Exodus

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

“Leaving Babylon, Set The Captives Free”, sang Bob Marley.

Interesting today to notice the number of a particular software supplier to public sector and SocialHousing’s senior software staff on LinkedIn, now helpfully displaying a ‘#OpenToWork’ badge. Some folk I have worked with and many who have toiled in assorted roles, for that particular supplier for many years in some cases.

Its mainly Local Government product specialist staff from Civica I am spotting this week. Once you have come across a couple, its not a trickle but a tsunami. A proper exodus.

Justin Fisher, John Miller, Paul (Mr Cx) Berry, Liam Lindon, Peter Woodward, Clare Landshoft to name just a few. Some good people. At this rate, my old boss Richard Chambers (who I still owe a pint for assisting me ably once at Penrith Magistrates Court, with a spot of speeding! – sorry tricky), might be the last chap left standing. 

I hope for him he isn’t, however it can only be negative for future development of the Cx products, if most of the product design knowledge leaves the building in a hurry. The rush to get a recommendation sorted with Jeff Hewitt is justifiably on!

In November 2023, Blackstone announced its acquisition of Civica from Partners Group AG. The takeover was completed in May 2024. As with every merger and takeover (and there have been a few this year that the CMA are not raking over) I have ever seen, its always spun by the PR team as an ‘opportunity’ or ‘new era for growth’. A bit soon then just six months on, to be taking an impromptu haircut before Christmas.

What does this say about the housing products, is that maybe Cx Housing, Assets & Contractor development parked now? Is perhaps a brand new product planned? Why not get some hotshot games programmers in, using generative AI to cut code, save costs and write a brand new solution set? There might yet be some silver-lining here.....

Before that, I am sure from what some tell me in the sector, many sites will be still hoping their Cx implementations will still eventually get properly finished off first.

For sure, potentially some competitors, particularly ones winning big and delivering it too recently, will clearly benefit from this new talent source on the jobs marketplace. Failing that, they can join the growing band of ex-employee ‘specialists’, who earn good money shoring up implementations, once original project days are exhausted.

It is also coming up to Christmas and winter is one of the worst times to be redundant. I know, I’ve been there done that. If you have been made redundant at this time, take care and be sure to look after your mental health – its important and might save your life. Also remember, as one Glassdoor closes, quite often another one generally will magically open.     

Struggling making your project (or supplier) deliver?

Get in touch, for a chat soon over a latte & some chocolate Hobnobs ☕

       Related Post: When is a software go-live, really a go-live then?

_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ *** Join the discussion with Claire & Aiden *** _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/

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.

