American Frame, a second-generation family business, has led the direct-to-artist custom framing manufacturing industry since 1973. As the company evolved its offerings and transitioned platforms, it needed a robust IT strategy to address increasing cybersecurity threats, ensure operational continuity, and support business scalability. The company had previously relied on other small IT teams and experimented with an in-house resource, which was no longer sufficient to effectively manage security risks, system upgrades, and vendor relationships.
Laura Jajko, co-owner and vice president of American Frame, explained:
“We used to have an in-house team but were no longer comfortable just having one person in charge without a team to back up that resource. The world is broad, and the tools are diverse. Even within a team of IT professionals, each will have different skill sets. So how do you tap into the breadth of expertise you need to keep your company secure and on point?”
The Arakyta Solution
American Frame partnered with Arakyta to overhaul its IT infrastructure and security practices. The collaboration addressed several critical areas:
IT Security and Infrastructure Overhaul
Arakyta provided immediate support by addressing security gaps and aligning systems with industry best practices. A key aspect of this effort was the virtual chief information officer (vCIO) program, which provides American Frame with ongoing expert guidance.
- Implemented advanced security applications
- Enhanced internal security systems
- Ensured compliance with evolving security standards such as NIST protocols, providing peace of mind for the company and its vendors
“We take security really seriously. We use their vCIO program. Jacob is involved with us at least one day a week, and we lean into his expertise and their security apps to ensure that our data and systems are safe.” – Laura Jajko
Additionally, Arakyta introduced an independent third-party security auditor to evaluate and validate American Frame’s security posture, adding an extra layer of confidence.
Vendor Transition and System Optimization
American Frame was struggling with a problematic web developer, leading to inefficiencies and roadblocks. Arakyta assessed the situation and guided the company to a more effective vendor solution that improved system functionality.
“When we first brought Arakyta on, there was a lot of cleanup to do. Dennis looked at what we were dealing with and told us, ‘This is nonsense.’ He helped us find a vendor solution that actually worked for our system.” – Laura Jajko
ERP Implementation for Manufacturing Efficiency
One of the most transformative projects Arakyta facilitated was the introduction of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. American Frame’s website and accounting system had previously been disconnected, limiting visibility into manufacturing costs, efficiency, and vendor management. Arakyta:
- Researched and presented multiple ERP options
- Facilitated reference checks and vendor negotiations, resulting in cost savings
- Assisted in defining requirements and navigating the selection process
“We started this project about a year ago, and Arakyta brought several options to the table. As we vetted each one, they helped with references, resources, and made recommendations that saved us significant dollars. Now, we’re at the phase where we have a requirements document from an implementer, and we’re evaluating whether to move forward.” – Laura Jajko
This initiative is expected to revolutionize information flow across departments, enhancing productivity without altering the handcrafted nature of American Frame’s operations.
Arakyta has proven to be the ideal IT partner for American Frame, enabling the manufacturing company to navigate the complexities of modern technology while maintaining its core focus on craftsmanship and customer service. With ongoing security enhancements, a robust ERP system in progress, and expert guidance at every step, American Frame is well-equipped for the next phase of its business evolution.
“What I want out of IT is to not have to think about it. The smoother IT runs, the more I can focus on delivering great experiences to our customers.” – Laura Jajko