Property services firm National Property Solutions (NPS)
began to implement an ambitious "zero-client" system last week to
allow its contractors to use any mobile device to access
back-office systems.
The firm estimated that contractors will generate £5m in new
business by using the Impact:Response system, which is designed to
improve response times to customer sales enquiries and speed up the
sales and installation process.
Paul Cresswell, chairman at NPS, said, "Impact:Response will help
us to automate, in real time, what is currently a lengthy,
complicated and often manual process in planning, delivering and
installing new kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems."
The system allows NPS customers and contractors to use personal
digital assistants, laptops or mobile phones to access
business-critical data and monitor the status of projects.
Connection is via GPRS and users are authenticated with a Pin
code.
The system will also be integrated into NPS' call centre software
to automate customer service processes.
NPS predicted that by using Impact:Response, its contractors will
improve emergency response times by 25%; increase efficiency in
field service operations by 15%; optimise their stock and cut waste
by 50%; and reduce administrative overheads by 20%.
NPS has signed a three-year contract with mobile systems provider
Impact Applications to develop Impact:Response. The supplier will
also integrate the system across NPS' IT infrastructure and supply
the necessary hardware and software to NPS' contractor network and
retail clients.
NPS runs a network of 1,300 building services contractors, who
carry out emergency building services and installation work for
NPS' direct insured customers and house builders, housing
associations, financial institutions, utilities and retail clients.