IT support is fundamental to rural businesses

Gone are the days where ad-hoc information systems would suffice to run a business. Today's businesses, particularly those that are sales driven, are totally reliant on having robust IT support systems in place which offer 24/7 cover. Having up-to-date information at your finger tips is critical to any business's success in today's fast moving environment. The Dairy House, an innovative dairy company based Weobley, Herefordshire, has contracted 7Y Technology to provide a total IT support package for all their functions.

Andrew Wardle is the sales manager for The Dairy House which employs 20 people and where IT support is fundamental to every part of their business operation. Without it, business would simply not happen, explains Andrew.

"Our phone system, faxes and emails are all operated through our server, so if there is a problem we pretty much grind to a halt," comments Andrew.

"We receive orders through all of these routes and not fulfilling a delivery can mean the loss of a very valuable customer, not to mention fines by the major retailers and the reputational damage," he adds.

"We also depend on our server for all despatches, invoices and labelling and, because all products are chilled, we have to act quickly and get the product away to our customers as soon as possible. We also rely on our server to identify where our trucks are located around the country especially if there are any breakdowns or accidents. That's how dependent we are on it."

"The response we receive from 7Y Services is instant which is hugely important to us as a business and even more so, as the limited shelf life of our fresh products means that time is very much of the essence," explains Andrew, who also points out that having a robust IT system also provides the flexibility of working from home.

"On hand 24/7, 7Y Services has also equipped us with the right systems with the correct capacity to deal with our demands. Making sure that our systems are working all of the time is crucial or else we lose productivity and let our customers down which we certainly can’t afford to do," he comments.

"Although employing the right calibre of professionals can be tricky, in rural areas we are delighted that 7Y Technology consists of a highly qualified team of IT experts, always on hand. We feel very well cared for," concludes Andrew.

To contact 7Y Technology on how they can help you improve your IT functions please call Gary Watts on 01568 6190119 or 079771041796 or email gary.watts@7y.co.uk

Tue 15th Dec 2009