Bob Marley and The Wailers – Exodus.
(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: #HomesForBritain,#HousingDAY,#InternetOfTenants,#Shout,#UKHousing, 07854655009, 1st Touch,1stTouch,360,365Agile,3squared,4Js, ACL,ALMO,AMS,AX,Aareon,Abritas,Academy,Accuserv,Accuserve,Active Housing,ActiveH,ActiveHousing,Acutence,Advanced,Affinity,Agile,Agile365,AirWatch,Alfresco,Alignment,Allpay,Amazon Web Services,Anite,Apex,App,ArchHouse,Archouse,Asprey e-state pro,Asset Management,Associates,Aurora,Average IT Costs,AWI SX Integration Toolkit,AWS, BI,BO,BPR,BancTec,BigChange,Blockwise,BluTek,Bluebox,Blueprint,Browser Applications,Business Objects,Business Planning,Business Process Review,Business social networking, CACI,Capita One Housing,CBL,CCS IT Keystone CCSIT,CEDRM,CHICS,CHR,CIH,CMS,COA,CORE,CPL,CRM,CRM2013,CRS,CTI,CTX,Cadcorp,Capita,CapitaOne,Capita One,Capital Management,Cashflow,Castle,Castleton,Castleton Technology,Cedar Open Accounts,Cerrus,Change,Charges,Chartered Institute Of Housing,Cheaper Housing IT,Chics, Citrix,Civica,Civica CTX,Civica Cx,Civica 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2013,Miracle,MobileIron,Mobysoft,Monopoly board images and pictures,Montal,Mr Void,MriEngage,MrVoid,MoreIQ NDL,NINTEX,NINTEX workflow,NPS,NPS ASSIST,NPS Housing,NPS Job Manager Mobile,NROSH,Natural,Neighbourhoods and Communities,Nintexworkflow,Northgate,Northgate Codeman,Northgate Public Services,Notice, OA,OGC Buying Solutions,OJEU Limits,ORS,Ohms,OmFax,Omniledger,One,OneAdvanced,OneServe,Open source,OpenContractor,OpenHousing,Opti-time,Options,Optitime,Oracle,Orchard,Outsource and outsourcing,OutSystems, PIMMS,PIMSS Data,PM,PRINCE2,Paloma,Pamwin,PanConnect,People Value,Peoplevalue,PfH,Pick,PlanForm,Planned maintenance,Plenfific,Plus,Portfolio Management System,PowerObjects,Pro,Pro-Points,Prodo,Progress,Promaster,Propoints,Proval,Providers,Pyramid, QL,QLX, QLF, QL Yuneo,QuantSpark,Qube,QLX,Qlikview,QueryView,Queryview reporting,Quiss, RM865,ROCC,RPs,RSL,Rave,ReAct,Reality,RedkiteCRM,Red Olive,Registered,Registered Social,Rent 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. . . . . . . . . . . . ES | FR | DE | IT | UK

 

 

Letting Go

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


I am always working to help organisations improve their ICT, infrastructure and processes.

If done right, it brings improved customer (resident) satisfaction and internal efficiencies.

Those internal efficiencies always concern the actions and activities that software does well. Humans can then get on with doing what we do really well. Empathy, thinking out of the box. You know, most of the stuff most people came into housing (or any other sector I guess) to do. You know, the quality stuff.

Examples of stuff that can be well automated include auto generation of arrears letters/communications, predictive arrears, detecting asset issues (heating & lifts starting to fail for example) and automatic managing of infrastructure. Often the transition to doing more of the ‘human’ things that add greater value, are a challenge. People need to acquire new skills, training is needed, maybe mentoring in some cases. It’s not always everyone’s bag, but I believe done well it enhances the work experience.

Who started a job because they wanted to be a slave to ICT?
No pretty much no one ever, believe me.

ICT isn’t cheap and a major plank of most business cases, is generally cost reductions somewhere else. How often though after a successful implementation, staff headcount remains the same or even higher, with similar levels of work transactionally ?

Look around your organisation, is that the case?
Has ICT made your teams more efficient and yet middle management let them spread their day out to its original length, before the changes, without adding additional value?

I bet when paper first replaced stone tablets in offices 2,000 years ago, some board members were happy to keep the stonemasons around for a few decades, because they felt bad about letting them go. Mostly though, the Romans may well have thrown them to the lions in the nearest amphitheatre.

No one is suggesting that, in your local Social Housing organisation. However, more boards & EMT teams, need to bite the bullet, when jobs change and things that were the norm become no longer needed or relevant, as better ICT takes the strain. Realise those business benefits that were promised, when your systems and solutions were sold to you.

Related Post: Back around 2 years ago I was bemoaning #SocialHousing's lack of interest in IOT. Has much really moved on?
 

Catch the blog monthly archive at https://soundcloud.com/housingitguy/

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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.

