Spacewell mobile IWMS supports local government’s new way of working

The Technical Department of the PCSW Sint-Niklaas, which today is part of the Zorgpunt Waasland, changed its way of working a few years ago. Where a series of different trades used to work side by side, the service has now evolved into a well-integrated, cross-functional team. The work philosophy has also changed. Instead of imposing things top-down, there is a more bottom-up approach: employees work according to sliding hours and have a considerable degree of autonomy in the execution of their tasks. Although initially there was some scepticism, this has proven to work well in practice. Technicians in the field can take initiative and respond flexibly to changing circumstances. The priority is always the safety and interests of the residents of the residential care centers and service flats.

In order to manage all this and increase efficiency, the Sint-Niklaas PCSW opted for Spacewell’s IWMS. This modular software solution provides an overview of all facility processes in one user-friendly tool. In Sint-Niklaas, building managers enter all notifications into the system, so that the head of the technical department has a complete overview. He then creates work orders based on this overview, makes a planning and assigns tasks to individual employees. Printed work orders are a thing of the past. Technicians can see their work orders and all related information on the go on a mobile device (tablet). They can also request parts needed to carry out the work via the software. Thanks to status updates, everyone is always up to date on the progress of an assignment.

“This approach is in line with the trend at PCSWs to move away from an outdated way of working and mentality, also in the field of facility management,” says Walter Verhelst, Head of Building Management at PCSW Sint-Niklaas. We use digital technology as an efficient work tool and means of communication. With Spacewell’s facility software, we have a system that meets all our requirements. It is standard software so that updates run smoothly. At the same time, the system is highly configurable so that we can translate workflows 1 on 1 into systemflows. The system also offers a full audit trail.”

“Our experience is that if you give people the freedom and the means to perform well, the results will be positive. Of course there is also control, but without micromanaging. The Spacewell software provides analysis tools and reporting that allow us to monitor and benchmark performance globally, detect anomalies and resolve bottlenecks.”

“My advice to other local authorities: First think carefully about what you want to achieve and how you want to work. Give people in the field the necessary autonomy and define efficient workflows. Then support those processes with digital technology that is flexible enough to adapt to them.”