With the recent changes to how local authorities on Isle of Man must report
to the Department of Local Government and Environment (DOLGE) a clear need for a
comprehensive software solution was spotted by Braddan Parish Commissioners.
The system needs to meet the following key objectives:
- Waiting list support against standardised DOLGE Pointing criteria
- Meet the DOLGE Annual and Quarterly Reporting requirements
- Everything together in one place
- Ease of use - system needs to assist users in keeping on top of tasks,
jobs etc
- Flexible integrated reporting
- Integrated auditing for all major actions - detailing the who, what and
when
- Job allocation, tracking, tenant satisfaction etc.
- Ability to track Contractor performance
- Security - must allow for different user roles / groups, allowing access
to parts of the system only to authorised users
The system in addition to the main features above should allow users to make
notes, maintain standing data, add optional pictures (for jobs, tenants, waiting
list applicants, properties) and provide warnings to contractors about
properties (location of bulk storage tanks, over head power etc).
The system is based on a SQL Server 2005 database and built as a multiple
document interface (MDI) application using Visual Basic .Net. All screens
have been built with a keen eye for ease of use with a consistent Office 2007 /
Vista look and feel implemented throughout.
The system is split into five main areas which link together seamlessly to
provide the solution. The areas are:
Waiting Lists & Applicants
- Supports multiple lists
- Applicants recorded and allocated Points (using the DOLGE issued
criteria)
- Automatic list position / list calculation
- Integrate reports - Waiting list & Applicant detail
- Offers processes - automatic transfer of Applicant to Tenant
- Recording of Appointments
- Notes facility
- Audit
- Picture / Image Support
Tenant Management
- Records tenant against property
- Full tenant history
- Records tenant actions (ASBO's, ABC's Rent, Arrears etc)
- Tenant reports
- Recording of Appointments
- Notes facility
- Audit
- Picture / Image Support
Property Management
- Records base Property details (address, area, property type etc)
- Links to tenant
- Integrated Job History
- Recording of Appointments
- Contractors warnings
- Property reports
- Notes facility
- Audit
- Picture / Image Support
Job Management
- Job allocation / tracking (dates and prices)
- Provision for Health & Safety Assessments
- Contractor Assignment (allows for direct assignment or quotes / tenders)
- Follow up / Tenant Satisfaction recording
- Integrated Job Sheets
- Recording of Appointments
- Notes facility
- Audit
- Picture / Image Support
- Contractor warnings
Contractor Management
- Record base contractor information
- Job History
- Contractor Performance Metrics
- Notes facility
- Audit
In addition to the above features we have also created a System Summary page
that pulls together all key information in one place. This page which
automatically refreshes provides the user with everything they need to keep on
top of all the system activity to ensure job are completed on time and problems
are spotted quickly before they escalate.