Nitin Sawhney Letting Go.
(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: #HomesForBritain,#HousingDAY,#InternetOfTenants,#Shout,#UKHousing, 07854655009, 1st Touch,1stTouch,360,365Agile,3squared,4Js, ACL,ALMO,AMS,AX,Aareon,Abritas,Academy,Accuserv,Accuserve,Active Housing,ActiveH,ActiveHousing,Acutence,Advanced,Agile,Agile365,AirWatch,Alignment,Allpay,Amazon Web Services,Anite,Apex,App,ArchHouse,Archouse,Asprey e-state pro,Asset Management,Associates,Aurora,Average IT Costs,AWI SX Integration Toolkit,AWS, BI,BO,BPR,BancTec,BigChange,Blockwise,BluTek,Bluebox,Blueprint,Browser Applications,Business Objects,Business Planning,Business Process Review,Business social networking, CACI,Capita One Housing,CBL,CCS IT Keystone CCSIT,CHICS,CHR,CIH,CMS,COA,CORE,CPL,CRM,CRM2013,CRS,CTI,CTX,Cadcorp,Capita,CapitaOne,Capita One,Capital Management,Cashflow,Castle,Castleton,Castleton Technology,Cedar Open Accounts,Cerrus,Change,Charges,Chartered Institute Of Housing,Cheaper Housing IT,Chics, Citrix,Civica,Civica CTX,Civica Cx,Civica Genero,Civica Saffron,Clearview,Clik,Cloud Dialogs,CloudDialogs,Coactiva,Codeman,Comino,Commontime,Community Reward Services,Company,Competitive Dialogue process,Component Accounting,Consilium,Consolidation, Consultancy,Consultant,Consultants,Contact Manager,Context,Contractor Systems,CorVu,Cost Reductions,Covalent,Crystal Reports,Customer Relationship Management,Cx, DRS,Deeplake,Designer Software,Development Systems,Director,Document,Documotive,Dynamic AI,DynamicAI,Dynamics 365, ECMK,EDM,EDRMS,ERP,ESRI,Elmhurst,Enghouse Interactive,England,English,EnterpriseBI,Estatecraft,Etive,Exhibition,Exponential-e, Facebook,Factorwise,Field Service management,Finance,Financial Systems,Financials,Footprint,Forms,Freezes,Fusion, Gas Tag,G-Cloud,GCloud,GDPR,GGP,GIS,GasTag,Genero,GeoSolveIT,Getting best from,GoTonySmith,Grasp,Grip,Group Apex, HFI (Housing Financials interface),HG,HRA,Hardware,Hitachi Systems,Hitex,HomeMaster,Hometeam,HouSys,House,Housemark,Housemark survey,Housing,Housing Contact,Housing Group,Housing Insight,Housing Management,Housing Management Consultant,Housing Partners,Housing Portfolio Management System,Hub Asset Management, Housing Support Pro,HousingIT,HousingSupportPro,HyperOptic, IMS,IT,IT Budget,IT Training,ITIL,Impact Response,In,In4,In4Systems Promaster,InfoBoss,InHouse,InMotion,InMotion2015,InMotion2016,InfoBoss,Infoflow,Information,Information Technology,Information@Work components,Informix,Innovation, Informetis,Inphase,Inside Housing,Insight,Internet Portal,Internetalia,Invu,Ireland,Irish,itLab, Keyfax,Keylogic,Keypera,Keystone,Kirona,Kypera, Landlord,Ledgers,Linkedin,Liquid,Locality,Localz, M3,MAVIS,MD,MDM,MI,MIS,MIS-AMS,MISCS,MRI,MS Dynamics,MS Dynamics CRM2011,MWL,Management,Management Server,Manifest,Measuring,Mebus,Microsoft Dynamics 365,Microsoft dynamics GP 2013,Miracle,MobileIron,Mobysoft,Monopoly board images and pictures,Montal,Mr Void,MriEngage,MrVoid, NDL,NINTEX,NINTEX workflow,NPS,NPS ASSIST,NPS Housing,NPS Job Manager Mobile,NROSH,Natural,Neighbourhoods and Communities,Nintexworkflow,Northgate,Northgate Codeman,Northgate Public Services,Notice, OA,OGC Buying Solutions,OJEU Limits,ORS,Ohms,OmFax,Omniledger,One,OneAdvanced,OneServe,Open source,OpenContractor,OpenHousing,Opti-time,Options,Optitime,Oracle,Orchard,Outsource and outsourcing,OutSystems, PIMMS,PIMSS Data,PM,PRINCE2,Paloma,Pamwin,PanConnect,People Value,Peoplevalue,PfH,Pick,PlanForm,Planned maintenance,Plenfific,Plus,Portfolio Management System,PowerObjects,Pro,Pro-Points,Prodo,Progress,Promaster,Propoints,Proval,Providers,Pyramid, QL,QuantSpark,Qube,QLX,Qlikview,QueryView,Queryview reporting,Quiss, RM865,ROCC,RPs,RSL,Rave,ReAct,Reality,RedkiteCRM,Red Olive,Registered,Registered Social,Rent Increase,RentSense,RentSenseLite,Repairfinder,Reporting,Reports,RobotAutomation,Rocket, Salesforce,Salesforce.Org,SAP,SASSHA,SDM,SHBVN,SM,SOTI,SP,SQL,SQL Open Housing,SQL Reporting,SQL Server,Saffron,Safron,Saturn,Scenario,Scotland,Scots,Scottish,Scout,Sequoa,Serengeti,Serros,Server,Service,Services,Servitor,Sharepoint,Sim,SimPro, Simdel,Simdell,Slash and Burn,Social Housing ICT,Social Housing Software Applications,Social Media,Software,Software solutions,Spotlight Service,Spotlightservice,Star rating,Stores and Stock,Strategic,SunAccounts,Sunguard,Surveys, Swordfish,Sx3,Symatrix Human,System alignment,Systems,Systemwise, T-Files,TEAMS,TED,TFiles,TP Tracker,TSG,Tagish Casework,Tagra,Task,Technologies (India) PVT Limited,Telecetera,Template,Terminal Services,That,Three Star,Today,Tony Smith,Tony Smith That Housing IT Guy,TonySmith that housing IT,TonySmithHou,TonySmithHousing, ,TonySmithHousingITguy,Total,Total Mobile,Totalmobile,Trace,Tribal,Twitter, U2,UC,UK,UK Housing,Ukhousing,UniClass Enterprise,Unidata,United Kingdom,Universal,Universalcredit,Universe,Unrest, Valueworks,Van Stock,Vantage,Vantage Sentinel,Version,Virtualisation,Visualmetrics,Voice,Voice and data,Voluntas, Wales,Welsh,Wheatley,Windows Server,Workflow and,Work Hub,Works Connect, XML,Xen App,XenApp,Xmbrace, ...
. . . . . . . . . . .

