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Deep Dives and Diagnostics: How to Optimise Tech Efficiency...
How diagnostics are helping smart businesses maximise new tech In an age where there’s an app or piece of software for just about anything, it’s easy all too easy to get caught up in new technology. Before you know it, you’ve got 20 sources of data. If you’re lucky, a few will integrate, but often, they don’t. When we’re being pushed by legislation or – ironically – a drive for greater efficiency, we’re all too quick to turn to technology. But too much data, and not enough connections can negatively impact business efficiency and productivity. In a bid to bridge the gap between (too much) data, we see businesses turn to spreadsheets. Spreadsheets can indeed create the management information and reports that businesses need, but there’s a key flaw – spreadsheets only reveal the information someone has manually added. It’s not driving your business, it’s just a manual way of measuring a snapshot. And in 2022, we need more. We need to be driven by tasks, we need to be alerted to change and progress without the need to collate that information retrospectively and manually. Without the risk or human error, and – the horror – distributing the wrong version of a spreadsheet. If this sounds like you, a diagnostic can probably help. “We’re seeing an increased demand for tailored tech that takes away manual tasks and actually does the job well,” Says Vindico MD Jo Polson. “Of course, we can deliver this, but what precedes it all is a meaningful diagnostic.” Diagnostics generally start with a workshop. It’s a chance for key staff to give us a glimpse into the business so we can understand the good and the bad. The next step of the diagnostic takes a deeper dive into the systems you use, how you use them, the data you need, and most importantly the people and processes you rely on. This helps us paint a picture of what’s working, what’s not, and recognise potential gaps for opportunity. We can spot the areas that need digital knowledge transfer, task automation and support so your teams can spend more time proactively creating new information, building connections, and working together. Beyond stripping back unnecessary tech, easing the burden of manual tasks, and enhancing efficiency, a diagnostic paves the way for smart automation and data aggregation. Every business wants to be better at what they do. We get it. And a diagnostic creates a phased, sustainable roadmap to achieve those improvements. Early phases help you remove obstacles through simplifying processes and integrating systems – almost like a spring clean of your systems and operations! Once your tech’s been stripped back, the unused and unnecessary apps have been binned, and your manual tasks have been pinpointed, most businesses benefit from a tailored software platform to bring it all together. This gives you a clear view of the whole business – allowing you to see your business’s capacity, capability, and other upcoming known challenges. It also gives you the robust infrastructure to help drive your business. But perhaps most importantly, a diagnostic is a foundation to build on – especially when you have growth and change on the horizon. A proper understanding of your business sets you up for future success. And shedding what may be holding you back helps you increase efficiency before you manage change or drive growth. A diagnostic can help you at any stage of your business – whether on its own or as part of a larger exercise. And Every aspect of our diagnostic is important. It’s designed to give you the steppingstones you need to reach your business ambitions, and, spoiler alert, it’s more than a little bit purple! If you know you could be doing business more efficiently, and you want to say goodbye to the systems that are holding you back, click here to get in touch and book your
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Simpler and Better: Vindico MD Jo Polson’s Tech Talk...
Vindico MD Jo Polson’s tech talk won over the audience at TheStadiumBusiness Summit. Here’s why (along with a tricky, but catchy acronym). Jo Polson is the driving force behind some of today’s most innovative tailored tech for some of the UK’s most well-known stadiums. Along with Vindico’s Technical Director Ryan Griffiths and a talented dev team, Jo’s helping stadiums, venues, and arenas use tailored tech to solve old problems and prepare for the future. It’s no wonder then that his recent talk at TheStadiumBusiness Summit struck a chord with the stadium owners, operators, and decision-makers who gathered to hear what he had to say. Starting with the impact of Covid (which saw stadiums, sports, and events grind to a halt), Jo, in his tech talk, explains how he and the team used Covid to not just tackle new problems, but also solve the old ones that have been stopping stadiums, arenas, and venues from reaching their potential. And that’s exactly what Jo and the team set out to achieve. Working with everyone from the Welsh Rugby Union to the Elite Ice Hockey League, Vindico’s SWAPP (Smart Workplace Application) and its tailored tech helped bring UK sporting events – including the Six Nations and the Autumn Internationals – back to our screens during the height of the pandemic. And the premise of this tailored tech is simple: simple and better. “Since Covid, stadiums are now looking for a more robust tech infrastructure,” explains Jo, “But that infrastructure needn’t be complex – and our approach to tailored tech is proving that we can achieve this.” That means no more data overload (and meaningless data for that