News & Events: April 2008 - MURDOCK GROUP INVESTS IN NEW TECHNOLOGIES

Northgate helps Newry based company ‘build’ closer relationships

An investment in the latest IT infrastructure solutions, implemented and managed by Northgate Information Solutions (Northgate) is enabling Newry based builders’ merchants, the Murdock Group to better manage its expanding client base following recent business growth.

Established in 1983 the family owned Murdock Group employs more than 300 staff and operates nine merchant branches throughout Ireland including Banbridge, Dungannon, Belfast, Balbriggan, Derry, Dundalk, Newtownards and Newry.  In addition the company also manages two timber machining facilities and owns the wood flooring company, Spectrim Distribution Ltd.

As a result of the sustained business growth, the need to have a more robust and efficient IT system was identified.  Working in partnership with Northgate, the Murdock Group implemented a new system, built around industry leading technologies and included a new Microsoft Exchange Server with full spam and anti-virus protection, an enhanced back-up and a full, real time Disaster Recovery system.

Commenting on the new IT system, IT Manager with the Murdock Group stated; “The improvements to our system have catapulted the organisation to the forefront of our industry.  We now have a system that not only delivers efficiencies across our operations but also allows us to be more responsive to client need.”

He continued, “Staff now have the ability to gain remote access to our network, meaning that client interfacing is greatly improved.  In addition, we have installed a full Disaster Recovery System – now in the event of a system crash we can get up and running again in a matter of hours, with little impact to the business, and more importantly to our clients.  Northgate’s expertise has been invaluable in implementing the new system.  Their experts took the time to get to know how we worked, our issues and the complexities that exist within our supply chain which has added real value to our operation.”

James Turnbull, Managing Director of Northgate’s Infrastructure Solutions division added, “We are delighted to support the Murdock Group’s diverse and developing business requirements. We remain dedicated to ensuring that our robust “Connect” and “Protect” services provide the organisation with the flexibility and enhanced customer service capabilities to continue to grow and develop its business, both locally and internationally. We look forward to advancing this relationship and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Murdock Group on its many successes to date.