Down To Earth

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



I was chatting to a new-ish client last week about ‘Command and Control’

Many of my readers will be very familiar with it, others may be interested to know its recognised as a US Army thing. According to older versions of U.S. Army manual FM 3-0, C2 in a military organization is the exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commanding officer over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of the mission.

In short, it’s a technique utilised when something needs to absolutely get done.
My conversation revolved around if ‘Command and Control’ was used enough.

My personal opinion is that in many situations, particularly where new systems are being implemented, some C&C may definitely be needed. Examples abound that I am sure readers of this blog will find strangely familiar.

How often has a new application, innovation or process, been implemented and only a small number of applicable staff, seem to utilise it? Good examples are CRM systems. Of course, the customer service team utilise that, but what about the rest of the organisation key teams? How often have you noticed that Asset Management, Repairs, or that remote office in Pontefract, just never bother to use it?

Joining the dots, tracing back, its often managers that fail to see the importance or consequences of not using something like CRM, that actually benefits staff, all around the organisation. How often do managers tell staff ‘Oh don’t bother with that’, reinforcing a ‘can’t be arsed’, point of view?

When putting in new systems, such as CRM or Tasking Trays & Workflow, it is essential to communicate to all staff & teams, why these systems are being put in and why they benefit the whole organisation. Comms must play a big part.

In addition, these new systems should be monitored and feedback produced for managers, to pass down to their own staff. Good exception reporting can encourage early adoption, saving potentially tortuous issues later. Find ways to monitor compliance and automate where possible. This will ensure that new systems are in use by all and the benefits are realised by all.

