University of Bradford extends Integrated fm services

05 August 2010

Recent developments within a long-standing relationship between Integrated fm and the University of Bradford include the phased introduction of the fm online Helpdesk Intranet and Mobile fm.

The University has been using Integrated fm’s fm facts software modules for over 10 years, having replaced an in-house developed help desk package for the user-friendly fm facts Helpdesk. Since that time, Asset Management, Resource/Room Booking and Stock Control have also been added.

In introducing intranet functionality to the Helpdesk, the University has begun with one of its halls of residence. "Halls of residence receive most of their calls out of hours, so it made sense to start here," explained the University’s Information and Systems Manager Steve Bradbury. "Providing access to the Helpdesk at any time has proved very useful to hall of residence staff and has enabled us to fine tune the service they receive," he added.

The University has also been running a pilot project with Integrated fm’s Mobile fm service, equipping eight engineers with PDAs linked to the Helpdesk.

"We wanted to reduce our use of paper and other printing consumables, to reduce environmental impact, as well as accelerating the feedback to customers," Steve Bradbury continued. "Previously we had a cumbersome paper trail that led to extended delays in communications and the pilot has proved very successful, enabling us to give customers almost instant feedback on job completion. We now intend to roll out the Mobile fm functionality to all engineers and technicians in the very near future," he enthused.

The sustained relationship between the two organisations has been built on a strong partnering relationship that involves regular liaison to keep the University up to speed with the latest developments and to ensure the software is being used to its full potential.

"Integrated fm has proved to be very responsive and very adaptable in enabling the software to meet our needs. And on the rare occasions we have needed to use the technical support, the response has been very efficient, as well as very pleasant," Steve Bradbury concluded.