New Application Case Study
Background
Danford, Brewer and Ives (DBI) offer a range of building services including damp proofing, timber treatments and basement conversions to customers in Yorkshire, Teesside, and the North East.
The Problem
We identified that our internal processes were lengthy and relied too much on traditional paper processes. Also, departments were working relatively separately which slowed down job completion and affected staff morale.
We were looking for an app-based solution that could streamline traditional paper-based processes and improve interdepartmental working.
The Solution
DBI worked closely with Genesis so they could understand our business and the issues we were experiencing. They studied each department, the tasks they completed and how each department
formed part of the complete job process from initial enquiry through to completion.
They looked for ways to simplify each part of the process, where possible and ensure that all information could be stored securely online, but also be accessible without a mobile signal.
Genesis ensured the solution would be straightforward to use, to maximise its usage. The Genesis development team built a back-office system which utilises Microsoft.net and is hosted on Microsoft Azure’s cloud platform. There is also an app designed to be used on a mobile device when our staff is on-site.
“We have been running the app for over a year now and the efficiency savings are clear. Some of the best points for us are the co-ordinating of what were separate procedures, the survey section of the app makes us more consistent and ensures that important information is passed on at each stage. Improved efficiencies meant that a member of office staff who left did not need replacing. So far we have made annual savings in excess of £15k. ”
David Ingham. Managing Director
How The Damp Survey App Works
Time Savings
- Back Office: 4.5 hours per week/ 18 hours per month
- Surveyor: 2 hours per week/ 8 hours per month
- Supervisor: 1 hour per week/ 20 hours per month
- Operatives: 2 hours per week each. Example: 5 operatives save 10 hours per week or 40 hours per month. That’s an extra “man week”
Benefits
- Significant reduction in paperwork – all tasks are completed electronically
- Improved efficiencies- employees complete each section of the job and it moves through the stages until completion
- Increased customer satisfaction- customers receive quotes faster and if they call for an update staff can tell them what stage the job is it because they can access all the job details
- Built-in templates- the app automatically pulls through key information to prevent the need for retyping
- Job transparency – anyone can look up the status of a job, who is working on it etc.
- Improved scheduling- jobs can be assigned for specific days and times which improves
- planning and resource allocation
- Always up to date – each time someone logs in they download the latest data
- Associated documents saved within the system -time sheets, risk assessments, photos etc. can be completed and saved within the job
- This app significantly improved our internal and external damp survey process.