Charitable housing association BCHA has selected software provider Propeller to help overhaul the management of repairs and maintenance services across 1,300 properties. The partnership forms part of a unique collaboration, which has seen Propeller join forces with two other software providers to digitally transform BCHA’s outdated systems.
To improve efficiency, Propeller has implemented a cloud-based workforce management system, including workstreams for repairs and maintenance activities as well as compliance tasks such as gas end electrical servicing programmes.
Delivered within six months, the software has been integrated with technology developed by More IQ, providing intelligent scheduling which allocates work by priority, availability, location and skill sets. Algorithms also analyse data to optimise contractors’ resources and productivity.
Completing the collaboration is Rubixx, which has deployed its cloud-based housing management software.
All three companies are true Software as a Service (SaaS) providers. This means BCHA will not only benefit from software in the cloud, but shared infrastructure which drives down costs, improves the user experience and offers more scalability.
“Our partnership with Propeller, More IQ and Rubixx is a fundamental element in our digital transformation strategy,” said Sam Bedford, Interim Director of Transformation at BCHA. “We wanted to migrate from our legacy platforms to an entire suite of cloud-based products which could transform the way we work across several areas. Not only does this ensure we’re strongly positioned for the future but enhances our services for residents.
“We’re already seeing positive results from the implementation of the Propeller and More IQ solution. Our engineers’ performance and job scheduling can be managed more quickly and efficiently, and all from the same online system.”
Dave Carr, Managing Director of Propeller, added: “For many housing providers, the prospect of overhauling IT systems within a year is mission impossible, but BCHA has proved it can be done.
“By breaking down silos and collaborating with likeminded partners, we’ve been able to implement a very agile and cost-effective solution, integrating complementary software specifically aligned to BCHA’s needs. This has eliminated the need for several different products which takes much longer to deploy and manage.
“In just a matter of months, BCHA is benefiting from the expertise of three true SaaS providers, which are working together to maximise efficiency and ensure the housing association meets its business growth aspirations.”
Simon Reay, Managing Director of Rubixx added: “The incredible integration developed with Propeller and MoreIQ at BCHA is a blueprint as to how systems should integrate in the modern age. BCHA had best-of-breed integrated systems at the heart of their plan from the initial procurement exercise requiring specific, modern secure methods and approaches from all suppliers.
“We are immensely proud of the results at BCHA which rival some of the UK’s largest housing associations terms of functionality and user experience. This demonstrates that great integration is not exclusive to large-scale landlord projects but is possible for all landlords with the right approach.”
Nick Shipton, CEO of More IQ, commented: “Alongside the great integration, the adoption of true cloud technology is an enabler for smaller organisations such as BCHA to introduce ‘best of breed’ technology that has in the past, only been available to larger organisations due to the cost of ownership.
“Dynamic scheduling is something that can benefit all sizes of organisation and this project shows this is achievable and affordable.”
