Brewing Better Connectivity: How iCobus Delivered a Nationwide Wi-Fi Infrastructure Rollout Across 1,600 Retail Stores
This case study outlines how iCobus successfully delivered a nationwide Wi-Fi infrastructure upgrade for a leading UK retail coffee chain across 1,600 stores. The programme required a high-volume, multi-site deployment approach to meet aggressive delivery targets, tight change windows, and in-store operational constraints, all while maintaining consistency, quality, and minimal disruption to trading.
The Challenge
Our client, a UK-based IT Managed Services provider, was tasked with standardising and upgrading Wi-Fi infrastructure across one of the UK’s most recognised high-street retail brands.
With over 1,600 live retail sites varying in layout, connectivity requirements, and access constraints, the integrator needed a delivery partner who could manage speed, scale, and complexity across the programme.
Key challenges included:
- Coordinating works across 1,600+ active retail sites with strict out-of-hours access
- Meeting a delivery target of 250 completed locations per month
- Managing store-level scheduling, engineer allocation, and daily logistical planning
- Minimising operational disruption in customer-facing environments
- Ensuring consistent quality, documentation, and handover reporting at scale
The iCobus Delivery Model
To meet the volume and coordination demands, iCobus deployed a structured rollout model, combining:
- National Engineering Coverage – Rostered engineers covering every region of the UK
- Central PMO Oversight – Managing the schedule, site readiness, resource allocation, and live issue resolution
- Standardised Toolkit – Consistent installation methodology and documentation protocols across all sites
Each store followed a strict deployment workflow that included:
- Pre-visit coordination
- Kit verification
- Structured CAT6A cabling
- AP installation and testing
- Project documentation submitted within 24 hours of completion
Secret Ingredients to Our Success
The scale of this programme demanded precision coordination and real-time issue management. iCobus leveraged internal tools and delivery processes that enabled:
- Centralised engineer scheduling, tracking, and SLA enforcement
- Real-time dashboard visibility on daily completions and site status
- Kit control and logistics management across multiple depots
- Structured communication loops between site teams and the PMO for live updates and escalations
These delivery mechanisms allowed iCobus to maintain velocity and quality across a dynamic, high-stakes environment.
Outcomes
- 1,600 retail sites upgraded across the UK
- Consistently hit delivery cadence of 250 stores/month
- Zero critical incidents or trading disruption across the network
- Fully documented site handovers with completed cabling and access point testing
- National coverage delivered through one coordinated programme office
Success Factors
- Daily tracking and escalation protocols built into the PMO workflow
- Regionally assigned engineer pools for travel efficiency
- Templated documentation, kit verification, and delivery checklists
- Deep experience with multi-site retail programmes
- Agile response to store access issues and last-minute changes
Conclusion
This rollout demonstrated how iCobus can execute high-volume structured cabling programmes with speed, discipline, and consistency. Through strong programme management, scalable workflows, and national reach, iCobus delivered a critical Wi-Fi infrastructure upgrade across one of the UK’s largest retail networks, setting the benchmark for retail technology rollouts at scale.