matter, too), unnecessary features that never get used or can’t be accessed, no more complex systems, and no more time-consuming processes that stop humans from doing the work they know and love. “We’re using automation to help humans get back to doing what they do best,” says Jo. “It’s simpler, better tech for simpler, better business. It’s giving stadiums the tools they need to overcome their obstacles, while giving them the robust infrastructure they need to handle future challenges.” And – here it comes. “WDKWWDKY!” exclaims Jo. Although the acronym rolls off the tip of the tongue, in its long form it means: We Don’t Know What We Don’t Know Yet. And it’s WDKWWDKY that’s really got the stadium business talking. “We may not know what we don’t know yet, but we can build a robust tech infrastructure that allows us to prepare as best we can,” insists Jo. “Nobody could have predicted the pandemic – and its ultimate impact on stadiums and events. Stadiums were forced to operate without crowds, which meant that many people in the industry had to look for work elsewhere – or even start different careers. “We can cope with small bumps, but bigger challenges – especially the ones we can’t see coming – are the ones that can cause the most damage. “In the case of Covid, there was no time for the normal knowledge transfer that happens organically. That knowledge simply disappeared. So, we need to put the effort into understanding what knowledge we might have, and, using simple, better tech we’re able to use digital knowledge transfer to help us act, adapt, and solve problems quicker. “As Charles Kettering says, ‘a problem well stated is a problem half-solved’ – and it’s a statement that’s crucial for achieving our aspirations. We want simpler tech, better business, greater ROI, strong growth, and the ability to adapt for the future – whatever that may look like.” To hear more from MD Jo Polson, click here to give him a follow on LinkedIn. To find out more about Vindico’s tailored tech, and how it can help you achiever simpler, better business, get in touch with Vindico’s Head of Partnerships, Rhys Perkins
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The Future of Stadium Tech (And Key Take-Aways from TheStadiumBusiness Summit)...
What does the future of tech look like for UK Stadiums? Vindico’s Rhys Perkins sums it up. We have a long history of working with stadiums, venues, and sporting arenas. And we’ve used tailored tech to help some of the biggest names in the business adapt during the pandemic – and after. So, when we travelled to TheStadiumBusiness Summit this month, it was no surprise that the attendees – stadium owners, operators, and developers – were discussing the very same challenges we solve day in, day out. “The same obstacles kept cropping up over and over again,” says Vindico’s Head of Partnerships, Rhys Perkins. “Staffing, loss of knowledge within the sector, keeping fans in the venue for longer, trust, fear, competition, costs – Covid has had a massive impact, and everyone’s looking for a more robust plan for the future.” They’re problems we hear – and solve – every day at Vindico. And most venues are struggling with the same issues. “They want to know how to keep fans returning week after week, and how they can use tech to enhance the fan experience to gain greater emotional buy-in – not just around a team or event, but also around the whole experience. “Everyone wants to make things better and simpler. Whether it’s the work itself, the systems, the processes, the communications, or the delivery of the experience. And that’s where automated tech can help. “We’re using tailored tech to help free up time so staff can do their jobs easier and serve their customers more effectively. Of course, every stadium is unique, but the beauty of tailored tech is that it’s unique to each organisation – giving you only the elements you need for ultimate ease, effectiveness, and ultimately adoption.” And it’s helping stadiums to become greener too. “I heard how Billie Eilish has a ‘green’ rider and wanted to know how venues deal with carbon neutrality, recycling, and waste. And she’s not alone. Gen Z audiences are pushing for greener change, and stadiums are bringing this to the forefront of the business. Our tailored tech is helping our stadium and arena clients to drive greener practices by eliminating the need for hard copies and paper. It also helps to streamline manual processes to further cut emissions.” Key Take-Aways from TheStadiumBusiness Summit Stadiums are looking for simpler and better technology The fan experience – and keeping fans engaged – is a huge focus Stadiums are seeking smarter, automated tech that helps humans do their jobs better Despite Covid, stadiums have been resilient – and the forward-thinking venues are already exploring tailored tech to plan for the future The environmental impact of stadiums is high on the agenda – and, driven by Gen Z, greener practices are coming to the forefront Purple goes with everything and fits everywhere – which made for some stealthy marketing appearances in almost every event photo (from beer mats on every table to shout outs by event speakers to us, “ThePurple Guys”! Rhys is too tall (he gets this a lot) It’s a really hard acronym to pronounce but stands for ‘What We Don’t Know We Don’t Know Yet.’ And it was the core theme of Vindico MD Jo Polson’s speech To find out more about tailored tech, and how we’re helping stadiums, venues, and arena solve old problems and plan for the future, drop Rhys a line today
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Vindico Invited to Guest Speak at TheStadiumBusiness Summit 2022...
