work zones case study
Bespoke Software Development for Cheshire Work Zones
Case Studies >> Bespoke
Background
Cheshire Work Zones, established by the local authority, provide various services to enhance employability and job-hunting skills for adults in the west-Cheshire region. They required a robust database solution to manage customer information and track progress, as well as to generate necessary reports for senior management.
Identifying customers with the greatest need and quickly developing action plans to assist them was crucial.


Simplicity
The system needed to be accessible from remote sites across the region, with each site having multiple staff and managers with varying needs and access levels. Additionally, senior management from the commissioning authority required access.
The authority had already established the Work Zones and initially developed an Access database to manage operations. However, this database was intended as a temporary solution, with plans to create a fully capable system.
Project Plan
We created a preliminary specification based on the existing Access, Excel, and paper-based processes. From this, we developed a visual and interactive mock-up of the potential solution.
Through several meetings and discussions, we refined the mock-up until we had a suitable initial concept.
From the fairly detailed initial concept, we created a draft solution. Staff were able to trial this solution and collaborate with us to refine and perfect it for launch across the organization.

FULFILLMENT
The system is in permanent, full-time use across the region. It is used during customer interviews to input details into the database in real-time using a simple wizard. Non-technical staff, whose primary focus is providing excellent service to customers, can use the system without struggling with technology. The system effectively supports their mission by being unobtrusive and facilitating sensitive data management and senior management reporting.