From IT Burden to Strategic Advantage: Cheap as Chips’ Managed Services Transformation

Key achievements

  • 15-minute SLA ensuring ultra-fast response times
  • Seamless IT operations across all stores nationwide
  • Cost efficiency—reduced IT team from 10 to an external team for the cost of two
  • AI-driven data insights for smarter decision-making
  • Scalable, secure, and future-proof IT infrastructure
  • Proactive cybersecurity and compliance aligned with Essential Eight standards
  • 24/7 monitoring and IT support ensuring uninterrupted operations

An opportunity to lead

As a rapidly growing, dynamic company, Cheap as Chips has always been forward thinking in its adoption and use of technology, however it was facing increasing pressure to modernise its IT operations to stay competitive in the fast-moving retail industry. With stores operating seven days a week across South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, uninterrupted service was critical.

A key challenge was balancing cost efficiency with high-quality IT support. Cheap as Chips required a partner capable of delivering rapid service desk response times, reliable infrastructure management, and AI-powered data insights—all while keeping costs under control.

“We knew we needed to scale efficiently while maintaining high service levels. We also knew that we needed to look at technology to be at the core when addressing this challenge,” Nick Aboud, CEO of Cheap Ahs Chips, said.

Not just a technology upgrade

To address these pain points, Cheap as Chips engaged Wild Tech to implement a fully managed IT services solution. This meant more than provisioning new systems. The goal was to create a resilient, streamlined, and scalable IT environment that aligned with the company’s growth strategy.

“We had collaborated with Wild Tech effectively with previous digitalisation projects, so we had the confidence that they would be a partner that understood that we needed more from them than simply deploying IT services. We needed services that would drive real business impact,” Aboud said.

A comprehensive, end-to-end solution

After an extensive review of Cheap as Chips’s IT environment, Wild Tech rolled out a whole-of-business transformation covering:

Modern workforce solutions

Providing secure, flexible technology that empowered store teams to work efficiently.

Infrastructure management

Ensuring uninterrupted service and high-performance systems for all Cheap as Chips locations.

Cybersecurity & compliance

Deploying advanced security measures, including Essential Eight Tier 1 & 2 protections, proactive threat monitoring, and 24/7 SOC services to safeguard data and customer transactions.

Service desk & support

Introducing a high-speed IT support system with 15-minute response times, ensuring immediate access to engineers and 24/7 monitoring and alerting to prevent disruptions.

Data & AI optimisation

Leveraging AI-driven insights to enhance operational efficiency, predictive analytics for stock management, and improved customer engagement strategies.

Cost efficiency

Transitioning from an in-house IT team of 10 to an external managed team for the cost of two, significantly improving efficiency while ensuring best-in-class service delivery.

Millions saved, greater agility

With Wild Tech’s solutions in place, Cheap as Chips experienced tangible results:

  • Minimised downtime: Faster response times ensured uninterrupted operations across all stores.
  • Significant cost savings: Streamlined IT operations reduced overhead costs while maintaining service quality.
  • Better decision-making: AI-powered analytics provided clear visibility into business performance.
  • Improved cybersecurity & resilience: Implementation of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), multi-factor authentication, and advanced data protection frameworks reduced cyber risk.
  • Scalability for growth: The new IT environment was built to evolve alongside Cheap as Chips’ expansion plans.

“Achieving the impossible”

The impact of this transformation has been felt across every aspect of Cheap as Chips’ business, ensuring a resilient and future-ready IT landscape.

“Partnering with Wild Tech over the years has been a game-changer for us. We’ve not only optimised our IT operations but also unlocked efficiencies that allow us to focus on scaling our business. This transformation has given us a solid foundation for future innovation, including leveraging AI,” Aboud said.

Looking ahead

With a robust IT infrastructure in place, Cheap as Chips now has the breathing room to focus on the next phase of its digital evolution. AI-powered automation, enhanced cybersecurity frameworks, and optimised customer engagement strategies are on the horizon, ensuring CAC continues to lead rather than follow in the competitive retail space.

Cheap as Chips has turned IT management from a burden into a strategic advantage—proving that with the right partner, even the most complex retail IT challenges can be overcome.

Want to achieve similar efficiencies in your business? Contact Wild Tech today.