Vindico MD Jo Polson will be guest speaking at this year’s TheStadiumBusiness Summit, which takes place 5 – 6 July 2022. TheStadiumBusiness Summit is the world’s leading meeting for owners, operators, and developers of stadiums, arenas, and sport venues. And with a focus on embracing technology, innovation, and transformation post-pandemic, it couldn’t be a better fit for Vindico. We’ve got a long history of collaborating with stadiums, sports teams, arenas, and venues. And when Covid hit, Vindico was the first place many turned to adapt their approach, rethink their processes, and implement the tailored tech needed to reopen safely during and post-pandemic. In the last three years, we’ve helped stadiums including the Principality Stadium, the Arms Park, Parc Y Scarlets, Sixways Stadium, Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena, and Ice Arena Wales. We’ve also worked with organisations including the WRU, Scarlets Rugby, Cardiff Rugby, Worcester Warriors, the Elite Ice Hockey League, and the IIHF. The reason? Tailored tech. “I sometimes wish we were like other software companies,” says Vindico MD Jo Polson. “You know, companies with that one suite on their shelf. But we’re just not. Our work is as unique as you are. And that means every client is looking for something different.” And that’s where tailored tech comes in. Based on our own innovation – SWAPP (Smart Workplace Application) – our tailored tech solutions didn’t just help our clients in the sporting and events field to tackle new problems presented by Covid, they’re also helping them solve old ones, and prepare for any potential challenges in the future. Or, as Jo puts it, “We don’t know what we don’t know yet. But digital knowledge transfer is helping us create solid, robust foundations that are helping our clients operate smoothly, adapt quickly, and all while putting people’s wellbeing first. And we implement these unique roadmaps at our clients’ own pace, on their own roadmaps, to give them what they need for tomorrow.” So far so synergistic, but what will Jo be sharing at the conference? “We’re not attending the event to push anything. It’s about raising awareness of those sleeping speed bumps the industry faces post-covid. And it’s about sharing an idea to make us all a bit better. “A problem well stated is a problem half solved. “I wish we could take that line as my own, but it belongs to Charles Kettering. He’s one of our favourite people to quote, and a wonderful innovator, whose inventions include the electric starter motor for cars and the electric till register. He was a clever guy! “But using his quote as inspiration, I’ll be asking how well attendees understand their own business, and how everything ties together within that structure. “For most businesses, that process map doesn’t exist. And when does, it’s rarely kept up to date. “If we can share knowledge and spark a conversation that helps businesses become a bit better, then I’ll have done my job.” You can catch Vindico’s MD Jo Polson guest speaking at TheStadiumBusiness Summit on 5 and 6 July at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. You’ll also find our team at the event, who’ll be on hand to share even more
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Trusted Tech Partnerships (And Four Benefits of Outsourcing)...
Digital technology has become non-negotiable for businesses – and outsourcing tech has become one of the biggest trends of 2022. To hire or to outsource is an age-old dilemma for businesses. But in an era where basic IT systems just don’t cut it – tech partnerships are thriving. Of course, IT is essential to every organisation, but forward-thinking businesses are realising that IT software and support just isn’t enough. Businesses today want efficiency, connectivity, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing markets and scenarios. And that’s where tech partnerships come in. Outsourcing tech was previously a luxury for big companies with huge SaaS budgets, but this has changed. In 2022, tech is easier and more accessible than ever. Here’s four ways outsourcing tech can benefit your organisation in 2022: Efficiency – We’ve all used software, sometimes expensive software where only 10 – 15 % of it gets utilised by the business – either because it’s not clear how to use it, or because it’s not relevant. Sometimes that’s all we need. But in 2022 it’s survival of the quickest, and off-the-shelf software just isn’t enough. That’s where SWAPP comes in. SWAPP (Smart Workplace Application) is Vindico’s own software platform that’s been specifically designed to facilitate the speed, efficiency, productivity, and connectivity that businesses are looking for post-pandemic. It’s also the foundation platform for the tailored tech that’s facilitating business and digital transformations for our clients in sectors ranging from sport, civil, and transport to hospitality, manufacturing, and retail. Money-saving – The cost of hiring an in-house dev team can be high. The cost of hiring an exceptional in-house will be even higher. But outsourcing your tech and digital requirements means you can save money on hiring and get access to the experience and expertise of an entire company – not just a dev team. At Vindico, our clients have access to our dev team, web team, a dedicated business development manager, and full tech support. It’s like a swiss army knife for your business. