This interview was first published in the February 2021 edition of “Tech Talk“, our new regular printed newsletter. If you would like to receive a copy of future editions, send us a message with your address and we’ll get one out to you.
Andrew talks to Jay from Wight Fire & Security about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their business and how they have continued to service their customers’ needs.
What does IT mean to Wight Fire & Security?
When I think about the IT that we have in use today, it is easy to see just how vast and wide ranging its applications are. From the initial client contact by email or our cloud-based telephone system, to the payment of an invoice and everything in between; IT is at the forefront.
Our IT systems are as they should be, intuitive to operate and simple to maintain! They enable us to communicate with our clients securely and effectively and to efficiently manage their assets.
They provide us with the capability to remotely monitor intruder alarm and CCTV systems and the ability to programme various fire and intruder alarm system control panels. Clients can even view CCTV images on their mobile devices or be alerted when a movement sensor is activated. This would have been considered unthinkable just a few years ago.
What impact has the current pandemic had on your business?
At the start of 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, we implemented our business contingency plan within which IT played a significant and vital role. As we are designated as key workers, a core team of engineers and office staff continued to work to facilitate the provision of reactive calls to our clients.
Office staff were all set up with remote working capability so that our systems could be securely accessed without needing to be in the offices. Our existing cloud-based telephone system facilitated the remote handling of all client calls from home rather than our offices.
As we emerged from the initial lockdown, our IT systems played a prominent role in enabling us to prioritise outstanding works as we began the process of catching up.
What IT changes did you make in your business during 2020?
The biggest single change we have made this year is the installation of an upgraded server. Changes were also made to the way that our business-critical data is backed up.
On the recommendation of Andrew and his team, we also migrated our email system to Microsoft’s cloud which offers far greater flexibility and numerous benefits including being able to access email from multiple devices, wherever we need to. We benefitted from the fact that we had already invested a great deal of time and money in IT which meant that the changes required were easily facilitated.
Have Wight Fire & Security embraced any new technology during this time?
We have benefitted from secure remote working capability for some time as this was made available to all office staff prior to the first lockdown.
What technology has made the biggest difference to the way Wight Fire & Security operates?
The introduction of a new bespoke client management software system has streamlined several of our business processes and led to greater efficiency.
What would be your ‘Top Tech Tip’ for other businesses?
To thoroughly test any proposed new technology prior to it being implemented. It is likely that you will find something that needs to be changed or adapted to make it work in the best way for your business.
Our IT upgrades were carried out seamlessly by Wight Computers without any downtime.
We’ll be interviewing another local business owner in the next edition of “Tech Talk” along with exclusive articles on the latest technology (in plain human speak) and ways you can better use technology to build and grow your business. If you would like to receive a copy, send us a message with your address and we’ll add you to our list.
