Client Overview
Clarion Housing is the UK’s largest housing association, managing over 125,000 properties across the country. In an effort to lead the sector in innovation, Clarion sought to automate work allocation, payments, and bookings for field operatives and subcontractors. To achieve this vision, they partnered with Blackwater Tech to streamline operations through digital transformation.
Business Challenges
Clarion faced several key hurdles that required innovative solutions:
🔹 Leading Innovation in Housing
As a market leader, Clarion needed to maintain its edge through cutting-edge field service technology, particularly in how it managed subcontractors and service delivery.
🔹 Automation for Efficiency
Reducing administrative overhead was crucial. Automating task allocation and payment processes would improve efficiency and service speed.
🔹 Scaling Across 125,000+ Properties
With such a large property portfolio, Clarion needed a solution that was scalable, reliable, and real-time, especially for repairs and maintenance coordination.
Blackwater Tech’s End-to-End Solution
To address these challenges, Blackwater Tech implemented a tailored digital transformation using Microsoft Dynamics 365 and advanced mobile tools. This solution focused on optimizing operations across several key areas:
📱 Field Operative Mobile Technology
A mobile-first platform enabled real-time conversion of repair requests into bookings and work orders. As a result, delays were reduced and manual tasks were eliminated.
🔗 Unified Dynamics 365 Integration
Blackwater Tech built a centralized data ecosystem that integrated various departments and applications. This provided a single source of truth, which helped teams work more effectively together.
🤖 Subcontractor Automation
The solution automated the allocation of subcontractor work and payments, reducing friction and strengthening partner relationships. It also boosted trust and transparency by ensuring payments were timely and traceable.
Key Features Implemented
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Advice & Customer Support System
A robust platform to handle inquiries and support tickets, improving response times. -
Field Service Management Tools
Real-time task scheduling and job tracking enhanced field efficiency and delivery. -
Subcontractor Portal
A dedicated platform where subcontractors could view, manage, and invoice work orders with ease. -
Resource Scheduling Optimization
Intelligent scheduling matched the right operatives to the right tasks, reducing idle time and improving service delivery.
Results & Benefits
✅ Streamlined Operations
Clarion significantly reduced manual tasks by automating job allocation and payment processes, leading to lower administrative costs and faster workflows.
😊 Improved Customer Satisfaction
Thanks to real-time job scheduling and faster response times, service quality improved, resulting in higher customer satisfaction across the board.
🤝 Stronger Subcontractor Relationships
The self-service subcontractor portal simplified coordination and ensured transparent, on-time payments, strengthening long-term partnerships.
📈 Optimized Field Resource Use
Smart scheduling and real-time tools ensured that field operatives were deployed efficiently, reducing downtime and improving productivity.
Conclusion: A New Standard in Housing Operations
Through its partnership with Blackwater Tech, Clarion Housing achieved a comprehensive digital transformation. By using Microsoft Dynamics 365, mobile-first technology, and intelligent automation, Clarion not only improved field service operations but also set a new standard in the housing sector for efficiency, innovation, and service excellence.
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Partner with Blackwater Tech to automate and optimize your operations at scale.
📩 Contact us today to explore tailored digital solutions that align with your business goals.