Project Overview
A Portal Intranet Solution providing access to information across the organisation via a web browser. It is being used to demonstrate knowledge management and control of processes in the Housing Association inspection completed by The Audit Commission.
Background
The Riverside Group is one of the largest housing association in the UK with more than 40,000 homes, 1000 staff and 50,000 tenants. Initially they developed their own Riverside Information System (RIC) so that managers and department personnel could access vital information on policy and accounts. However as the complexity grew, Riverside decided they should make the RIC easier to navigate and put the project out to tender. 360 Systems recommended a proven solution which Riverside chose to adopt.
The Solution
The RIC is a web framework that is integrated existing applications into a web environment, through the use of portlet technology. The solution was designed and implemented in close consultation with Riverside’s own technical experts.
It was important from the outset to reuse existing applications and to cross train Riverside’s technical experts so that they could take the implementation forward with the business. Because of the way that the portal works it is able to integrate into a myriad of different systems providing a single point of access and interaction with key applications, content, people and business processes. The solution enables users to publish their own content, manage documents and introduce new web applications easily and quickly.
Typically, with a project as large as this, there were issues aligning the massive information databases but with strong technical skills, Prince II project management procedures and most importantly, experience in handling issues like these, 360 delivered the final version on time and on budget.
Result
With the RIC, managers and staff throughout the organization have instant access to policy documents, account records, case files and other vital information. Managing 40,000 properties in areas as diverse as Liverpool and Coventry could be a logistical nightmare. Riverside has the skills and the RIC helps them to apply those skills efficiently.