Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

An Avanquest SMS Solution at Signpost Housing Association - A Sign of the Times

Signpost Housing Association is using an Avanquest Enterprise Text Solution to optimize communications with field based support staff and improve customer service.
Signpost is a Housing Association based in Blandford Forum, Dorset. It is part of the Spectrum Housing Group.

A large part of a Housing Association’s responsibility is the day-to-day maintenance and upkeep of properties. A mobile team of 250 specialist trade people are employed and managed by Signpost Services.

The joint repairs team need to track and communicate with maintenance teams on a daily basis – to obtain information on job updates and advise on issues such as MOTs due. These teams do not have access to computers, but all are issued with a mobile phone. Making calls to mobile phones is expensive, so texting was an obvious alternative.

Because of its popularity with users, texting is easily accepted. It is also simple and cost effective. Sending texts on an individual one-off basis was time consuming and provided no record of transactions. Plus, voice mail ‘in’ boxes easily filled up, so messages were often not able to be left. An SMS solution which enables the office based services team to send texts from their desktops to field based teams within seconds solved the problem.

Text Message Server is fully-featured 2-way communications software developed by Avanquest Solutions. Text messages can be created, sent and received from within any e-mail client and third party software such as CRM, ERP and Web, with enterprise reports and developers tool kits.

The software is easy to install, integrating seamlessly with existing systems and operates through a very clear interface. The scalability means that Signpost can create new services as and when required to enhance their investment.

Charlotte Notley, Opti-Time Planner at Signpost says, “Using Text Message Server allows our operatives to efficiently report start and completion times on all jobs that coincide with our tracking system. This is a great and simple way of keeping in touch.”

Text messaging means that Signpost has been able to reduce operating costs by removing a lot of the consumables associated with communication - such as paper and postage and reducing their call costs to mobile phones.

Texting will continue to grow within Signpost. The Association is looking to implement texting in customer services. Residents will be able to text Signpost with queries or requests and notification of scheduled repairs and information updates will be delivered directly to their mobile phones.

Further information about Text Message Server can be found at http://www.textmessageserver.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

Avanquest and Signpost are both available for interview. Images available on request.

About Avanquest Software

Avanquest Software is a global developer and leading publisher of best-selling personal and professional software designed for utilities, office productivity, communications and mobility worldwide. Avanquest Software products are marketed in over 100 countries, through ecommerce, OEM partnerships and IT resellers. Founded in 1984 as BVRP Software and listed since December 1996 on Euronext (ISIN FR0004026714), Avanquest Software forms part of the Eurolist, NextEconomy segment and SBF 250 index.

Additional information on Avanquest Software is available at www.avanquest.co.uk

Contacts:

Press Information:

Alison Hall
Email: ahall@avanquest.co.uk
Tel: 01752 241464
Mobile: 07500 012122

Sales:

Email: sales@avanquest.co.uk
Tel: 01962 835053