IT infrastructure increases Woodsides Haulage productivity

Woodsides, established in 1967 primarily as Woodside Haulage Ltd, have expanded their business to include divisions in Haulage, Distribution, Haulage Services and Motor Freight. The Woodside’s brand has grown over 40 years to now make them one of the leading distribution and haulage companies in the Irish and UK markets. Woodside's have branches in Preston, Tandragee, Belfast and have their head office in Ballynure, Co.Antrim.

Previous to engaging with Outsource in 2003, Woodside’s had no IT infrastructure in place. Their office and business processes were carried out in the more ‘traditional’ form of a paper office. They depended largely on fax for their orders and a manual filing system for their data. Woodside’s had grown to a point where they felt they should incorporate IT into their business and now had a requirement for an IT infrastructure. Woodside’s also had specific requirements for an IT partner that could offer a source of expertise and advice as they had no dedicated IT staff who could offer first line advice or support.

Outsource tendered for the installation of the server and network project, after completing a full and detailed site audit of all Woodside sites. Outsource’s quote and recommendations were based wholly on the findings of the audit and on meetings with management in Woodside’s in order to determine their expectations and requirements from a new computer infrastructure.

Woodside Haulage chose Outsource as their IT partner over two other competitive quotations on the grounds that the solution recommended by Outsource was bespoke to the business model at Woodside’s. It addressed what their business was about and could cater adequately for their needs. They found the consultation process helpful and extremely informative. IT messages were delivered Jargon free and Woodside’s fully understood the project they were getting and why.

Immediately upon implementing the solution Woodside’s noticed vast changes in their business. They had the capability to process orders quicker, respond to customer queries more effectively and retain a much better level of customer and supplier information. Their IT infrastructure has permitted them to become an influential player in a highly competitive market over the past 4 years. They have seen their number of IT users grow from 40 to almost 100. The additional strain, caused by rapid growth, has deemed it necessary to upgrade their existing IT infrastructure, which Outsource are delighted to have been awarded the contract for.

Mark Grain, Accounts and IT Director for Woodside's is delighted with the service they are receiving from Outsource. Woodside's feel that whatever they ask for is done promptly and he is confident that all Outsource staff are well versed on the IT site within Woodside. Mark said:

“Outsource provided a system 4 years ago that has allowed Woodsides to considerably develop its communication and information across nearly 100 users on 3 sites. The solution is supported on-site and remotely to ensure excellent continuity across the group. Outsource has recently been awarded to upgrade the IT system to provide greater storage, speed and resilience as Woodsides continue to build for the future. I firmly believe that Outsource as a company understand our business and that the service they provide us with is fully geared around making our working day easier and more efficient. I would be fully confident in recommending Outsource to any potential customer.”