Partner Article

Local housing association provides IT advice

Cestria Community Housing is becoming increasingly recognised as a leader in integrated information technology, after investing in number of new IT systems.

Businesses from across the country are turning to Chester-le-Street based Cestria as they offer advice on how new technology can improve efficiency.

They are finding out how technology company Northgate’s automated workflow system, ‘Task Manager’ has helped improve customer service, with the most recent visit from housing association South Essex Homes.

SEH staff were impressed by Cestria’s website, especially the self-service ‘Rents Online’ system, which allows tenants to access their account through the internet and for performance data to be shared
across the organisation.

IT Project Coordinator at SEH David Whalley said: “We recently visited Cestria and were impressed with the way their IT systems have improved efficiency and customer service.

The systems have reduced errors and paperwork, freed up management time and helped to reduce the time rent arrears are processed by 63%.

Gail Pattison, Cestria Community Housing’s Support Services Manager, said: “The implementation of the Northgate modules represent a significant contribution to our IT strategy.

Other organisations which have visited Cestria include Durham County Council and Bracknell Forrest Council in London.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .