Basecamp Cap

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If you have done an implementation project with a certain major HMS provider (other suppliers, are of course available), you may have encountered Basecamp.

It's a cloud based project management environment. If anyone has experienced the 'Ruby on Rails' framework, it originated in the David Heinemeier Hansson Basecamp project. If that does ever pop up in some geeky pub quiz, you can have that factoid for free.

I have used Basecamp for a number of projects, particularly with those great guys in Scotland, at Arneil Johnston. It's been a pleasurable experience and I know we don't pay a king's ransom for it, which might be considered a very Scottish thing. Now don't get me on stereotypes, I have an unconditional love for Scotland, as all my friends understand. Basecamp does however, do the job.

It's not utopia, however, if we have an infinite amount of time, we might reach it. Basecamp provides a decent framework for communication, tracking the project and with lots of potential third party links. I have seen it compared with some Sharepoint template systems and frankly when all the licensing and everything else is costed in, Basecamp has generally been head & shoulders against many contenders.

I have seen alternative frameworks, one particular one which was Sharepoint based. It had an initial cost of about £3K, no big shakes there, but needed a shed load of licences. my initial thoughts were wow, 50 projects can be managed on Basecamp for about £60 per month, who would shelling out £40K make economic sense?

What it does, it does well. It does not try to do everything and what it does provide, it does it very well. However, there is no perfect solution here.

     Catch the blog monthly archive at https://archive.org/details/@housingitguy

Related Post: Where is your data retention policy at? 

_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/

I would be pleased to connect with you on LinkedIn - http://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy Message me with any issues or queries, you would like to be explored in this blog. We generally receive a couple of suggestions each month.


Faithless - Baseball cap.
(c) Tony Smith, Acutance Consulting www.acutanceconsulting.co.uk 07854-655009


Access a quick list of our Social Housing ICT blog posts here

Could we help you or your organisation? Our contact details are here , get in touch we will be pleased to chat about your problems and help with your organisation issues.
File Under: 360,1stTouch,4Js. , 07854655009 ,365Agile," """" ",,#UKHousing,#HousingDAY, #HomesForBritain,#InternetOfTenants, #Shout,1st Touch,3squared,Accuserv,Acutence,Aareon,Academy,ActiveH,AirWatch,Alignment,ALMO,Anite,Apex,ArchHouse,Archouse,asbestos, Asprey e-state pro,ActiveHousing,Asset Management,Aurora,Average IT Costs,App,Associates,ACL,Abritas,AMS,AX,aspireview,Agile365, BO,BPR,Browser Applications,Business Objects,Business Planning, Business Process Review,Business social networking, Blockwise, Block wise,BI,BancTec,BluTek,Bluebox, Castle,CBL,Cedar Open Accounts,Cx,Change,Cheaper Housing IT,Chics, CHR,Citrix,Civica,Clearview,CMS , CCS IT Keystone CCSIT,Civica Genero,Contractor Systems,CORE,CorVu,Cost Reductions,Covalent,CRM,Crystal Reports,CTI,CTX,Customer Relationship Management,Cashflow, COA,Coactiva,Codeman,Comino,Competitive Dialogue process,complex IT procurements,Component Accounting, Community Reward Services, Consilium, Consolidation, Consultancy,Consultant,Contact 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tender,OpenHousing,Opti-time,Oracle,Orchard,Optitime DRS,Outsource and outsourcing,OpenContractor,ORS,OneServe, PIMMS Data Systems, Paloma,performance management systems,PfH, Pick,PIMMS,pimms4communities, Planned maintenance,People Value,Plus, Peoplevalue, PM,Progress,Promaster,Proval,Pyramid,PRINCE2,prince,Pamwin,PlanForm, Propoints, Pro-Points QL,QLX,Quiss,Qlikview, QueryView,Queryview reporting,Registered Providers,Registered Social Landlord,Rent Increase Freezes,Repairfinder,Reporting,Reports,ROCC,RobotAutomation,Rave Technologies (India) PVT Limited, Rocket,RPs,RSL,Reality,ReAct,reidmark,RM865, Saffron,SAP,Scots, Scottish,Scenario, Scotland,SDM,sector,TonySmithHou,Safron,Server Virtualisation,servicing, Servitor,Sharepoint, Simdel,Simdell,SimPro,Sim Pro,Slash and Burn,Social Media,Software,SQL Open Housing,SQL Reporting Services,SQL reporting services,SQL Server,Star rating,Stores and Stock,Strategic Asset Management,Sunguard ,Surveys,Sx3,System alignment,Symatrix Human Capital 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Storm the virtual reality studios

If you do the Twitter thing, follow me at @HousingITguy
or LinkedIn here https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy



While it's been the 'next big thing before', oh years back, it looks like VR, strapped to your head, is being tipped as the Christmas 2016 gift. Who remembers the 1995 3D Nintendo 'Virtual Boy'? A bit like wearing a 20" CRT on your head, it was not surprising, it did not take off.

After a quiet 20 years, it looks like the Oculus Rift, at about £415, Sony's Playstation VR (more like £350) and the HTC Vive (£689), will all bring some top end gaming, when delivered by Santa. If that all sounds a bit pricey, you could just strap a Smartphone to your head with 'Google Cardboard', a mere £3.29 on eBay.

So something for everyone. Including pornographers apparently, in a new field called teledildonics. I kid you not. Some serious uses are of course being explored in healthcare and of course in the military. A VR experience from BeAnotherLab is a cross between Channel4's 'Peep Show' and 'Wife Swap'. It swaps camera feeds from headsets. When they look down, they see the body of their companion.

Once imaginative organisations see the potential of this, I am sure there are possibilities for social housing. A big project I have been involved with in Scotland, is looking at how 'Housing Options' can be delivered, as a transformative training tool kit, changing hearts & minds, within socialhousing. I have seen some pretty interesting digitised role play and game-ification, which can be delivered as elearning.

Headset camera feeds to swap housing practitioner places with a homeless, or other person presenting, now that could be designed to be truly transformational, in VR. The ground-breaking project I am involved with, will benefit social housing across the whole of Scotland and looks to be supported by the Scottish Government, for the next five years. Hopefully some effective VR techniques can be incorporated by the middle of the project, using what might become mainstream headsets.

Other kinds of training within social housing, could probably benefit from VR too. With some experiencing a squeeze on trainers and training resources, effective scenarios could possibly be built using standard tools and repeated as often as needed, for repairs and other staff. Scenarios could be experienced in a safe and controlled environment, with feedback on effectiveness.

As regular high street estate agents are starting to dabble with VR, a follow-on from the early, sometimes jerky and crude 360 views of properties, this is surely an area we need to be looking at in social housing. Applicants and matches could view a VR guided tour of our available for lets, from the comfort of their own homes. Developers such as Viewar are creating some interesting VR applications. 

More immersive augmented reality can possibly, also be supported for neighbourhood and housing officers, to view clusters of arrears and ASB visually in the field of vision.  

Let's see if the Christmas rush comes and we see some of these ideas coming to fruition. Could we change the way we deliver our services with a bit of VR?      

     Catch the blog monthly archive at https://archive.org/details/@housingitguy

Related Post: What's the best way to bring disparate systems & data together? 

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I would be pleased to connect with you on LinkedIn - http://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy Message me with any issues or queries, you would like to be explored in this blog. We generally receive a couple of suggestions each month.


Dead Fingers Talk - Storm The Reality Studios [EXPLICIT].
(c) Tony Smith, Acutance Consulting www.acutanceconsulting.co.uk 07854-655009


Access a quick list of our Social Housing ICT blog posts here

Could we help you or your organisation? Our contact details are here , get in touch we will be pleased to chat about your problems and help with your organisation issues.
File Under: 360,1stTouch,4Js. , 07854655009 ,365Agile," """" ",,#UKHousing,#HousingDAY, #HomesForBritain,#InternetOfTenants, #Shout,1st Touch,3squared,Accuserv,Acutence,Aareon,Academy,ActiveH,AirWatch,Alignment,ALMO,Anite,Apex,ArchHouse,Archouse,asbestos, Asprey e-state pro,ActiveHousing,Asset Management,Aurora,Average IT Costs,App,Associates,ACL,Abritas,AMS,AX,aspireview,Agile365, BO,BPR,Browser Applications,Business Objects,Business Planning, Business Process Review,Business social networking, Blockwise, Block wise,BI,BancTec,BluTek,Bluebox, Castle,CBL,Cedar Open Accounts,Cx,Change,Cheaper Housing IT,Chics, CHR,Citrix,Civica,Clearview,CMS , CCS IT Keystone CCSIT,Civica Genero,Contractor Systems,CORE,CorVu,Cost Reductions,Covalent,CRM,Crystal Reports,CTI,CTX,Customer Relationship Management,Cashflow, COA,Coactiva,Codeman,Comino,Competitive Dialogue process,complex IT procurements,Component Accounting, Community Reward Services, Consilium, Consolidation, Consultancy,Consultant,Contact Manager,Context,CIH,Chartered Institute Of Housing,Cadcorp,Cerrus Saturn,convergeOne,CACI,CPL, CRS Director, Deeplake,Development Systems,Accuserve,Document Management,Documotive,datasystems , Microsoft dynamics GP 2013, DynamicAI, Dynamic AI, ECMK,EDRMS,England, English,EnterpriseBI,ERP Systems,ERP,Elmhurst,Estatecraft,EDM,ESRI,Exponential-e, Finance, Financial Systems, Financials, Factorwise,Facebook ,Footprint,Fusion, Getting best from,gotonysmith, Grasp,Grip,GeoSolveIT,GIS,GGP,Genero,GCloud,G-Cloud,HouSys,Housing software,HFI (Housing Financials interface),HG,Housemark survey,Housing Blueprint,Housemark, HRA,housingtITguy,Housing Support Pro,HousingSupportPro,Housing Options,Hometeam, Housing Group,hotpixuk, HousingIT,hotpix,Hardware,Hitex,Housing Contact Company,Impact Response,iPayPro,implementations,iRobot,In House,InHouse,In4,InMotion, InMotion2016, InMotion2015, InMotion2016 , Exhibition, conference,Housing Management Consultant,Housing Management Consultants, Infoflow,Information Technology,Informix,inHouse,in-house workforce,Information@Work components, Innovation,Inside Housing,Internet Portal,Internetalia,Information Management Server,IMS, Invu,Ireland,Irish,Inphase , IT Budget,IT Training,iWorld, Innovation Group Apex,ITIL, In4Systems Promaster,IT,Insight, iSupport,iSupportPro, Keylogic,Keystone,Kirona,Kypera,Keypera Hometeam,Keyfax,Ledgers,Linkedin,Locality,Liquid Voice,MD ,Mr Void , MrVoid, Measuring Change,Mebus,Miracle,MISCS,mDesign,mobile functionality,mobile platform,Monopoly board images and pictures, Montal,MS Dynamics,MS Dynamics CRM2011,Miracle Software,MDM,Management,CRM2013,Reporting,MI,M3,MIS,MIS-AMS,Mobysoft, Northgate Codeman,Neighbourhoods and Communities,NPS,NPS Housing,NPS CRM,NPS Job Manager Mobile, Northgate,Notice,NROSH,NINTEX,NINTEX workflow,Natural Forms,Nintexworkflow,NPS ASSIST, OA,OGC Buying Solutions,Ohms,OJEU Limits,OmFax,Omniledger,Open source software,open tender,OpenHousing,Opti-time,Oracle,Orchard,Optitime DRS,Outsource and outsourcing,OpenContractor,ORS,OneServe, PIMMS Data Systems, Paloma,performance management systems,PfH, Pick,PIMMS,pimms4communities, Planned maintenance,People Value,Plus, Peoplevalue, PM,Progress,Promaster,Proval,Pyramid,PRINCE2,prince,Pamwin,PlanForm, Propoints, Pro-Points QL,QLX,Quiss,Qlikview, QueryView,Queryview reporting,Registered Providers,Registered Social Landlord,Rent Increase Freezes,Repairfinder,Reporting,Reports,ROCC,RobotAutomation,Rave Technologies (India) PVT Limited, Rocket,RPs,RSL,Reality,ReAct,reidmark,RM865, Saffron,SAP,Scots, Scottish,Scenario, Scotland,SDM,sector,TonySmithHou,Safron,Server Virtualisation,servicing, Servitor,Sharepoint, Simdel,Simdell,SimPro,Sim Pro,Slash and Burn,Social Media,Software,SQL Open Housing,SQL Reporting Services,SQL reporting services,SQL Server,Star rating,Stores and Stock,Strategic Asset Management,Sunguard ,Surveys,Sx3,System alignment,Symatrix Human Capital Management, TonySmithHousing, Systemwise,SM,Sequoa,Serros,SP,Scout,score,Swordfish,Serengeti,SOTI,southview,Sunguard,Service Charges,Spotlight Service, Spotlightservice, SunAccounts, Template,Task,Terminal Services, tonys , tonysm , tonysmi , tonysmith, tonysmitht, gotonysmith, tableau Business Dashboards, tonysmithth, tonysmiththa, tonysmiththat, tonysmiththath, tonysmiththatho, tonysmiththathou, tonysmiththathous, tonysmiththathousi, tonysmiththathousin, tonysmiththathousing,Tony Smith That,Tony Smith That Housing IT Guy,TonySmith that housing IT, guy,tonysmiththathousing, tonysmiththathousinguy,tony smith housing guy,sharepoint, share point, SHBVN, Three Star,Today,Total repairs,Tribal,Twitter,U2, tonysmith , tonysmiththat , thathousing , thathousingIT , thathousingITguy, TED,Tagish Casework,TP Tracker,Telecetera,Tagra,Trace, Totalmobile, Total Mobile, UniClass Enterprise,Unidata,Universal Housing,Universalcredit, universal credit, universal credits,UC,Universe,Unrest, UK, United 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Ain't No Room

If you do the Twitter thing, follow me at @HousingITguy
or LinkedIn here https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy



It was really good to see so many old friends, clients and contacts at the Housing Technology Conference earlier this month, at the Oxford Belfry.

Last year I remember attendance seeming particularly high, and I think George Grant and his team, at least equalled it, in what is a tight operating environment to be getting out a few days from the office. Also, just a few weeks back, was the NHF IT Conference at Chelsea FC.

A couple of the keynote speakers were female, the excellent Dr Sue Black OBE, saviour of Bletchley Park and Rachel Neaman. I had a lovely chat with Dr Sue, who cutely mistook my Specsavers for Google Glass (bless!). Still, I will be looking to see if I can help bring her #TechMums initiative, to the local community library, in South Warrington, I helped re-open. Sounds like a brilliant idea 8-)

Sue did note (again) that females were thin on the ground, at the conference. we should not leave it just to West Kent, to redress the gender balance in IT. Well done Claire, let's get more of that happening.

I found Brigadier Richardson MBE inspirational, and it was great to see what is being achieved at Haig Homes and how he implemented his anti-BUM methodology, to realise true strategy.  He had some revolutionary ideas about charging for Haig properties, particularly relevant when you see many of the military, housed often after long and dangerous tours, putting their life on the line for us. Rent & service charges must be made fairer. RSLs need to start to think differently.

Many of the sessions were very packed out, particularly that pesky library (with 'actual books', as some wag tweeted), where there were people queuing out the door. Now that's one change I would make next year.

There was some great stories at many of the sessions, some of projects not quite coming to fruition and others where there was true lessons to be learned. It was interesting to hear that Home Group were working with the Nintex workflow tool. Spookily enough, I did a large project with PfH a few years ago where a big financial solution utilised it from TSG too. A worthy tool.

Efficiencies gained by effective Omni-channel were mentioned in a few sessions I attended. It was interesting to be in the RHP session, as I have watched the move to digitalisation there, for many years. Amina Graham made me look up when she announced that wanted to be a Martini girl. What she really said was that the RHP web portal was aiming to be as exciting as alcohol. Also being available anytime, anywhere, which is the secret of effective channel shift (in case the penny hasn't dropped with anyone yet). As a recent OmFax survey found, only 45% of our RSLs, appear to have dedicated web portals. So, towards omni-channel we have some way to go.

It's not just our systems that are the problem either. Connectivity is still an issue in many areas. A comment from one contact of mine, living in a semi-rural county, criticised BT for not connecting communities. I can agree, having festered in countryside real ale pubs with painfully slow internet. We need that cracking, as well as supply of tablets/devices, to tenants & customers. Maybe basic tablets could be issued to poorer customers, once they had past a test of digital abilities, after training or mentoring? I am sure there is a way.    

Interesting too, for sector watchers, if you were in the Civica CX, Orchard or Castleton sessions. Three new solutions, which should be a challenge to the 'old guard', dependent on what speed the implementations, build and integration moves. We are moving into interesting times.




This conference was extra special as it celebrated the 50th edition of Housing Technology. A great achievement for the magazine and all the effort that clearly goes in to it from George Grant and his team. It was great to share a glass of the bubbly and catch the speech too. There were also some limited edition, cup-cakes, which were all eaten before anyone could get them on eBay.

All in all, a super event, lots of inspiration and ideas to take away. I hope you thought so too, if you were there 8-)

     Catch the blog monthly archive at https://archive.org/details/@housingitguy

Related Post: Are many of your changes on 'standby' ? 

_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/

I would be pleased to connect with you on LinkedIn - http://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy Message me with any issues or queries, you would like to be explored in this blog. We generally receive a couple of suggestions each month.


The Vines - Ain't No Room.
(c) Tony Smith, Acutance Consulting www.acutanceconsulting.co.uk 07854-655009


