How Patterson Companies Scaled Reliable Wireless Infrastructure with Parallel Technologies

Industry

Manufacturing

Challenge

Patterson Companies faced a critical need to modernize its wireless infrastructure across multiple fulfillment centers. Their existing systems couldn’t keep pace with the demands of modern logistics, but pandemic-era travel restrictions and limited IT resources made traditional rollout methods impossible. They needed a partner who could deliver consistently, without the need for onsite support.

Results

Patterson Companies now operates with a standardized wireless infrastructure across its fulfillment network, improving connectivity, minimizing disruption, and supporting long-term growth. The consistent deployment allows teams to confidently manage daily operations and positions the company to adopt future innovations in warehouse technology without requiring onsite IT involvement.

Key Product

Smart Hands, Structured Cabling

www.pattersoncompanies.com

sites modernized

420

wireless access points

Future ready wireless network

Parallel gets my recommendation for any national rollout. Their consistency, communication, and ability to navigate complex conditions made them an essential partner throughout the project.

Shane Wyman

Network Engineer, Patterson Companies

The Client

Patterson Companies is a national distributor of dental and animal health products, serving thousands of healthcare providers across North America. Their operations rely on a complex network of fulfillment centers, branch offices, and corporate facilities, all of which require consistent, scalable IT infrastructure to keep products moving and customers supported. Ensuring seamless connectivity at every site is critical to both operational efficiency and service delivery.

Meeting the Need for Modern Connectivity

Patterson Companies operates a national network of fulfillment centers that support its dental and animal health distribution business. As technology needs increased, from scanning and automation to IoT integrations, the company recognized that its aging wireless infrastructure was no longer up to the task.

“There was a real need to support more connected devices and higher-density workflows,” explained Shane Wyman, Network Infrastructure specialist at Patterson. “The existing systems just weren’t keeping up with what operations needed.”

The company set out to overhaul the wireless environment across 12 fulfillment centers. The plan included increasing coverage, modernizing access points, and establishing consistency across all facilities. But with pandemic-era travel constraints still in place and internal IT resources stretched thin, Patterson had to find a different path forward.

Navigating a Remote Rollout

Patterson partnered with Parallel Technologies to help execute the upgrade without sending internal staff onsite. The rollout required a partner who could operate independently, communicate clearly, and uphold Patterson’s internal standards site by site.

“We couldn’t be onsite,” said Wyman. “We had to manage everything remotely and trust the install teams to handle the details. That’s where Parallel came in.”

Parallel provided low-voltage cabling, materials management, and onsite coordination through its network of vetted local service providers. The team’s ability to coordinate across time zones and facilities helped Patterson move forward without delay—even when layouts or requirements varied from site to site.

A consistent project manager oversaw the entire rollout, which Wyman noted made a significant difference in maintaining quality and efficiency. “We really got into a rhythm. Even when something unexpected came up, it was easy to regroup and solve it quickly.”

"With travel restricted and no ability to be onsite, we needed a partner we could trust to get it right. Parallel stepped in, managed the complexity, and delivered exactly what we needed."

A Stronger Foundation, Site by Site

The upgraded wireless infrastructure now supports Patterson’s daily workflows more efficiently. Teams are able to use handheld scanners, IoT tools, and mobile platforms with fewer connectivity issues—helping operations run more smoothly across all fulfillment centers.

“Every site is different, but now we have a consistent experience,” said Wyman. “It’s a huge win not having to follow up or redo any installs. Things are just working.”

Each of the 12 fulfillment centers received a tailored installation, with more than 420 wireless access points deployed overall. Installations were scaled to meet the needs of each site, ensuring that the infrastructure would support both current workloads and future expansion.

With the upgrade complete, Patterson is better positioned to adopt new warehouse technologies and automation tools as they emerge—without needing another foundational overhaul.

“Parallel was responsive, flexible, and consistently delivered—no matter the site conditions,” Wyman added. “Their communication and follow-through made them an essential partner.”