Related Post: Be careful that your self-service, does not have extra unintended consequences  

Catch the blog monthly archive at https://soundcloud.com/housingitguy/

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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.

Curiosity Killed The Cat – Down To Earth.
(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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Movin'

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


We are in the January transfer window I guess.

As well as Chelsea's Oscar, going for a Chinese takeaway and Man City welcoming Jesus (hoping for some sort of resurrection in form, late season), SocialHousing ICT suppliers have been at it too. Have you noticed?

Yesterday (16th Jan 2017) it was quietly announced by Castleton PLC, suppliers of Documotive, Kypera, Impact and managed services via the old Montal, there was to be the departure of Davinder Sanghera.

Dav is well known as ex-Bromford, years at IBS and Documotive, and looks to be stepping back after the appointment of Dean Dickinson as CEO in October last year.

Most clients I work with, have at least one Castleton application or service in use, whether that’s Brixx, Documotive, or Kypera. Many with several applications, are clearly looking to see enhanced integration and unifying of a lot of the product set. It will be interesting to see how this has evolved at the forthcoming Housing Technology Conference & Exhibition, early in March. I am booked in and it would be great to hear experiences over a coffee or fizzy water.

Elsewhere, two players from Northgate and Capita effectively swapped no 9 shirts, in the guise of Anthony Singleton and Roger Birkinshaw. It will be interesting how that influence changes in sales approach, customer service and delivery, at those organisations.

Trouble-at-t-mill too up north, as another couple of HMS players seem to be losing staff like pound coins down a sofa, and a Software Development Manager, respectively.

Maybe 2017 will be a year when some of these changes will be seen to improve service to customers and the users of these large systems.

It would be no bad thing if suppliers led with forward thinking, rich, stable products, implemented by knowledgeable skilled implementers, keeping to the original promises & prices declared by honest sales staff. Maybe we would feel slightly better at paying up to a £grand a day for it then.

View that Castleton PLC LSE notification here.

As ever, if I can help with digital transformation, EDRMS, Housing, Finance, Mobile, Channel Shift, Scheduling, Contractor or problems with your systems, please be in touch!

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

Related Post: Get a project plan and stick to it 

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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.

Brass Construction - Movin' .
(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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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, "Social Housing IT",Social Housing ICT, 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 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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 ..

Journey Man

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

From cradle to grave (or womb to tomb as some say) is one of those journeys we all travel on. its uncharted for the individual and in that case no one gets out alive. For most implementations, all participants get out alive, although maybe with a few more grey hairs!

For many, a major procurement & implementation will be the only one they will ever be involved in.  This could be a whole new Housing Management System or a crucial component, such as enterprise wide mobile working.  As PRINCE2 rightly tells us, projects are different and require very different skills to the BAU (or Business As usual). Procurement and the whole process is anything but BAU and as I always tell my clients, is a journey.

To get to your destination in one piece, it's essential to have enough detail to be in the right place at the right time, and land with everything you set out with. Journeys often work better, if your party is the same size at the start as when you get to the end.

To that aim I always like to see some people in a project if possible, running through it right from initial inception.

By that I mean the people involved in helping to build the PQQ or ITT, for me I would like to see helping build demo scenarios and scoring bidders. I have encountered some clients who think that the hard work is over once a preferred bidder is selected and the contract done & dusted. Well, many regular readers I know, will understand the reality, that its actually then, that the hard work starts.

Suppliers rarely take control and do it all  making it happen, unless you pay a hefty sum for it be that way. Then you still need to on top of them, to ensure you receive what is needed, hopefully that is what was contracted. I won't go into that last point here, it's probably worth its own dedicated blogpost. Needless to say, suppliers can be suppliers, whether they are building you a granny flat or a new system to revolutionise your organisation.

