Mobile Data in Housing Repairs Workshop
Introducing mobile working within housing repairs can clearly drive significant business and service improvement, but whilst a number of organisations have started projects over recent years, few have realised anything like the full potential of this technology. Through our work helping local authorities, housing associations and private contractors deliver an appointed housing repairs service, we have gained an in-depth understanding of the issues involved in the selection, implementation and use of mobile solutions, both technological and more importantly people related. This one day workshop has been developed to give practical advice and guidance on all aspects of the process and to facilitate you in establishing the framework for a successful mobile data project within your organisation.

The workshop addresses three main areas;

  • Technology
  • People / change management
  • Business process design

Technology

Selecting the right solution;

- Overview of key components in a mobile data solution
- Corporate drivers; risk, cost, scalability, flexibility, reliability, security …
- Own v's managed network
- Suggested shortlist; pros and cons of each

Implementing;

- Integration issues
- Testing strategies; technology, application and stress testing
- Contingency plans

Change Management

Introducing mobile technology is as much about cultural change as it is about technology. This session summarises the key issues and provides practical suggestions on how to manage this process. Specific focus areas include;

- Main opportunities and threats
- Suggested processes to achieve 'buy-in' from each group
- Summary of change management techniques relevant to mobile working

Business Process Design

The dynamic and uncertain nature of housing repairs does not easily lend itself to mobile working, particularly where associated with a move to centralised planning in support of an appointed service. This interactive session guides discussion on specific process design considerations around the following areas;

- Basic process (accepted, started, completed)
- How many jobs should be given to an operative at a time ?
- Completion process
- Timesheets - time recording, overtime, travel time, unavailable time
- Tenant verification
- Materials, recording and requesting
- Emergencies
- Multi stage jobs
- Paired jobs
- Specific process design considerations

Workshop Details

Benefits

" Clarify major issues involved in selecting and implementing a mobile solution
" Create consensus in the decision making process
" Lay foundations for a successful mobile implementation

Audience

Assistant Director responsible for housing repairs
Housing repairs manager
IT Director or direct report
Other repairs management
Other IT representatives
Union representatives

Maximum 10 participants