Access a quick list of our Social Housing ICT blog posts here

Could we help you or your organisation? Our contact details are here , get in touch we will be pleased to chat about your problems and help with your organisation issues.
File Under: 360,1stTouch,4Js. , 07854655009 ,365Agile," """" ",,#UKHousing,#HousingDAY, #HomesForBritain,#InternetOfTenants, #Shout,1st Touch,3squared,Accuserv,Acutence,Aareon,Academy,ActiveH,AirWatch,Alignment,ALMO,Anite,Apex,ArchHouse,Archouse,asbestos, Asprey e-state pro,ActiveHousing,Asset Management,Aurora,Average IT Costs,App,Associates,ACL,Abritas,AMS,AX,aspireview,Agile365, BO,BPR,Browser Applications,Business Objects,Business Planning, Business Process Review,Business social networking, Blockwise, Block wise,BI,BancTec,BluTek,Bluebox, Castle,CBL,Cedar Open Accounts,Cx,Change,Cheaper Housing IT,Chics, CHR,Citrix,Civica,Clearview,CMS , CCS IT Keystone CCSIT,Civica Genero,Contractor Systems,CORE,CorVu,Cost Reductions,Covalent,CRM,Crystal Reports,CTI,CTX,Customer Relationship Management,Cashflow, COA,Coactiva,Codeman,Comino,Competitive Dialogue process,complex IT procurements,Component Accounting, Community Reward Services, Consilium, Consolidation, Consultancy,Consultant,Contact Manager,Context,CIH,Chartered Institute Of Housing,Cadcorp,Cerrus Saturn,convergeOne,CACI,CPL, CRS Director, Deeplake,Development Systems,Accuserve,Document Management,Documotive,datasystems , Microsoft dynamics GP 2013, DynamicAI, Dynamic AI, ECMK,EDRMS,England, English,EnterpriseBI,ERP Systems,ERP,Elmhurst,Estatecraft,EDM,ESRI,Exponential-e, Finance, Financial Systems, Financials, Factorwise,Facebook ,Footprint,Fusion, Getting best from,gotonysmith, Grasp,Grip,GeoSolveIT,GIS,GGP,Genero,GCloud,G-Cloud,HouSys,Housing software,HFI (Housing Financials interface),HG,Housemark survey,Housing Blueprint,Housemark, HRA,housingtITguy,Housing Support Pro,HousingSupportPro,Housing Options,Hometeam, Housing Group,hotpixuk, HousingIT,hotpix,Hardware,Hitex,Housing Contact Company,Impact Response,iPayPro,implementations,iRobot,In House,InHouse,In4,InMotion, InMotion2016, InMotion2015, InMotion2016 , Exhibition, conference,Housing Management Consultant,Housing Management Consultants, Infoflow,Information Technology,Informix,inHouse,in-house workforce,Information@Work components, Innovation,Inside Housing,Internet Portal,Internetalia,Information Management Server,IMS, Invu,Ireland,Irish,Inphase , IT Budget,IT Training,iWorld, Innovation Group Apex,ITIL, In4Systems Promaster,IT,Insight, iSupport,iSupportPro, Keylogic,Keystone,Kirona,Kypera,Keypera Hometeam,Keyfax,Ledgers,Linkedin,Locality,Liquid Voice,MD ,Mr Void , MrVoid, Measuring Change,Mebus,Miracle,MISCS,mDesign,mobile functionality,mobile platform,Monopoly board images and pictures, Montal,MS Dynamics,MS Dynamics CRM2011,Miracle Software,MDM,Management,CRM2013,Reporting,MI,M3,MIS,MIS-AMS,Mobysoft, Northgate Codeman,Neighbourhoods and Communities,NPS,NPS Housing,NPS CRM,NPS Job Manager Mobile, Northgate,Notice,NROSH,NINTEX,NINTEX workflow,Natural Forms,Nintexworkflow,NPS ASSIST, OA,OGC Buying Solutions,Ohms,OJEU Limits,OmFax,Omniledger,Open source software,open tender,OpenHousing,Opti-time,Oracle,Orchard,Optitime DRS,Outsource and outsourcing,OpenContractor,ORS,OneServe, PIMMS Data Systems, Paloma,performance management systems,PfH, Pick,PIMMS,pimms4communities, Planned maintenance,People Value,Plus, Peoplevalue, PM,Progress,Promaster,Proval,Pyramid,PRINCE2,prince,Pamwin,PlanForm, Propoints, Pro-Points QL,QLX,Quiss,Qlikview, QueryView,Queryview reporting,Registered Providers,Registered Social Landlord,Rent Increase Freezes,Repairfinder,Reporting,Reports,ROCC,RobotAutomation,Rave Technologies (India) PVT Limited, Rocket,RPs,RSL,Reality,ReAct,reidmark,RM865, Saffron,SAP,Scots, Scottish,Scenario, Scotland,SDM,sector,TonySmithHou,Safron,Server Virtualisation,servicing, Servitor,Sharepoint, Simdel,Simdell,SimPro,Sim Pro,Slash and Burn,Social Media,Software,SQL Open Housing,SQL Reporting Services,SQL reporting services,SQL Server,Star rating,Stores and Stock,Strategic Asset Management,Sunguard ,Surveys,Sx3,System alignment,Symatrix Human Capital Management, TonySmithHousing, Systemwise,SM,Sequoa,Serros,SP,Scout,score,Swordfish,Serengeti,SOTI,southview,Sunguard,Service Charges,Spotlight Service, Spotlightservice, SunAccounts, Template,Task,Terminal Services, tonys , tonysm , tonysmi , tonysmith, tonysmitht, gotonysmith, tableau Business Dashboards, tonysmithth, tonysmiththa, tonysmiththat, tonysmiththath, tonysmiththatho, tonysmiththathou, tonysmiththathous, tonysmiththathousi, tonysmiththathousin, tonysmiththathousing,Tony Smith That,Tony Smith That Housing IT Guy,TonySmith that housing IT, guy,tonysmiththathousing, tonysmiththathousinguy,tony smith housing guy,sharepoint, share point, SHBVN, Three Star,Today,Total repairs,Tribal,Twitter,U2, tonysmith , tonysmiththat , thathousing , thathousingIT , thathousingITguy, TED,Tagish Casework,TP Tracker,Telecetera,Tagra,Trace, Totalmobile, Total Mobile, UniClass Enterprise,Unidata,Universal Housing,Universalcredit, universal credit, universal credits,UC,Universe,Unrest, UK, United Kingdom ,Ukhousing,UK Housing, Van Stock,Voice and data,Vantage Sentinel,verse one,verseone,vWork,Version One,Visualmetrics,Voluntas, Wales,Welsh,Windows Server,Workflow and tasking,Wheatley,Works Connect,worksConnect, Xmbrace,XML ,XenApp,Xen App ..

Optevia - Swallowed

If you do the Twitter thing, follow me at @HousingITguy
or LinkedIn here https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy



IBM are looking to increase their profile in Social Housing, have you noticed who they have recently swallowed up?

To ramp up in UK public sector, IBM have today acquired Maidstone based, Crown Commercial Service, UKHousing specialist Microsoft Dynamics CRM supplier and integrator Optevia.