Getting back to the journey however,  having some of those original individuals involved in the procurement for the wider project, is invaluable. They understand why the procurement took place and the interactions with the final suppliers. On this last point, sometimes in greater depth than the handover staff. See http://tonysmiththathousingitguy.blogspot.com/2014/10/touched-by-handover-of-god.html

Many organisations I have worked with, end up with these seconded business people involved with the support of the new products implemented. Often within the IT team. I know some really good lettings and repairs staff who are now Housing Management System experts or trainers on their adopted systems. Change is a constant in all implementations, sometimes it enriches staff as well as revolutionises process and systems.

Related Post: In your last procurement, were you fooled?

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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.


Jethro Tull - Journey Man.
(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 , ," """" ",,#UKHousing,#HousingDAY, #HomesForBritain, #Shout,1st Touch,3squared,Accuserv,Acutence,Aareon,Academy,ActiveH,Alignment,ALMO,Anite,Apex,ArchHouse,Archouse,asbestos,Asprey e-state pro,Asset Management,Aurora,Average IT Costs,App,Associates,ACL,Abritas,AMS,AX,aspireview, 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, 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, HouSys,Housing software,HG,Housemark survey,Housing Blueprint,Housemark, HRA, Housing Options, Housing Group,hotpixuk, HousingIT,hotpix,Hardware,Hitex,Housing Contact Company, Impact Response,implementations,In House,In4,InMotion, InMotion2014, InMotion2015, InMotion2016 , Exhibition, conference, Infoflow,Information Technology,Informix,inHouse,in-house workforce, Innovation,Inside Housing,Internet Portal,Internetalia, Invu,Ireland,Irish,Inphase , IT Budget,IT Training,iWorld, Innovation Group Apex,ITIL, In4Systems Promaster,IT,Insight, Keylogic,Keystone,Kirona,Kypera,Keyfax, Ledgers,Linkedin,Locality,Liquid Voice, MD ,Mr Void , MrVoid, Measuring Change,Mebus,Miracle,MISCS, mobile functionality,Monopoly board images and pictures, Montal,MS Dynamics,MS Dynamics CRM2011,Miracle Software,Management Reporting,MI,M3,MIS,MIS-AMS,Mobysoft, Northgate Codeman,Neighbourhoods and Communities, Northgate,Notice,NROSH,NINTEX , NINTEX workflow,Nintexworkflow, OA,OGC Buying Solutions,Ohms,OJEU Limits,OmFax,Omniledger,Open source software,open tender,OpenHousing,Opti-Time,Oracle,Orchard,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, Registered Providers,Registered Social Landlord,Rent Increase Freezes,Repairfinder,Reporting,Reports,ROCC , Rocket,RPs,RSL,Reality,ReAct,reidmark,RM865, Saffron,SAP,Scots, Scottish,Scenario, Scotland,SDM,sector,TonySmithHou,Server Virtualisation,servicing, Servitor,Sharepoint,Simdel,Simdell,SimPro,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, 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, tonysmiththathousingg, tonysmiththathousinguy, sharepoint, share point 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,Version One,Visualmetrics,Voluntas, Wales,Welsh,Windows Server,Workflow and tasking,Wheatley,worksConnect, Xmbrace,XML ,XenApp,Xen App .

Clever Trevor

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

ICT types can in general follow that trait, that they are 'attracted to the shiny'. Although pretty techie really, I try hard to play that down and work with my clients to tackle their problems first, and then choose to use the tech later. I like the shiny, but tend to come back down to earth pretty soon.

I remember back in my former life dealing with housing management system developers. In some ways it was like managing a large housing group ICT team and several different types of qualities were essential. You need steady staff and some that really can think out of the box. I have also worked with people I would term visionaries. These are great ideas people, but can be very poor planners or finishers.

The struggle with what technology, components, development or other tools to use, is a continuous one. With operating systems, supported tools and environments changing faster than ever, it's tricky to keep on a path of righteousness in keeping our applications relevant to the processes we wish to support.

I was reminded of this a few weeks ago, when sitting through a system supplier demonstrating their contractor portal. You know the concept I am sure. A webpage that smaller, local responsive repair contractors could use to receive works orders, vary and complete them in a simple environment. Everyone should really have such a thing, if the volume supports it.

