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Low tech's better than no tech
Page 66
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It is truly amazing how quickly we have become reliant on computersiNventy years ago mainframe computer systems and mobile telecommunications were a luxury only afforded by larger companies. Nowadays nearly everyone has access to a PC and most companies have realised the added value this technology brings to a company's operations.
At West One Express we are continually reviewing our operating systems in an effort to retain our competitive advantage. Customers are now offered a variety of information accessed directly from our server, such as e-mailed PODs and constant updates on driver location via GPS tracking.
Our bespoke computer system is also integral to real-time job control, invoicing, resource planning, drivers' hours, wages, customer activity analysis and reporting. The system is fantastic —until it catches a cold or a virus...
We are all aware of the inter national mayhem that can be caused by a teenage techie in his bedroom: even NASA is not safe. To try to combat this problem we have a firewall installed on our server (to stop anyone trying to "get in") and each PC connected to the network is loaded with antivirus software that automatically updates each morning. Even with all this protection in place one virus managed to get through and attached itself to our server.
However. as I sit and type this on my patched up computer (held together with the high-tech equivalent of string and gaffer tape) the whole office seems to be in limbo. The virus has affected everyone's computer and suddenly we have been transported back in time 20 years. Pens and paper have been taken out of the stationery cupboard and our phone bill is likely to rocket due to the many telephone calls we will be forced to make to keep in contact with our drivers and customers.
It makes you realise that not so long ago this is the way logistics companies ran: traffic control would leave messages for their drivers concerning delivery times and reloads at known locations. As the saying goes."You don't know what you've got till it's gone."
Our only solution was to call an IT expert.The virus software seemed to have quarantined the virus but on restarting the server the whole system collapsed like a drunk at closing time. None of the staff could access the system. Diagnostics were run on the computer but they turned up nothing.
As the server had been bought about six months ago Mr IT telephoned the hardware supplier's customer care line to ask for their help. Unfortunately, the advice offered did not resolvc the problem. We were then told that the only option open to us was to wipe the hard drive and reload all the software —the most time consuming and expensive solution short of writing all the software ourselves.
After the dust settles and we have eliminated any viruses we hope that all our information anc data will be intact.What can we. and the rest of the UK haulage business, learn from this nasty experience?
Worms are great for fishing and aerating your garden soil but don't let them loose in your computers! •