The official news release from IBM HQ at Armonk, New York, states:

" Since its founding in 2001, Optevia has rapidly established itself as a trusted partner for Public Sector and Social Enterprise clients. The acquisition will allow IBM to scale Optevia’s solutions across other areas worldwide, where Optevia’s software, assets and highly skilled, industry-focused workforce, coupled with their expertise will significantly increase IBM’s current capabilities."

" Optevia will join IBM Global Business Services and help meet the increasing client demand for CRM SaaS solutions within the public sector. "

As many in social housing will know, Optevia have been about since 2001 and been moving fast in the sector, wrapping very configurable CRM solutions around various mixtures of (often legacy) HMS solutions. Microsoft Dynamics CRM can offer an excellent solution and Optevia have really positioned it for the sector. It's 'Optevia Social Housing Essentials (OSHE)' offering the 'Jet-pack' that really turbo-charges the out of the box Dynamics offering. I have seen that offering demoed in its vanilla form, so many times, it's no wonder users, more often than not, stick with more traditional offerings

So, I can see what IBM maybe saw in Optevia. Other CRM integrator/resellers may need to up their game now, if IBM investment is forthcoming. Some of the usual suspects might need to work harder too.

Spookily enough, I am due to meet up with Optevia on Monday, in Brum. I will be picking Steve Lyon's brain, bribed with some pastries, to try to find out how the future of SocialHousing CRM might pan out, with Big Blue.

Full press release here

     Catch the blog monthly archive at https://archive.org/details/@housingitguy

Related Post: Do you think that social housing ICT can beat the best? Read this... 

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I would be pleased to connect with you on LinkedIn - http://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy Message me with any issues or queries, you would like to be explored in this blog. We generally receive a couple of suggestions each month.


Bush - Swallowed.
(c) Tony Smith, Acutance Consulting www.acutanceconsulting.co.uk 07854-655009


Access a quick list of our Social Housing ICT blog posts here

Could we help you or your organisation? Our contact details are here , get in touch we will be pleased to chat about your problems and help with your organisation issues.
File Under: 360,1stTouch,4Js. , 07854655009 ,365Agile," """" ",,#UKHousing,#HousingDAY, #HomesForBritain,#InternetOfTenants, #Shout,1st Touch,3squared,Accuserv,Acutence,Aareon,Academy,ActiveH,AirWatch,Alignment,ALMO,Anite,Apex,ArchHouse,Archouse,asbestos, Asprey e-state pro,ActiveHousing,Asset Management,Aurora,Average IT Costs,App,Associates,ACL,Abritas,AMS,AX,aspireview,Agile365, BO,BPR,Browser Applications,Business Objects,Business Planning, Business Process Review,Business social networking, Blockwise, Block wise,BI,BancTec,BluTek,Bluebox, Castle,CBL,Cedar Open Accounts,Cx,Change,Cheaper Housing IT,Chics, CHR,Citrix,Civica,Clearview,CMS , CCS IT Keystone CCSIT,Civica Genero,Contractor Systems,CORE,CorVu,Cost Reductions,Covalent,CRM,Crystal Reports,CTI,CTX,Customer Relationship Management,Cashflow, COA,Coactiva,Codeman,Comino,Competitive Dialogue process,complex IT procurements,Component Accounting, Community Reward Services, Consilium, Consolidation, Consultancy,Consultant,Contact 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Call Me Up

If you do the Twitter thing, follow me at @HousingITguy
or LinkedIn here uk.linkedin.com/pub/tony-smith-bsc-hons-acih/a/979/351/


One for readers with an interest in socialhousing customer service centre's and self-service, just like myself!

Last autumn, I attended and chaired, a roundtable event, at St Leger homes Doncaster, organised by Omfax Systems. The session offered an opportunity to discover how leading registered providers are taking different approaches to the ever-changing landscape of customer services in social housing. It was an extremely good event, and a little heated at times. In a good way of course!

As part of that, the 'Your Call' survey has been sent out to more than 1,000 senior customer service professionals across the social housing sector. The brilliant Tina Hilton from OmFax tipped me off this week, that the results are now in.

It's an interesting read, with a few surprises, but much supporting many of my recent experiences, in the varied organisations I work with, across the UK and Ireland.

Omfax director Peter Graddon sums the place the sector is in, very well. In many cases, squeezed by regulation/UC pressures, while struggling with a lot of fragmented & often inadequately integrated systems. It's a very accurate snapshot of the sector, circa Spring 2016.

RSL's received an average of eleven calls per home. The bulk of calls querying existing repairs or tenancy/rent issues. Many of these must be waste or calls, many of which could be satisfied online, as approx 60% of adults access the internet via smartphones.

With 72% of adults having a social media profile, it's disappointing that only 53% of service centres, managed social media enquiries too. I have noticed that Housing Associations often take the view that the comms team need to take care of that. The reality is that the call will just come back to customer services anyway. With 25% of adults with a Twitter account using it to complain, we need to be revising that view IMHO.

Customer Service Centre's seem to getting busier too, and felt even 'more' important. Since you are wondering, calls are up more than 5%. Shouldn't that statistic, with 77% of adults having basic digital skills, be 'internet self service traffic on the increase'?

Well seemingly not. The report picks out something I said at St Leger about why tenants and other customers, are not choosing to interact with us online. Go on your portal and try to find your 'Pay Here' or 'Log Repair' button. If you have to hunt or multiple-click for it, your customers choice will be to pick up the phone, believe me. Do like Amazon, get the 'Bread & Butter stuff right', for goodness sake.

There's plenty more insight in the report, which might help shape a better customer service centre, for the future.     

Access the Omfax report here - http://www.omfax.co.uk/pdfs

Catch me at the next 'Your Call' discussion event, to be held 29th April 2016 in Edinburgh, at Hanover Scotland. It would be great to meet you there!

     Catch the blog monthly archive at https://archive.org/details/@housingitguy

Related Post: When last, were you and your team, the dangerous brothers? 

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I would be pleased to connect with you on LinkedIn - http://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy Message me with any issues or queries, you would like to be explored in this blog. We generally receive a couple of suggestions each month.


