Northgate-is - News Item 749

NORTHGATE DELIVERS MODERN IT INFRASTRUCTURE TO LEADING FIRE AUTHORITY

New IT systems to help save lives in the Grampian region

An investment of £15,082 in the latest IT architecture, implemented and managed by Glasgow-based Northgate Information Solutions (Northgate) is enabling Grampian Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) to more effectively manage its services across the region.

GFRS serves communities in Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Council areas and employs more than 900 people in emergency operations, community safety and business support roles.  In addition GFRS duties include the protection of key industrial sites, gas and oil terminals, active RAF bases and prisons and the Royal Residence at Balmoral Castle.

Working in partnership with Northgate, GFRS has implemented key IT infrastructure improvements including new operating systems, servers and improved security protocols, all of which have resulted in greater efficiencies throughout the service. 

With the data services infrastructure changes, GFRS are able to provide the most up-to-date risk information to the widest fire service audience, ensuring that the communities of Moray, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City have the best protection and response planning possible. 

And as Bill Mitchell, Head of IT at GFRS explains, the new technology has had a noticeable impact; “The nature of what we do dictates that our systems must be robust, reliable and accurate to allow staff to perform, what is in many cases a life-saving job.  Northgate provided excellent on-site advice and implemented key infrastructural improvements that are allowing us to realise our core strategies.  As a result of our investment we have been able to reduce support costs and provide staff with remote access to information systems.”

Mr Mitchell continued, “By reducing the time required to manage and monitor our infrastructure we have been able to concentrate on implementing new systems which provide tangible benefits to our service, as well as improving the services delivered to the community.”

James Turnbull, Managing Director of Infrastructure Solutions Division with Northgate stated: “The services delivered by GFRS save lives, and we are delighted to be regarded as part of their team.   We remain dedicated to ensuring that our robust managed and support solutions provide the organisation with the flexibility and enhanced capabilities required to best serve the community.  We look forward developing our relationship with GFRS and congratulate the service on its success to date.”

Following the success of this project, GFRS has indicated that Northgate will continue to assist them on a number of other ICT projects.

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