Featured Project, Software Development

Mid-States

Integrated Technology Infrastructure for Mid-States Companies

In 2025, Mid-States Companies completed construction of a new office adjacent to their existing millwright facility. Saltech Systems was tasked with designing and implementing a modern technology infrastructure for the new building while upgrading the outdated systems in the existing location. The goal was to create a unified, scalable technology ecosystem that enhances operational efficiency, improves security, and reduces costs through strategic integration of new and existing systems. The result was a state-of-the-art infrastructure with centralized management, enabling Mid-States to streamline operations and support future growth.

The Challenge

The project presented a complex set of challenges. The new office required a cutting-edge technology infrastructure from scratch, while the existing millwright facility relied on outdated systems that needed assessment and integration. Saltech faced the following key challenges:

  1. Ensuring seamless connectivity and integration between the two buildings to support unified operations across administrative, design, and engineering functions.
  2. Balancing cost efficiency by repurposing functional legacy equipment with the need for modern, high-performance technology.
  3. Meeting diverse technological requirements for various departments, including robust networking for design software and secure communications for administrative tasks.

The Vision

The vision was to deliver a cohesive technology ecosystem that integrates new and existing systems across both buildings, managed through a single, centralized platform. This solution would enhance operational efficiency, simplify IT management, ensure robust security, and provide scalability to accommodate Mid-States’ future expansion.

Our Approach

Saltech Systems adopted a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to address the challenges and achieve the project vision, focusing on cost-saving strategies, physical security, network infrastructure, unified communications, and connectivity solutions.

Cost-Saving Strategies

To optimize costs, Saltech conducted a thorough audit of the existing technology at the millwright facility. Functional equipment, such as cameras and networking hardware, was identified and integrated into the new infrastructure where possible. This approach reduced capital expenditures while ensuring compatibility and performance, delivering a cost-effective solution without compromising quality.

Physical Security Implementation

Security was a top priority to protect Mid-States’ assets and ensure employee safety. Saltech deployed Unifi Access for advanced door control, featuring secure card readers and centralized access management with event logging. For surveillance, Unifi Protect was implemented, providing high-definition cameras with night vision capabilities. These systems are managed through a unified interface, enabling real-time monitoring and streamlined security operations. Existing cameras in the Millwright building were adopted into the Unifi management suite.

Network Infrastructure Design 

Saltech designed a robust, scalable network using the Unifi ecosystem to meet Mid-States’ diverse needs. Key components included:

  • Unifi Dream Machine Pro
    A central router and security gateway with advanced networking features, cloud-based management, and support for high-speed connectivity.
  • Unifi Pro Max Switches 
    High-performance switches with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities to power devices like access points and cameras.
  • Unifi Wi-Fi 6 Access Points
    State-of-the-art wireless technology providing high-bandwidth, low-latency connectivity across both buildings.
  • Unifi NAS
    A central storage device for secure camera recordings that provides AI detection of event and customized alerts.
  • Underground Wired Bridge
    To ensure seamless connectivity between locations, high speed cable was run underground between the buildings. This provides a safe, reliable hard line from satellite locations to the network hub.

Segmented Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) were implemented to optimize traffic flow and enhance security by isolating administrative, design, and guest networks. The Unifi Controller software provided a centralized dashboard for real-time monitoring, troubleshooting, and configuration, reducing IT workload and enabling scalability.

Unified Communications

To modernize communications, Saltech implemented 3CX, a software-based Private Branch Exchange (PBX) system. 3CX offers unified communications features, including voice calls, video conferencing, instant messaging, and mobile app integration. This enabled seamless collaboration across devices and locations. The web-based management console simplifies administration, reducing operational costs and enhancing flexibility for remote and onsite employees.

Migration to Entra ID from Local Active Directory

To enhance security, scalability, and manageability, Saltech migrated Mid-States’ local Active Directory (AD) to Microsoft Entra ID, a cloud-based identity and access management solution. The migration process included:

  • Assessment and Planning
    Saltech conducted a detailed analysis of the existing AD environment, identifying user accounts, groups, and permissions to ensure a smooth transition.
  • Single Sign-On (SSO) Implementation
    Entra ID enabled SSO across cloud and on-premises applications, improving user experience and reducing password fatigue.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
    MFA was configured to enhance security, requiring additional verification for critical systems and remote access.

This migration reduced the dependency on on-premises infrastructure, improved remote access capabilities, and provided a scalable identity management solution aligned with Mid-States’ growth objectives.

Server Consolidation

To reduce hardware footprint and operational costs, Saltech consolidated Mid-States’ server infrastructure. The approach included:

  • Virtualization
    Multiple physical servers were replaced with a virtualized environment using VMware vSphere. This allowed multiple workloads to run on fewer physical servers, optimizing resource utilization.
  • Hardware Audit
    Saltech evaluated existing servers to identify underutilized or outdated hardware. Functional servers were repurposed for non-critical workloads, while high-performance servers were deployed for core applications.
  • Centralized Storage
    A Storage Area Network (SAN) was implemented to centralize data storage, improving data access speeds and simplifying backup and disaster recovery processes.
  • High Availability
    Redundant virtual machines and failover configurations were set up to ensure continuous operation and minimize downtime.
  • Energy Efficiency
    Consolidation reduced power consumption and cooling requirements, lowering operational costs and aligning with sustainability goals.

 

Email Security with Trustifi

To safeguard Mid-States’ email communications against phishing, malware, and data breaches, Saltech implemented Trustifi, a comprehensive email security platform. Key features included:

  • Inbound Email Protection
    Trustifi’s advanced threat detection uses AI-driven filters to identify and quarantine phishing emails, ransomware, and other malicious content before they reach user inboxes.
  • Outbound Email Encryption
    Sensitive emails are automatically encrypted to ensure secure transmission, protecting confidential data during communication with external parties.
  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
    Trustifi’s DLP policies were configured to prevent unauthorized sharing of sensitive information, such as financial data or employee records, through email.
  • User Training and Awareness
    Trustifi’s phishing simulation tools were deployed to educate employees on recognizing and avoiding email-based threats, enhancing overall security posture.
  • Centralized Management
    The Trustifi dashboard provided real-time insights into email security events, enabling IT administrators to monitor threats, manage policies, and generate compliance reports efficiently.

The implementation of Trustifi strengthened Mid-States’ email security, reduced the risk of cyber threats, and ensured compliance with industry regulations, while maintaining seamless communication workflows.

Cyber Security Training

Saltech led a comprehensive cyber security training program to enhance employee awareness and strengthen Mid-States’ overall security posture. The training covered key topics such as recognizing phishing attempts, safe internet practices, password management, and proper handling of sensitive data. Real-world scenarios were used to engage employees and reinforce best practices. The training was recorded and integrated into Mid-States’ onboarding procedures, ensuring that new hires receive consistent, high-quality cyber security education to maintain a secure working environment.