Project Overview
Inquilab Housing Association, a charitable social landlord based in West London, had already deployed a customised Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement solution to automate core service processes. As the organisation looked to modernise its finance function, it needed a solution that could integrate seamlessly with its existing Dynamics platform and support housing sector-specific requirements around procurement, rent charging and compliance.
Transparity implemented Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, customised for the housing sector and fully integrated with Inquilab’s existing Dynamics 365 Customer Engagement application. Delivered on time and on budget, the solution gives Inquilab a scalable, agile, cloud-based finance platform and the complete Microsoft Dynamics 365 solution.
The Challenge
Complete Microsoft Dynamics 365 Solution – streamlined financial processes and Customer Engagement integration
Inquilab had already deployed a customised version of Microsoft Dynamics 365 to automate core service processes, with a clear strategy to use the Microsoft 365 platform because of its agility and cross-application synergy. As Inquilab moved on to consider improving the efficiency of its finance processes, the team assessed the suitability of several popular and sector-specific finance process automation systems.
The existing finance solution was capable of basic finance administration tasks – logging purchases, paying people and recording financial performance. Inquilab wanted to improve budget management, control and authorisation processes. They also identified that they could create substantial efficiencies by enabling business automation in two new aspects of financial and customer management: managing repairs, and rent charging and cash collection. It was therefore key that the finance solution could connect with the existing Dynamics 365 customer service platform.
“Compared to specialist housing finance solutions, Microsoft Business Central provides much better data flows and true synchronisation of data between Business Central and CRM (Customer Engagement). We therefore looked for a partner on the finance side. The Microsoft ecosystem was a great advantage in this – through its online peer communities we spoke to several partners as well as customers who recommended Transparity.” — Rob Sproule, Programme Manager, Inquilab
The Solution
A leading platform customised for housing sector performance
Inquilab discussed their needs with Transparity several times by phone before meeting to agree the project in detail. The team’s cultural fit, including a customer-focused approach and flexibility, was particularly important to Inquilab, having already established a strong and productive working relationship with the CRM for housing solution provider, RedKite.
“We look for open-minded, collaborative, client-focused organisations that are agile, taking on our ideas, and flexible to work in our way and share the risk. We were impressed that Transparity was confidently able to offer us an accurate estimate, making a real commitment to deliver within the resources and timeframe. We talked to other Transparity customers before signing the contract – they confirmed Transparity’s track record in delivering with this approach.” — Rob Sproule, Programme Manager, Inquilab
Tailor-made Dynamics 365 solution for the housing sector
Working closely with Inquilab and RedKite, Transparity scoped and carried out a clearly defined programme of work to integrate and customise Business Central. They developed a housing sector-specific function to check and record appropriate certifications within procurement, for example, gas installers having up-to-date Gas Safe status and IT providers having valid indemnity insurance. The solution also includes a custom feature that allows Inquilab to identify and charge fees for income from other streams, separating rent payments from rechargeable repairs and other services, so they can comply with sector regulations whilst maximising income to sustain and grow their work.
To further streamline procurement, Transparity utilised an app to deliver an extra approval step to request manual authorisation automatically for expenditure over a pre-set threshold. Transparity also used the standard Business Central to Customer Engagement connector to not only integrate the standard functionality, but also the Inquilab-specific customisations.
The Outcome
Automated, integrated finance solution in the cloud with room to grow
“I just love this system, it looks great and it’s so easy to use.” — Eric Nelson-Addy, Finance Director, Inquilab
Inquilab now has the extra finance functionality it needs on a scalable, agile, cloud-based platform that can grow with their needs to accommodate more users and future functional enhancements. In line with Inquilab’s lean and cost-effective management principles, this complete Microsoft Dynamics 365 solution helps them reduce fixed infrastructure and support costs, because these are embedded in the Microsoft Dynamics 365 licensing model.
Plans for the future
Looking to the future, Inquilab plans to develop its asset management, maintenance and compliance within the CRM system to connect with the asset register in Business Central. As well as ensuring strong and compliant processes, this will help Inquilab carry out its preventative maintenance programme, making sure that vital services and facilities for tenants, like communal lifts, are always in working order. The organisation is also planning to work with Transparity on automating payments in procurement, speeding up approvals and freeing staff to focus on activities that directly benefit their customers.
