As the estates management needs of Trusts change and develop, the role of the helpdesk and management system within estates departments grows ever more vital. And a single system capable of covering multiple services (for example portering, gardening and catering) in addition to estates defect works and planned maintenance is often desirable. According to Bob Harse, development director at system supplier Gramms, using the latest technology can help the modern estates department maximise productivity.
Estates management streamlined
“A traditional telephone-based helpdesk is still essential in most cases, but enhancing this with web-based technology, the integration of notebooks and handheld devices, and a multi-discipline helpdesk can provide great benefits,” said Bob Harse. “You can enable job logging and tracking from wards or remote sites, allocate works to staff or contractors based remotely, update your system from handheld computers, and minimise feedback work for the helpdesk. Add in the ability to cover all types of jobs from building, electrical, through to domestic, gardening, portering and more and it is possible to gain real, cost-effective working benefits.”