Case STudies

Fueling Operational Efficiency and Security with Optimized Network Connectivity

How An Oil Producer Overcame IT Roadblocks with Kaco’s Support

Gran Tierra Energy

An oil producer faced a perfect storm of tech challenges: their infrastructure was outdated, security had been compromised, and productivity was taking a hit.

In an attempt to fix the damage, they imposed strict security measures that made the system nearly impossible to use. The result? “Security by obscurity”—if no one could access the network, no one could get compromised. But also, no one could get things done efficiently!

Beyond security, the company’s sluggish network performance was hampering global operations, with key production sites across Colombia, Ecuador, and Alberta struggling to maintain stable, reliable connections.

They needed a solution fast. Their IT director, having worked with Kaco Systems for over 20 years in various roles, knew that Kaco’s expertise in network infrastructure solutions could transform their environment.

Kaco stepped in, overhauled the infrastructure, optimized connectivity, and strengthened security. Today, the company operates more efficiently, with a stronger, faster, and more secure network that empowers employees to work seamlessly from anywhere in the world.

"Kaco brings a personal touch that sets them apart. Large firms often feel impersonal, with staff who may not be true experts. Kaco is small enough that they can control the quality of the people that they have. If I have an issue, I can go straight to the principals and get immediate support."

Ryan Fernandez
Director of IT at Gran Tierra

Boosting Network Performance for a Global Operation

Before working with Kaco, poor network performance was slowing down operations and wasting valuable time.

Kaco conducted a comprehensive network assessment, identifying multiple bottlenecks that restricted speed, efficiency, and overall connectivity.

Key Issue Identified:

  • A field site in Colombia was using firewalls that were too small to handle the company’s network demands, creating delays and security vulnerabilities.
  • File transfers between field offices and Calgary HQ were painfully slow—moving a 1GB file from Colombia to Canada took over an hour.

Kaco’s Solutions:

✅ Right-sized firewalls & optimized configurations to improve network capacity

✅ Performance tuning & reconfiguration of existing network equipment

✅ Optimized file transfer speeds—reducing a 1-hour transfer to just 5 minutes

The Result?

With a stronger, faster, and more resilient network, the company eliminated delays, enhanced operational efficiency, and improved connectivity across its global sites.

Creating a Seamless, Productive Work Environment

Beyond network slowdowns, employees at the oil producer’s offices and field sites were frustrated by an inefficient IT environment that made their jobs harder than necessary.

One major issue?

Their network equipment room was a mess—tangled cables blocked airflow, causing overheating and unexpected system failures.

How Kaco Fixed It:

✔ Reorganized cabling & optimized airflow for better equipment performance

✔ Streamlined the network setup for easier maintenance & long-term reliability

The impact was immediate: Employees noticed fewer disruptions, IT teams could maintain systems more easily, and the entire infrastructure became more efficient and dependable.

But Kaco’s involvement didn’t stop there. They provide ongoing infrastructure support, ensuring:

✅ Proactive issue resolution with weekly updates

✅ Clear communication on progress & timelines

✅ Strategic insights for long-term improvements

The Result?

By working closely with Kaco, the company’s IT team gains valuable knowledge while also empowering employees with a better daily work experience.

Strong Security Without Compromising Productivity

Before partnering with Kaco, the company’s security controls were overly restrictive, frustrating employees without truly mitigating risks.

Key Security Gaps Identified:

  • Lack of device authentication: Employees could access sensitive company data from personal devices with only a username and password.
  • Single firewall points of failure: Without redundancy, a single firewall failure could bring down critical business operations.

Kaco’s Security Enhancements:

✅ Implemented device authentication—ensuring that only corporate-approved devices had full VPN access while still allowing controlled access from personal devices.

✅ Deployed redundant firewalls—ensuring seamless failover protection so that if one firewall fails, operations continue without disruption.

The Result?

The company now operates with a secure, scalable network that protects against cybersecurity threats, minimizes downtime, and allows employees to work efficiently.

Unlocking Cost Savings and IT Efficiency

Beyond enhancing network performance and security, Kaco’s strategic infrastructure improvements have had a measurable impact on IT operations.

A Tangible ROI:

In a previous role, the company’s IT director witnessed firsthand how Kaco’s expertise in securing operational technology led to significant cost reductions.

Before Kaco (Previous Role):

  • Field modems in remote sites were not properly secured, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats and unauthorized use.
  • A single compromised modem—normally a $50 device—could incur thousands in unexpected data overages, sometimes $3,000–$5,000 per month.
  • Without proper access controls, costs skyrocketed, leading to a monthly bill approaching $30,000.

After Kaco:

  • Redesigned & secured the OT infrastructure, ensuring only authorized personnel could access and manage devices.
  • Eliminated vulnerabilities that were driving unnecessary costs.
  • Reduced the company’s monthly bill from $30,000 down to just $1,000—a massive cost reduction.

The Bottom Line? While this experience was from a previous role, it reinforced why Ryan trusted Kaco again—because they don’t just fix security issues; they deliver real, strategic improvements that support business goals.

A Stronger Network for a More Productive Future

Although the oil producer’s journey is ongoing, one thing is clear:

The right IT infrastructure partner makes all the difference.

 

With Kaco’s expertise, the company has:

✔ Eliminated network inefficiencies

✔ Built a secure, scalable IT environment

✔ Empowered employees to work seamlessly across global sites

 

Now, with stronger connectivity, improved security, and increased efficiency, the company can focus on business growth and operational excellence—without worrying about IT roadblocks.

And as they look ahead, Kaco remains a trusted partner, ensuring their network infrastructure evolves to meet future demands.

Want to benefit from the same network enhancements? Kaco helps oil and gas companies in Alberta and beyond build secure, high-performance IT infrastructure solutions tailored for real-world operational demands.

“Be prepared to be happy and get personal, individualized treatment. Kaco doesn't take a cookie-cutter approach. They'll figure out what you need and what will work for you and give you the right-sized solution. ”

Ryan Fernandez
Director of IT at Gran Tierra Energy

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