My client, who I won't name (, nor the supplier 8-) really needs to purchase and implement a contractor portal. The horses were led to water and the demo started. The portal demonstrated was indeed sexy, it was obviously not pure HTML and the sales staff were open in admitting that some components needed to be initially downloaded, for it to function.

An innocent question was asked. "Could our contractors, if they had mobile coverage, use a Smartphone to access works orders and vary/complete them on that. It might be a great benefit that might help us sell that to them. The components needed to be downloaded were Silverlight ones. You can perhaps guess what was asked next.

"Your Silverlight components, which Smartphones and browsers will work with those?". As we clocked through iPads, WinPhone8, Androids, WinPhone6.5 etc, it had to be admitted that we had limited options, even at present with Microsoft/Nokia mobile offerings.

A hush went over the room. A possible spin off benefit, was turning into a reason why this was not the portal for us. Oh dear! Had anyone considered retaining an older, more simple portal, or making it intelligent enough to detect a lack of Silverlight and operate in a more narrowband type manner? Well sadly not. The Silverlining is that my client will be going ahead with the portal regardless (yay - thank goodness).

So, the moral here for me is to keep some of those Clever Trevor's under control. They can be enormously useful, but question all the outcomes and try to think out of the box. Although something could be designed for one purpose, it may be used for a very different one, out in the field!

Related Post: Do you like the best of both worlds when you think KPIs?

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You can link with me on LinkedIn here - http://uk.linkedin.com/in/tonysmiththathousingitguy It would be great to connect !

Ian Dury Blockheads - Clever Trevor.
(c) Tony Smith, Acutance Consulting www.acutanceconsulting.co.uk 07854-655009

PS As usual, if there are subjects you might like me to tackle on this blog, or you could benefit from any of our services please get in touch and let me know!

You can access a quick list of 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 or issue.
File Under: 360,1stTouch,4Js. , 07854655009 , ," """" ",,#UKHousing,1st Touch,3squared, Acutence,Aareon,Academy,ActiveH,Alignment,ALMO,Anite,Apex,ArchHouse,Archouse,asbestos,Asprey e-state pro,Asset Management,Aurora,Average IT Costs,App,Associates,ACL,Abritas,AMS,AX,aspireview, BO,BPR,Browser Applications,Business Objects,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, 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,Consilium,Consolidation,Consultancy,Consultant,Contact Manager,Context,CIH,Chartered Institute Of Housing,Cadcorp,Cerrus Saturn,convergeOne,CACI,CPL Director, Deeplake,Development Systems,Document Management,Documotive,datasystems , Microsoft dynamics GP 2013 ECMK,EDRMS,England, English,EnterpriseBI,ERP Systems,ERP,Elmhurst,Estatecraft,EDM,ESRI,Exponential-e, Finance,Financial Systems,Financials, Factorwise,Facebook ,Fusion, Getting best from,gotonysmith, Grasp,Grip,GeoSolveIT,GIS,GGP, HouSys,Housing software,HG,Housemark survey,Housing Blueprint,Housing Group,hotpixuk, HousingIT,hotpix,Hardware,Hitex,Housing Contact Company, Impact Response,implementations,In House,In4,InMotion, InMotion2014, InMotion2015, InMotion2016 , Exhibition, conference, Infoflow,Information Technology,Informix,inHouse,in-house workforce, Innovation,Inside Housing,Internet Portal,Invu,Ireland,Irish,IT Budget,IT Training,iWorld, Innovation Group Apex,ITIL, In4Systems Promaster,IT,Insight, Keylogic,Keystone,Kirona,Kypera,Keyfax, Ledgers,Linkedin,Locality,Liquid Voice, MD ,Mr Void , MrVoid, Measuring Change,Mebus,Miracle,MISCS, mobile functionality,Monopoly board images and pictures, Montal,MS Dynamics,MS Dynamics CRM2011,Miracle Software,Management Reporting,MI,M3,MIS,MIS-AMS,Mobysoft,Housing Management Consultant,Housing Management Consultants, Northgate Codeman,Neighbourhoods and Communities, Northgate,Notice,NROSH,NINTEX , NINTEX workflow,Nintexworkflow, OA,OGC Buying Solutions,Ohms,OJEU Limits,OmFax,Omniledger,Open source software,open tender,OpenHousing,Opti-Time,Oracle,Orchard,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, QL,QLX,Quiss,Qlikview, Registered Providers,Registered Social Landlord,Rent Increase Freezes,Repairfinder,Reporting,Reports,ROCC , Rocket,RPs,RSL,Reality,ReAct,reidmark,RM865, Saffron,SAP,Scots, Scottish,Scotland,SDM,sector,Server Virtualisation,servicing, Servitor,Sharepoint,Simdel,Simdell,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, Systemwise,SM,Sequoa,Serros,SP,Scout,score,Swordfish,Serengeti,SOTI,southview,Sunguard,Service Charges,Spotlight Service, Spotlightservice, Template,Task,Terminal Services, tonys , tonysm , tonysmi , tonysmith, tonysmitht, gotonysmith, tonysmithth, tonysmiththa, tonysmiththat, tonysmiththath, tonysmiththatho, tonysmiththathou, tonysmiththathous, tonysmiththathousi, tonysmiththathousin, tonysmiththathousing, tonysmiththathousingg, tonysmiththathousinguy, sharepoint, share point Three Star,Today,Total repairs,Tribal,Twitter,U2, tonysmith , tonysmiththat , thathousing , thathousingIT , thathousingITguy ,TED,Tagish Casework,TP Tracker,Telecetera,Tagra,Trace, 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,Version One,Visualmetrics,Voluntas, Wales,Welsh,Windows Server,Workflow and tasking,Wheatley, Xmbrace,XML ,XenApp,Xen App .

