Castleton Technology has just launched its Castleton.Digital interactive platform, which the company says offers housing providers an infinitely flexible and configurable platform that can link every other existing system together, integrating any tenant data currently stored in separate application silos into a single, simple-to-use solution. Tenant information can then be used to deliver smarter communications, with a highly customisable and clearly-signposted journey tailored to individual circumstances.
Castleton.Digital is a self-build, self-service, subscription-based development platform that delivers total control to providers and easy access for tenants. The company’s aim behind Castleton.Digital is to give housing providers the necessary tools to build their own bespoke systems to meet specific operational requirements and to support individual digital journeys.
Ian Niblock, director of development and product strategy, Castleton Technology, said, “We’ve found that with just two hours training, people have been able to build a completely functional app, that pulls data from wherever it’s stored and signposts the individual journey.
“This is cutting-edge technology. There is absolutely nothing like this in the social housing market right now. We have used Progressive Web Apps to create Castleton.Digital, which is a brand-new way to deliver an effective user experience on the web. Unlike apps that need to be downloaded from app stores, there is no installation required for Castleton.Digital; it loads quickly to mobile phones and delivers optimised screens.”
James Massey, chief operating officer, Castleton Technology, said, “The younger generation coming into social housing expect native online interactions; they don’t make phone calls or write letters and housing providers need to be switched on to this.
“Digitally-attentive providers offering great multi-modal service will find that their properties are more in demand, they will have shorter and fewer voids, and in some cases will be able to command higher rents.
“Tenants are becoming more digitally confident and our interactive development platform responds directly to this need. Castleton.Digital will allow housing providers to interact with these tenants efficiently and effectively, freeing up time and resources for tenants who need more intensive support.”
Castleton.Digital works on all platforms and displays on all devices. The app can be downloaded instantly from a link, either via a website or from a text message sent by a tenant’s housing provider.
Massey said, “Nobody else is offering anything like this in the social housing sector. It’s a completely different take on the flat representations of data we’re used to, offering greater functionality, flexibility and interactivity.”
