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Berneslai Homes Launch Pilot Scheme - A First of Its Kind In The UK
Berneslai Homes have launched a state of the art pilot scheme, to speed up and enhance their repairs service.
In the last month, Tablet PCs have been issued to staff within the Construction Services team. Currently 16 gas service engineers are using the new technology. This allows each operative to complete timesheets, receive and update jobs, order materials and record any changes immediately. The benefits include: enabling the worker to start work from home, which cuts down on unnecessary travel; reduces paper work; improves general efficiencies; increases turnover times; and provides a better quality data system.
Berneslai Homes is the first public sector company in the
Gas Service Engineer, Martin Brook comments, At first I was apprehensive about using the new technology but after using the Tablet PC for the past three weeks, I am experiencing the benefits first hand. Our overall efficiency has improved which ultimately benefits the customer and provides them with an improved service. Martin continues, Major benefits of the Tablet PC is that it stores detailed customer information which helps us when visiting the customer. If for example a customer has a disability and finds it difficult to answer the door, then we will know in advance and can wait a while longer and give the customer more time to get to the door.
The Tablet PCs are similar to the 70 hand held mobile devices already used by staff since March 2006. However added extras include being able to print off Gas Safety Certificates to customers at their address. Over 150 staff are already trained to use the devices and by early November, all 280 Construction Services operatives will be using either a hand held mobile device or a Tablet PC.
Prior to the mobile technology, the service provided by the Construction Services team was 80% responsive and 20% planned repairs, but with the aid of this technology they aim to be 80% planned and 20% responsive repairs. It is now easier for customers to arrange an appointment at a time which suits them. Gas Service Engineers now offer customer appointments up to 6.30pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 3.30pm on Saturday.
If you would like to know more about the Tablet PC or the hand held mobile device then please contact Russ Lowe Tel: 01226 299 557.
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Press Contact:
Sarah Hopwood
Marketing & Communications Officer
Berneslai Homes
Tel: 01226 772 779
Fax: 01226 772 799
Email: SarahHopwood@barnsley.gov.uk