Gang Of Four - Call Me Up.
(c) Tony Smith, Acutance Consulting www.acutanceconsulting.co.uk 07854-655009


Access a quick list of our Social Housing ICT blog posts here

Could we help you or your organisation? Our contact details are here , get in touch we will be pleased to chat about your problems and help with your organisation issues.
File Under: 360,1stTouch,4Js. , 07854655009 ,365Agile," """" ",,#UKHousing,#HousingDAY, #HomesForBritain,#InternetOfTenants, #Shout,1st Touch,3squared,Accuserv,Acutence,Aareon,Academy,ActiveH,AirWatch,Alignment,ALMO,Anite,Apex,ArchHouse,Archouse,asbestos, Asprey e-state pro,ActiveHousing,Asset Management,Aurora,Average IT Costs,App,Associates,ACL,Abritas,AMS,AX,aspireview,Agile365, BO,BPR,Browser Applications,Business Objects,Business Planning, Business Process Review,Business social networking, Blockwise, Block wise,BI,BancTec,BluTek,Bluebox, Castle,CBL,Cedar Open Accounts,Cx,Change,Cheaper Housing IT,Chics, CHR,Citrix,Civica,Clearview,CMS , CCS IT Keystone CCSIT,Civica Genero,Contractor Systems,CORE,CorVu,Cost Reductions,Covalent,CRM,Crystal Reports,CTI,CTX,Customer Relationship Management,Cashflow, COA,Coactiva,Codeman,Comino,Competitive Dialogue process,complex IT procurements,Component Accounting, Community Reward Services, Consilium, Consolidation, Consultancy,Consultant,Contact Manager,Context,CIH,Chartered Institute Of Housing,Cadcorp,Cerrus Saturn,convergeOne,CACI,CPL, CRS Director, Deeplake,Development Systems,Accuserve,Document Management,Documotive,datasystems , Microsoft dynamics GP 2013, DynamicAI, Dynamic AI, ECMK,EDRMS,England, English,EnterpriseBI,ERP Systems,ERP,Elmhurst,Estatecraft,EDM,ESRI,Exponential-e, Finance, Financial Systems, Financials, Factorwise,Facebook ,Footprint,Fusion, Getting best from,gotonysmith, Grasp,Grip,GeoSolveIT,GIS,GGP,Genero,GCloud,G-Cloud,HouSys,Housing software,HFI (Housing Financials interface),HG,Housemark survey,Housing Blueprint,Housemark, HRA,housingtITguy,Housing Support Pro,HousingSupportPro,Housing Options,Hometeam, Housing Group,hotpixuk, HousingIT,hotpix,Hardware,Hitex,Housing Contact Company,Impact Response,iPayPro,implementations,iRobot,In House,InHouse,In4,InMotion, InMotion2016, InMotion2015, InMotion2016 , Exhibition, conference,Housing Management Consultant,Housing Management Consultants, Infoflow,Information Technology,Informix,inHouse,in-house workforce,Information@Work components, Innovation,Inside Housing,Internet Portal,Internetalia,Information Management Server,IMS, Invu,Ireland,Irish,Inphase , IT Budget,IT Training,iWorld, Innovation Group Apex,ITIL, In4Systems Promaster,IT,Insight, iSupport,iSupportPro, Keylogic,Keystone,Kirona,Kypera,Keypera Hometeam,Keyfax,Ledgers,Linkedin,Locality,Liquid Voice,MD ,Mr Void , MrVoid, Measuring Change,Mebus,Miracle,MISCS,mDesign,mobile functionality,mobile platform,Monopoly board images and pictures, Montal,MS Dynamics,MS Dynamics CRM2011,Miracle Software,MDM,Management,CRM2013,Reporting,MI,M3,MIS,MIS-AMS,Mobysoft, Northgate Codeman,Neighbourhoods and Communities,NPS,NPS Housing,NPS CRM,NPS Job Manager Mobile, Northgate,Notice,NROSH,NINTEX,NINTEX workflow,Natural Forms,Nintexworkflow,NPS ASSIST, OA,OGC Buying Solutions,Ohms,OJEU Limits,OmFax,Omniledger,Open source software,open tender,OpenHousing,Opti-time,Oracle,Orchard,Optitime DRS,Outsource and outsourcing,OpenContractor,ORS,OneServe, PIMMS Data Systems, Paloma,performance management systems,PfH, Pick,PIMMS,pimms4communities, Planned maintenance,People Value,Plus, Peoplevalue, PM,Progress,Promaster,Proval,Pyramid,PRINCE2,prince,Pamwin,PlanForm, Propoints, Pro-Points QL,QLX,Quiss,Qlikview, QueryView,Queryview reporting,Registered Providers,Registered Social Landlord,Rent Increase Freezes,Repairfinder,Reporting,Reports,ROCC,RobotAutomation,Rave Technologies (India) PVT Limited, Rocket,RPs,RSL,Reality,ReAct,reidmark,RM865, Saffron,SAP,Scots, Scottish,Scenario, Scotland,SDM,sector,TonySmithHou,Safron,Server Virtualisation,servicing, Servitor,Sharepoint, Simdel,Simdell,SimPro,Sim Pro,Slash and Burn,Social Media,Software,SQL Open Housing,SQL Reporting Services,SQL reporting services,SQL Server,Star rating,Stores and Stock,Strategic Asset Management,Sunguard ,Surveys,Sx3,System alignment,Symatrix Human Capital Management, TonySmithHousing, Systemwise,SM,Sequoa,Serros,SP,Scout,score,Swordfish,Serengeti,SOTI,southview,Sunguard,Service Charges,Spotlight Service, Spotlightservice, SunAccounts, Template,Task,Terminal Services, tonys , tonysm , tonysmi , tonysmith, tonysmitht, gotonysmith, tableau Business Dashboards, tonysmithth, tonysmiththa, tonysmiththat, tonysmiththath, tonysmiththatho, tonysmiththathou, tonysmiththathous, tonysmiththathousi, tonysmiththathousin, tonysmiththathousing,Tony Smith That,Tony Smith That Housing IT Guy,TonySmith that housing IT, guy,tonysmiththathousing, tonysmiththathousinguy,tony smith housing guy,sharepoint, share point, SHBVN, Three Star,Today,Total repairs,Tribal,Twitter,U2, tonysmith , tonysmiththat , thathousing , thathousingIT , thathousingITguy, TED,Tagish Casework,TP Tracker,Telecetera,Tagra,Trace, Totalmobile, Total Mobile, UniClass Enterprise,Unidata,Universal Housing,Universalcredit, universal credit, universal credits,UC,Universe,Unrest, UK, United 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Toms Diner

 If you do the Twitter thing, follow me at @HousingITguy
or LinkedIn here https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy



Unless you have been living under a rock for the last 29 years, you would not have missed the Ikea-ification of the UK. Surely you are not missing out on a BILLY bookcase or SKOGSTA storage solution?

