A website and mobile app created by Chester-based Prodo Housing, part of marketing agency Prodo Digital, has been recognised as ‘Most Innovative Housing App or Online Tool’ at the Housing Innovation Awards 2017.
Orbit Move, built for housing association Orbit, was recognised at the national awards ceremony thanks to the ease and efficiencies it has brought to Orbit’s tenancy sign-up process.
Prodo worked alongside Orbit to develop a responsive digital sign-up platform that’s unique in the housing sector. The innovative e-tenancy service covers sign-up from start to finish in five simple steps, simplifying administration and involving prospective tenants fully in the process.
The time-saving Orbit Move app produces electronic documentation, including digitally-signed tenancy agreements, and adds the information to the existing housing management system. With the help of the app, Orbit aims to achieve 75 per cent of tenant transactions online by 2020.
Eamon McGoldrick, one of the award’s judges, said, “What Orbit Move did was allow tenants to take things away online and then do them all offline. It was a learning tool for them as residents; it gave them time to breathe and to do it in a more relaxed environment at home.
“It also set the tone for the future relationship between landlord and tenant, which will very much be about online digital services and not just about going through a pile of papers and a checklist.”
Kevin Hornsby, head of housing, Orbit, said, “We’re pioneering the use of technology to enhance and streamline our customer experience and improve ways of working for our staff. A lot of hard work and cross-team working has enabled us to deliver a successful product, and we’re already seeing the difference it’s making to our staff and customers.”
