BCP Implement New Enterprise Class IT Infrastructure for W McClure Ltd

The Technical Services team of UK supply chain specialist Business Computer Projects Ltd (BCP), have transformed the IT infrastructure at foodservice wholesaler W McClure Ltd, giving the company a flexible, cost effective, Windows-based network architecture which delivers a host of new functionality and is easy to both manage and expand.

Stockport, UK (PRWEB) September 11, 2004 -- The Technical Services team of UK supply chain specialist Business Computer Projects Ltd (BCP), have transformed the IT infrastructure at foodservice wholesaler W McClure Ltd, giving the company a flexible, cost effective, Windows-based network architecture which delivers a host of new functionality and is easy to both manage and expand. Highly secure and reliable, the new infrastructure opens up Internet access to all PCs on the network, and provides messaging and scheduling capabilities, as well as centralised file storage and backup. It also prepares McClures for trading via the web.

A family owned business, established in 1945 and based in Windermere, McClures has nearly 60 years experience in the foodservice industry.
With a turnover exceeding 9.5m, McClures serves some 1200 catering customers throughout Cumbria, North Yorkshire and North Lancashire.
Customers include Hotels, Pubs, Restaurants, Care Homes, Local government, area health authorities and schools authorities.

BCP is one of the UKs top suppliers of specialist Supply Chain solutions to the Food and Drink Wholesale industry.

McClures were previously using a Workgroup network which, though relatively small, was proving inflexible, difficult to manage and very restrictive with email and web access limited to a single machine with a dial up connection.

The solution was to implement a Domain network managed by the Active Directory service of Microsoft Windows Server 2003. In addition to the UNIX server running the Accord wholesale solution, two new HP servers were implemented in a multiple server network that provides file and print, messaging, network administration services, and improved security. All users now have easy access to the relevant shared information on the servers, while file access and data backup are managed centrally.

Microsoft ISA Server (Internet Security and Acceleration Server) provides a software firewall and proxy server access to the Internet for all users. This gives a more reliable and robust connection to the Internet with the advanced security and event logging needed for networked Internet access.

Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 provides unified messaging services, which include internal and external e-mail and group scheduling capabilities. BCP have also implemented anti virus software management with automatic updates to provide continued protection against the latest viruses.

The new infrastructure was implemented with minimum disruption to McClures trading, the system being built at BCP then installed at McClures over the course of a single weekend.

Mike Edmunds, McClures IT Manager, says the company is: delighted with the new set-up. We now have a flexible and secure infrastructure which provides the platform required to take orders over the internet in the future." To utilise Accords Web Ordering module McClures would now need only to install a web server, Webspeed software and, of course, the Web Ordering module. Other services available with Domain – VPN for remote access, Intranets, group policies for controlling PCs, for example – can now all be easily and economically added on, at McClures convenience.

BCP Technical Services Team has a wealth of expertise in IT infrastructure – from building, through deployment to ongoing support. Several other BCP clients already take advantage of this expertise in order to attain greater functionality alongside improved security, flexibility and ease of management.

About BCP
Founded in 1979, Business Computer Projects Ltd (BCP) is a leading systems house specialising in supply chain solutions. Our Accord® systems offer end-to-end, web enabled supply chain solutions for delivered wholesale, cash & carry and retail distribution. Dedicated versions are available for the food and drink sector where we are regarded as one of the market leaders.

All our systems have been developed using Progress 4GL ensuring they are user friendly and easy to tailor, with powerful, flexible reporting and management information facilities. Their OpenEdge(TM) architecture makes them suitable for use on a wide range of platforms, giving clients maximum choice and flexibility in hardware and operating system platform selection and allowing easy integration with many other technologies, such as .NET, Java and Web Services.

As a technology innovator, BCP systems are in the forefront when it comes to applying new technologies to the Food Industry Supply Chain. Recently these include Voice technology in the warehouse, using Web Services and EDI-INT for Supply Chain Integration and keeping abreast of new developments in the industry, such as Chip and Pin". We also operate a number of managed services for our clients, including AIMS (Accord Internet Messaging Service) for passing information reliably and securely between sites, an EFT Bureau and an EDI Bureau.

BCP clients include SPAR, Musgrave, BWG, Woodward Food Service, Pets at Home, Pedigree Wholesale

For further information please contact Pauline Higgs at BCP:
Tel: +44 (0)161 355 3000
Fax: +44 (0)161 355 3001
Email: Pauline.higgs@bcpsoftware.com
Website: www.bcpsoftware.com
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