I was surprised to read on my favourite Taiwan based, tech news website RocketNews24, that Ikea (or ik-ia as some sales folk are trying to get us to call them recently), have pioneered a non-iPhone hotplate.

Now, having spent some time in my mis-spent youth, backpacking around Japan, I can fully expect this is a pretty suitable product for the region. Ikea are on to something and they realise it. I have a number of Ikea designed pieces of furniture in my home, and I am a massive fan of their Kalles Kaviar, in toothpaste tubes. This last item is pretty much a Swedish breakfast staple. I must say I was perturbed a few Decembers ago when in my local (and the first in the UK) Ikea, I was told reindeer balls were off the menu, until the new year, as too many kids were 'joining the dots'.

On a serious note though, and I am as guilty as charged as others, are we spending just too much time on our Smartphone's? I have tweeted the odd food pic, sure. Particularly the younger generation though, is it about enjoying the moment, or telling the world how well we are enjoying the moment?
Enjoying the moment is the point, isn't it? Those memories will last the rest of our lives, but will only have a very fleeting existence on Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter etc.

The Ikea innovation resembles a 1980's fondue, with Smartphone's stored underneath the main cooking area. It's certainly something that could have been inspired by the 'Slow-food' movement, if you have ever come across them. I think that they would certainly approve, at any rate.
Check out the article here.

I think it's good to connect with your friends or companions over a good meal. In fact the origin of the word 'companion' in Latin, is 'together with bread'. Literally, the people we break bread and dine with. So maybe this is one area where we should, park the tech and just go with the flow. Probably good advice. Lets take it now and again people.

     Catch the blog monthly archive at https://archive.org/details/@housingitguy

Related Post: For goodness sake, when are we ever going to get workflow working in #UKhousing ? 

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I would be pleased to connect with you on LinkedIn - http://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy Message me with any issues or queries, you would like to be explored in this blog. We generally receive a couple of suggestions each month.


Suzanne Vega - Toms Diner.
(c) Tony Smith, Acutance Consulting www.acutanceconsulting.co.uk 07854-655009


Access a quick list of our Social Housing ICT blog posts here
Could we help you or your organisation? Our contact details are here , get in touch we will be pleased to chat about your problems and help with your organisation issues.
File Under: 360,1stTouch,4Js. , 07854655009 ,365Agile," """" ",,#UKHousing,#HousingDAY, #HomesForBritain,#InternetOfTenants, #Shout,1st Touch,3squared,Accuserv,Acutence,Aareon,Academy,ActiveH,AirWatch,Alignment,ALMO,Anite,Apex,ArchHouse,Archouse,asbestos, Asprey e-state pro,ActiveHousing,Asset Management,Aurora,Average IT Costs,App,Associates,ACL,Abritas,AMS,AX,aspireview,Agile365, BO,BPR,Browser Applications,Business Objects,Business Planning, Business Process Review,Business social networking, Blockwise, Block wise,BI,BancTec,BluTek,Bluebox, Castle,CBL,Cedar Open Accounts,Cx,Change,Cheaper Housing IT,Chics, CHR,Citrix,Civica,Clearview,CMS , CCS IT Keystone CCSIT,Civica Genero,Contractor Systems,CORE,CorVu,Cost Reductions,Covalent,CRM,Crystal Reports,CTI,CTX,Customer Relationship Management,Cashflow, COA,Coactiva,Codeman,Comino,Competitive Dialogue process,complex IT procurements,Component Accounting, Community Reward Services, Consilium, Consolidation, Consultancy,Consultant,Contact Manager,Context,CIH,Chartered Institute Of Housing,Cadcorp,Cerrus Saturn,convergeOne,CACI,CPL, CRS Director, Deeplake,Development Systems,Accuserve,Document Management,Documotive,datasystems , Microsoft dynamics GP 2013, DynamicAI, Dynamic AI, ECMK,EDRMS,England, English,EnterpriseBI,ERP Systems,ERP,Elmhurst,Estatecraft,EDM,ESRI,Exponential-e, Finance, Financial Systems, Financials, Factorwise,Facebook ,Footprint,Fusion, Getting best from,gotonysmith, Grasp,Grip,GeoSolveIT,GIS,GGP,Genero,GCloud,G-Cloud,HouSys,Housing software,HFI (Housing Financials interface),HG,Housemark survey,Housing Blueprint,Housemark, HRA,housingtITguy,Housing Support Pro,HousingSupportPro,Housing Options,Hometeam, Housing Group,hotpixuk, HousingIT,hotpix,Hardware,Hitex,Housing Contact Company,Impact Response,iPayPro,implementations,iRobot,In House,InHouse,In4,InMotion, InMotion2016, InMotion2015, InMotion2016 , Exhibition, conference,Housing Management Consultant,Housing Management Consultants, Infoflow,Information Technology,Informix,inHouse,in-house workforce,Information@Work components, Innovation,Inside Housing,Internet Portal,Internetalia,Information Management Server,IMS, Invu,Ireland,Irish,Inphase , IT Budget,IT Training,iWorld, Innovation Group Apex,ITIL, In4Systems Promaster,IT,Insight, iSupport,iSupportPro, Keylogic,Keystone,Kirona,Kypera,Keypera Hometeam,Keyfax,Ledgers,Linkedin,Locality,Liquid Voice,MD ,Mr Void , MrVoid, Measuring Change,Mebus,Miracle,MISCS,mDesign,mobile functionality,mobile platform,Monopoly board images and pictures, Montal,MS Dynamics,MS Dynamics CRM2011,Miracle Software,MDM,Management,CRM2013,Reporting,MI,M3,MIS,MIS-AMS,Mobysoft, Northgate Codeman,Neighbourhoods and Communities,NPS,NPS Housing,NPS CRM,NPS Job Manager Mobile, Northgate,Notice,NROSH,NINTEX,NINTEX workflow,Natural Forms,Nintexworkflow,NPS ASSIST, OA,OGC Buying Solutions,Ohms,OJEU Limits,OmFax,Omniledger,Open source software,open tender,OpenHousing,Opti-time,Oracle,Orchard,Optitime DRS,Outsource and outsourcing,OpenContractor,ORS,OneServe, PIMMS Data Systems, Paloma,performance management systems,PfH, Pick,PIMMS,pimms4communities, Planned maintenance,People Value,Plus, Peoplevalue, PM,Progress,Promaster,Proval,Pyramid,PRINCE2,prince,Pamwin,PlanForm, Propoints, Pro-Points QL,QLX,Quiss,Qlikview, QueryView,Queryview reporting,Registered Providers,Registered Social Landlord,Rent Increase Freezes,Repairfinder,Reporting,Reports,ROCC,RobotAutomation,Rave Technologies (India) PVT Limited, Rocket,RPs,RSL,Reality,ReAct,reidmark,RM865, Saffron,SAP,Scots, Scottish,Scenario, Scotland,SDM,sector,TonySmithHou,Safron,Server Virtualisation,servicing, Servitor,Sharepoint, Simdel,Simdell,SimPro,Sim Pro,Slash and Burn,Social Media,Software,SQL Open Housing,SQL Reporting Services,SQL reporting services,SQL Server,Star rating,Stores and Stock,Strategic Asset Management,Sunguard ,Surveys,Sx3,System alignment,Symatrix Human Capital Management, TonySmithHousing, Systemwise,SM,Sequoa,Serros,SP,Scout,score,Swordfish,Serengeti,SOTI,southview,Sunguard,Service Charges,Spotlight Service, Spotlightservice, SunAccounts, Template,Task,Terminal Services, tonys , tonysm , tonysmi , tonysmith, tonysmitht, gotonysmith, tableau Business Dashboards, tonysmithth, tonysmiththa, tonysmiththat, tonysmiththath, tonysmiththatho, tonysmiththathou, tonysmiththathous, tonysmiththathousi, tonysmiththathousin, tonysmiththathousing,Tony Smith That,Tony Smith That Housing IT Guy,TonySmith that housing IT, guy,tonysmiththathousing, tonysmiththathousinguy,tony smith housing guy,sharepoint, share point, SHBVN, Three Star,Today,Total repairs,Tribal,Twitter,U2, tonysmith , tonysmiththat , thathousing , thathousingIT , thathousingITguy, TED,Tagish Casework,TP Tracker,Telecetera,Tagra,Trace, Totalmobile, Total Mobile, UniClass Enterprise,Unidata,Universal Housing,Universalcredit, universal credit, universal credits,UC,Universe,Unrest, UK, United Kingdom ,Ukhousing,UK Housing, Van Stock,Voice and data,Vantage Sentinel,verse one,verseone,vWork,Version One,Visualmetrics,Voluntas, Wales,Welsh,Windows Server,Workflow and tasking,Wheatley,Works Connect,worksConnect, Xmbrace,XML ,XenApp,Xen App ..

