Synergy Maps Its Assets For Treasure

6/1/2009

New Geographic Information Systems Development

Synergy Housing Group have recruited a new Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Development Officer, Alet Versluis.

Alet is South African and studied at the University of Pretoria, SA. where she gained an Honours Degree in Geoinformatics (1st Class) in 2008.

She will be developing Synergy's Geographical Information System, in particular, Synergy's land and property management systems, asset management mapping systems and IBS integration. Alet's work will lead onto Synergy saving much time, will help prevent misunderstandings and improve communications between, staff, residents, and stakeholder organisations. Alet explained how; "the Geographical Information System will allow people to see the data we store on our properties graphically. In future it is planned that residents will be able to go onto the Groups website and zoom into the areas they live; finding out a wide range of information, all presented in easy to understand graphic presentation. For example when new kitchens and bathrooms will be installed, or what is happening with a repair they have reported.

"The system will link performance information together so we can identify poor performing areas and compare with those areas that are better. This will enhance the management of our assets, help shape our services to residents and lead to cost and productivity savings."

Michael McCarthy, Synergy Housing Group Asset Manager explained the reason for appointing Alet: "Much of the work we do in asset management involves working with maps and drawings. We recognised that we could be more effective if we held the information on GIS as opposed to a more conventional format. The supply of information will now be clearer and more effective, ultimately improving services to tenants".