AO Retail
UK
Retail & Logistics
Client background
AO is one of the UK’s leading online electrical retailers, selling more than 9,000 products through its ecommerce platform and nationwide logistics network.
From corporate offices and creative studios to warehouses, recycling centres and delivery operations, every part of the business depends on reliable wireless connectivity to keep orders moving and customers satisfied.
As the business continued to grow, its existing wireless infrastructure struggled to keep pace with increasing demands for real-time data, automation and connected devices.
The challenge
For AO, network performance directly impacts productivity, fulfilment and customer experience.
Its legacy controller-based wireless network had become increasingly difficult to manage and was no longer delivering the visibility or reliability required across busy warehouse environments.
The business needed a wireless platform capable of:
🔹 Delivering reliable retail Wi-Fi across offices and logistics centres
🔹 Supporting warehouse scanners, IoT devices and voice picking systems
🔹 Reducing network downtime
🔹 Simplifying troubleshooting
🔹 Providing real-time visibility into user experience
🔹 Supporting future business growth
🔹 Improving operational efficiency across multiple sites
Rather than upgrading an ageing platform, AO decided to redesign its wireless foundation around cloud-native networking and AI-driven automation.
Speed matters to us. We need the right data, at the right time, so people can act quickly.
Network Team Lead, AO
The solution
AO replaced its legacy infrastructure with a cloud-native wireless platform designed to automate network management while improving visibility across every location.
The solution provides continuous monitoring, proactive optimisation and AI-powered troubleshooting, helping IT teams identify and resolve issues before employees experience them.
The deployment included:
🔹 AI-native cloud-managed Wi-Fi
🔹 Wi-Fi 6E access points
🔹 Centralised network management
🔹 AI-powered troubleshooting
🔹 Real-time network analytics
🔹 Indoor location services
🔹 Intelligent network automation
🔹 Secure connectivity for staff, contractors and IoT devices
The new platform supports demanding warehouse environments where forklifts, racking, automated systems and constant movement place significant pressure on wireless performance.
It’s incredibly satisfying to resolve issues before anyone even notices there was a problem.
Network Team Lead, AO
The result
The modernised wireless infrastructure has become a critical part of AO’s retail and logistics operations.
Faster network deployment
New wireless deployments that previously required three days can now be completed in approximately four hours.
Reliable warehouse eonnectivity
High-capacity Wi-Fi supports logistics centres, offices and operational facilities where continuous connectivity is essential for picking, packing and shipping.
Proactive network management
Rather than waiting for users to report problems, the IT team can identify and resolve many issues before they affect operations.
Simplified troubleshooting
AI-driven insights provide rapid root-cause analysis, allowing network teams to resolve faults more quickly while reducing operational overhead.
Stronger security
The platform securely supports employees, contractors, visitors and connected IoT devices while protecting business-critical resources.
Foundation for future growth
AO now uses its network not simply as infrastructure, but as a source of business intelligence to improve workplace utilisation, operational efficiency and customer experience.
Looking to improve your retail WiFi?
At DTE, we design, install and optimise enterprise Wi-Fi solutions for retailers, warehouses and distribution centres.
From professional wireless surveys and network design to installation, optimisation and ongoing support, we help retailers build reliable retail WiFi solutions that keep employees, devices and customers connected.
We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today!
Speak to a Specialist
Provide your details below, email [email protected] or call +44 (0) 845 658 8810.