I Thank You

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

This week I was reminded of the value of 'a thank you'.

Sometimes we get hung up on the value of money as a motivator, although in truth, it's a pretty short term measure.

Across the pond they have a bank holiday for it called 'Thanksgiving'. Here, I remember when I was MD at my old shop. I used to have a reminder every Tuesday, that just said "Who should be thanked for being a star last week?".

Sometimes it was a customer, for hosting a prospect visit. Maybe my colleague winning business. Occasionally someone staying a bit later to bottom out a helpdesk call to make someone happy, or agreeing to fly to the Shetland isles with me to stay in a Thai style B&B and demo to a council.

According to recent research by Forbes, 83% of the organisations they studied suffered from a deficit in recognition. Companies that scored in the top 20 percent for building a "recognition-rich culture" actually had 31 percent lower voluntary turnover. Creating a "culture of recognition" is one of the keys to success.

In my experience, this is not something you save for the annual PDR. Give recognition in the moment. Believe me, your colleagues or staff will want to replicate that moment and excel.

It's got to be personal. Once I said thank you with a tub of reduced fat humous, and they were impressed as I knew they were 1) On a diet and 2) Vegetarian brethren.

It's got to be specific. Generic comments, like "Thanks, great job!", have little impact. Articulate what the individual did and why it was important. Share how their efforts helped you, the team, the customer, or the company. Relate how it was tied into the company's values or goals.

Make it frequent and don't skimp on the pizza. Maybe because I always have my 12" buffet plate in the boot of my car, this was never a problem for me. If you got folks working late, at the weekend or on bank holidays on something special, order that Dominos online. Believe me. they will remember you as a caring hero and they will do that again for you.

Oh and yes, as a last thing it works on me too. I enjoy being thanked and getting recognition too. Well, just like you, I am only mortal you know....

Read on to: Testing. Do you really need to waste lots of time on it

You can link with me on LinkedIn here - uk.linkedin.com/pub/tony-smith-bsc-hons-acih/a/979/351/ It would be great to connect !

ZZ Top - I Thank You.


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

PS As usual, if there are subjects you might like me to tackle on this blog, please get in touch and let me know!

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