For over 20 years Urang has been providing Block Management services and built a team of exceptional property management experts. They have a portfolio of over 350 blocks with over 5,500 units under their management. Paul Cleaver, the Founder and Managing Director of Urang gives some insights into why they use Blocks Online.
The challenge
“By 2013 we had already grown the Urang business quite significantly but it was becoming apparent that the systems and processes that we had in place were coming under strain because of the disparate nature of the various different pc-based software packages which we were using and it was becoming a challenge to keep on top of the varied day to day financial and administrative activities.
I felt we needed to find a web-based software solution that would provide us with more flexibility and functionality to enable us to not only enhance the service to our existing clients but future proof us for growth.”
The solution
After extensive research of the software available, Urang chose Blocks Online as their solution provider.
“A significant reason behind deciding to select Blocks Online was that they provide a comprehensive and fully integrated suite of web-based software which has built-in best practice to help support our block management activities.
There is robust accounting functionality whether we are raising service charges, issuing budget certificates, managing receipts, dealing with supplier expenditure, reconciling bank statements or managing our debtors which is complimented by an extensive suite of reports providing relevant financial and property management information.
The management of maintenance and repair work is made easy by the ticketing functionality and enables our property managers to quickly respond to block issues and deal with urgent situations as well as planned works in a timely and efficient manner, raising quotations and work orders seamlessly, liaising with suppliers and tracking everything in one place.
Because of the integrated nature of the software it helps make communication faster and easier as we can update leaseholders in real time via email or the dedicated portal about the status of issues relating to their block and they are also able to get information about their account online using the portal.”
The outcome
“Because it was designed by experienced property managers it means that the system is intuitive and easy to use and helps keep us compliant and up to date with relevant legal requirements.
Our finance team have been able to improve cashflow using the comprehensive service charge, budgeting and financial reporting capabilities. They have reduced the processing time in the raising and processing of invoices by around 60%.
The productivity of our property managers has improved significantly and they are able to be more proactive rather than reactive in the service provided to the blocks under our management.
By bringing all of our block management processes under one system, we have a full view of our business and can utilise all of the block management data and information to make timely, informed decisions and, most importantly, provide an exceptional level of service to our clients.
We are delighted with the software and the support that the team at Blocks Online provide.”
