HOUSING
SOCIAL HOUSING: IT’S TIME TO SUPERCHARGE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Matt Barnes, Head of Health and Housing at Maintel, talks to PSBJ about the common challenges to innovation that Maintel sees in the social housing sector, and how these can be addressed. technologies E merging are increasingly critical to how housing associations communicate with residents, whilst simultaneously driving business efficiencies. With an ageing population and a wide demographic, how do you deliver
a communication platform that suits all? How do you collate the information to enable you to better serve Harry, for example, who is 70, vulnerable and not digitally enabled? 2020 pushed millions of us into the working-from-home
environment. Organisations had to change operating models, communication platforms had to become increasingly more agile and flexible, and infrastructure more secure whilst still delivering business continuity and excellent customer service.
Collaboration tools have been key for internal and external communication, but are you looking to take these forward and does your infrastructure have the bandwidth to support them? According to Gartner research, 47% of leaders intend to embrace flexible working going forward; therefore, there needs to be long-term solutions in place. Many housing associations are on a digital transformation journey, successfully driving agile working technologies and delivering remarkable customer experience. However, I have highlighted below the common challenges to innovation that we, at Maintel, see in the social housing sector and how these can be addressed.
Data-driven revolution Housing associations are sat on a goldmine of data, which can potentially drive business efficiencies and customer experience. Amazon and Netflix are using consumer data to drive efficiencies, revenues and customer satisfaction, but how can social housing get the same results? You have a wealth of data at your fingertips. From simple information on tenants and their preferences, to the buildings themselves.
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