strategy
- Brand Building: Take ownership of all social media pages with goal of making Cedar Beverage a household name
- Data-Driven Marketing: Utilize ERP and operational data to inform campaigns and measure ROI
- E-commerce Platform: Build direct-to-consumer sales channels integrated with ERP
- AI-Powered Analytics: Implement predictive analytics for demand forecasting and supply chain optimization