In a poll commissioned by IBS OPENSystems, 82% of housing departments and associations stated that mobile working is a priority for them in the second year of Gershon, yet only 38% have a mobile working strategy in place.
Integration with other IT applications is the main bug bear faced by housing departments in developing a mobile working strategy. Perceived benefits include the provision of flexible and innovative ways of working for housing staff (33%) and the delivery of higher standard service (36%).
The survey also found that repairs and job processing function was viewed as the greatest priority when considering the deployment of a mobile working strategy (70%).
Martyn Rees, Head of Housing, IBS OPENSystems said: "Housing associations face immense challenges. These range from being able to generate tangible savings in the second year of Gershon, improving ways of working for staff, and enhancing service for citizens. Housing associations are coming around to the idea that mobile working strategies can deliver innovative, yet practical, ways of solving these challenges."
Three housing associations launched a website to market HomeBuy, the Government funded programme of low cost affordable home ownership. HomeBuy is provided by Moat, Thames Valley Housing Association and Catalyst Housing Group. The website address is www.homebuy.co.uk.
Construction Excellence announced its new membership scheme to improve IT and new technology use in the construction supply chain. The IT construction forum will use membership fees to develop new services and products targeting specific needs of members.