Sensoria

If you do the Twitter thing, follow me at @HousingITguy
or LinkedIn here https://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy



We increasing hear about the IOT (Internet Of Things) and how dozens if not hundreds of sensors will be creeping into our homes & lives, to revolutionise the way we live. One bit of tech that has already, stealthily found its way into our tenant and customer lives is the Smartphone. Can you even imagine a life without one these days?

Walking around with your Smartphone you are a mobile CCTV and GPS rolled into one. What if we could harness our tenants and customers as 'sensors'? It would be good, although do you think too far-fetched, for the real world? Consider how Corries old resident 'Neighbourhood Watch' stalwart Percy Sugden, might have made use of a Smartphone?

Well, following on from my request earlier this year, for New Sensations, the super Suzy Robinson has highlighted a pretty amazing way to make this a reality. Adactus Housing in Leigh, Lancashire, (quite local to me,) have recently enhanced their 'Adactus500', which has been running already for over five years. Tenants and customers have been invited to be 'sensors' for the landlord and it seems to be going well.

Suzy, such a good egg, kindly organised my own red-carpet tour, of how they have achieved this online.



The 500 is a combination of the Adactus tenant participation and customer reward functions, all hosted online. It rendered nicely on my tablet, which is the kind of device our tenants are most likely view the site on.

Customers who sign up can earn points by getting involved in activities and also progress to a 'premium' membership upgrade. Activities are based around some elements of traditional Tenant participation, such as any RSL would certainly recognise. It includes satisfaction surveys, scrutiny panels such as for Universal Credit, and being a customer services mystery shopper. 

So where do the 'sensors' come in? Well, Adactus are looking to harness customer Smartphone's, eyes and ears, in  number of key areas. A number of activities are designed to encourage customers to share issues about their homes and neighbourhoods, capturing details via video / snaps on their phones.  Geotagging allows locations to easily be pin-pointed and Adactus staff to be alerted to many problems, potentially they would never be aware of.

Some of the current smartphone activities, included taking snaps of corridor areas and of heating controls, together with passing on comments . Successfully completing five photo tasks, is enough to promote the customer to Premium status.

Each task can be submitted just once by a 'standard' member, but repeated every 30 days by a 'premium' one.  The quality of submissions is carefully monitored, as good images are encouraged. Clear, in-focus image are obviously more useful to estate and repair teams at Adactus. Customers who can manage to achieve good quality, will then be encouraged to take more. Every time a photo task is approved, the ticker counts down until they are rewarded by upgraded to Premium.

This is encapsulated in the Adactus strategy, in the following way:

• The Group will encourage its smart-phone owning tenants to become an important part of its approach to service quality control. Through the Adactus 500, tenants will be rewarded for supplying live data (for example, images) of the condition of properties and neighbourhoods. These data will, alongside staff feedback and supervisors’ inspection results, be used to direct services such as maintenance and ASB. 

The proof of the pudding of course, is what level of sign up is being achieved? Well, as of last month it was running at 1269 out of a total of nearly 13,000 homes. So a very healthy 10%. Higher than most RSL's I generally encounter. The work on the '500' has been recognised by TPAS, as its just been shortlisted for excellence in digital involvement

I really liked the way this had been done.  It was simple and straight forward to use and I can see why so many customers are taking part, making this a success. I think Adactus are ahead of the curve here, potentially providing an imaginative template for others who can easily make use of the same innovations. A big thank you to Suzy, catch her tweets at @Suzy_Adactus

     Catch the blog monthly archive at https://archive.org/details/@housingitguy

Related Post: Time to automate your tenancy signup dont you think? 

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