Hamways, the property management division of the William Pears Group, sought a solution to streamline the management of property repairs, enhance communication with tenants and contractors, and improve overall efficiency. HeadChannel developed Oprias, a web-based property maintenance portal designed to simplify the process of managing repairs, tracking job statuses, and automating day-to-day operations.
The Challenge
Hamways recognised the need for a more efficient system to handle property repairs and maintenance across their extensive portfolio. Their existing process involved a combination of emails, phone calls, and manual tracking, which led to communication gaps, delays, and missed opportunities for improving their services. They needed:
Improved Communication: A centralised platform to reduce the reliance on emails and phone calls for managing repairs.
Automation: A way to automate daily tasks like repair requests and updates to save time.
Full Visibility: Real-time tracking of repairs for tenants, contractors, and property managers.
Better Reporting: Tools to generate comprehensive reports and identify inefficiencies.
Hamways approached HeadChannel to create a custom platform that would address these challenges, making their operations smoother and more transparent.
Why HeadChannel?
Hamways selected HeadChannel for our expertise in building bespoke, scalable digital platforms tailored to specific business needs. Our ability to analyse existing workflows and implement end-to-end solutions ensured we could deliver a product that met Hamways’ goals of efficiency, automation, and improved communication.
Our Approach
- Discovery and Requirement Gathering
We began by conducting workshops with key stakeholders at Hamways to understand their workflow, pain points, and long-term goals. This allowed us to develop a clear product backlog and a roadmap for creating the Oprias system.
- Modular and Scalable Design
We designed a modular system that centralises property management, repair tracking, and communication between all parties—property managers, tenants, and contractors. This ensured that the platform could grow with Hamways’ needs and scale to accommodate more users or features in the future.
- Automation and Real-Time Updates
Our team integrated an automated messaging system that notifies property managers of new repair requests and job updates. We also implemented real-time data synchronisation, ensuring that all stakeholders have up-to-date information whenever they log in.
- Custom Features for Each User Type
We tailored the platform to meet the specific needs of property managers, tenants, and contractors. Features included repair request submissions, communication tools, invoicing, contractor ratings, and an easy-to-use document storage system.
- Qube Integration
To further streamline the process, we integrated Oprias with Qube, allowing users to manage finances and invoices directly within the platform.
Testimonial
“Working with Hamways on the Oprias platform was a fulfilling experience for HeadChannel. We understood that improving communication and automating the repair process was critical for their day-to-day operations. By developing a system that streamlined interactions between property managers, tenants, and contractors, we were able to help Hamways increase their operational efficiency and offer better service to their clients. The success of Oprias demonstrates how digital transformation can truly revolutionise real estate management.”
Kate Witko
Head of Operations, HeadChannel
The Outcome
The Oprias platform delivered significant improvements for Hamways, including:
Increased Efficiency: By automating routine tasks and centralising information, property managers saved time and reduced administrative overhead.
Enhanced Communication: Tenants, contractors, and property managers could communicate through the platform, reducing the need for phone calls and emails.
Real-Time Job Tracking: All stakeholders had full visibility into repair requests and could track progress in real-time.
Improved Customer Satisfaction: Tenants were able to engage directly with the maintenance process, increasing transparency and trust.
Data-Driven Insights: Advanced reporting tools allowed property managers to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement, making the management process more data-driven.
Oprias not only made Hamways’ maintenance management more efficient but also created a more engaging and transparent experience for tenants and contractors, further strengthening the company’s competitive advantage.
About Hamways
Hamways, a division of the William Pears Group, is a leading property management company that focuses on delivering high-quality services for landlords and tenants. Their operations span the UK, and they are dedicated to providing efficient, professional property management with a customer-first approach.
