Smoothwall

Digital safeguarding solutions provider who's mission is to keep our children safe online while they learn.

Smoothwall is the leading digital safeguarding solutions provider in UK Education with over 10,000 schools, colleges and multi-academy trusts depending on their technologies to keep students safe and to keep education organisations compliant. Historically Smoothwall sourced their own hardware direct from suppliers in the Far East but whilst this felt cost effective, in truth the process was long and fraught with frustrations.

Two Smoothwall by Qoria network security appliances stacked — safeguarding hardware for education and enterprise IT networks.

The Challenge

Smoothwall came to us with a list of pain points: poor support services, limited customisation options, and lead times that just couldn’t cut it. We listened and got to work, determined to turn things around.

The Solution

Our journey with Smoothwall started with a deep dive into their needs, followed by a few solid meetings. Fast forward, and we’ve built a thriving partnership where we work together daily. Here’s what we’ve brought to the table:

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Managed Product Evolution

With over 20 years of experience under our belt, we handpicked components that are both reliable and built to last. We then fine-tuned everything for Smoothwall’s unique software, creating a set of five tailored solutions for their clients.

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Faster Delivery

No more waiting around. We prebuild and preconfigure systems, keeping them in our warehouse ready for lightning-fast dispatch. Next-day delivery? You bet.

A closeup view of two green servers stacked together with the text ‘Smoothwall by Qoria.’ The background is white.{

Custom Branding

Smoothwall’s brand is front and centre. From beautifully designed, bespoke chassis to fully branded packaging and production manuals, we ensure everything is perfectly tailored to them. Even the delivery notes carry their logo.

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Support that Actually Supports

Smoothwall’s team handles first-line customer support, but if a hardware issue arises, we’ve got their back. We either fix it remotely or send out a replacement, stat.

Individual in branded uniform seated indoors — Exacta Technologies team member in workplace setting.{

Better Cash Flow

With orders invoiced only upon dispatch, Smoothwall’s cash flow has taken a serious turn for the better.

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The Results

Thanks to our solid hardware and seamless integration, Smoothwall is now making huge strides toward a Software as a Service (SaaS) model. The result? Renewals are smooth, clients are sticking around, and their business is thriving like never before.

 In short: we took the stress out of hardware so Smoothwall could focus on what they do best – keeping schools safe.

“Working with Exacta has transformed the way we do business for the better. We have massively improved our branding; shortened our lead times; reduced our hardware support calls; optimised our software performance; and transformed the whole experience for our end users. All of this at the same time as eliminating our inventory holding and greatly improving our cashflow.

From the initial onboarding process to the weekly joint team calls the relationship with Exacta has strengthened across the board. With worldwide supply and logistics in the state they have been, we have obviously encountered some challenges, but this is where Exacta’s experience and expertise have proved to be extremely beneficial.”

– Senior VP Engineering at Smoothwall

Exacta in action: Client success stories

Learn how we're helping clients like you reach new heights with tailored hardware.

Blackcore

“Blackcore and Exacta have a long history together, and while we are now independent businesses, our partnership remains as strong as ever. Exacta’s expertise in custom hardware solutions continues to be invaluable to us. They understand our need for agile production practices and quality manufacturing processes ensuring we can build upon a solid foundation to deliver the high-speed servers our client’s demand.”

CTO at Blackcore Technologies

Smoothwall

“Working with Exacta has transformed the way we do business for the better. We have massively improved our branding; shortened our lead times; reduced our hardware support calls; optimised our software performance; and transformed the whole experience for our end users. All of this at the same time as eliminating our inventory holding and greatly improving our cashflow.

From the initial onboarding process to the weekly joint team calls the relationship with Exacta has strengthened across the board. With worldwide supply and logistics in the state they have been, we have obviously encountered some challenges, but this is where Exacta’s experience and expertise have proved to be extremely beneficial.”

– Senior VP Engineering at Smoothwall

Meinberg

“Being a contracted manufacturer for Meinberg entails certain challenges. As a manufacturer in our own right, we have a reputation of excellence for the outstanding quality and reliability of our products, and so we can expect no less of our upstream suppliers. This is especially true when a supplier is contracted to construct a complete system for us, as we must ensure that our standards are met in every single respect and detail.

Our partners at Exacta were more than up to the challenge—they’ve designed and assembled a high-end, premium-grade, Meinberg-branded product that we are more than happy to stake our name on with our customers. This partnership has been magnificent. Discussions have always been open, frank, and incredibly constructive, and the result is a Meinberg product that we are all incredibly proud of.”

Managing Director at Meinberg

Calnex

World-leaders in Telecommunications Test Equipment, Synchronisation Test Equipment, and Network Emulators.

“Exacta has been a great choice for Calnex. The high product quality and performance complements the other products in our range. Platform’s logistical expertise enables our product to ship across the globe without issue.

What really sets Exacta apart, however, is the exceptional customer service. Exacta’s responsiveness, knowledge, and genuine commitment to our success has made them an invaluable extension of our own team. In particular, I would like to highlight the fantastic service we get from Paul (Business Liaison Manager) and Charlie (Sales Support). We are excited about the future and continuing to grow our business with Exacta.”

Master Scheduler at Calnex

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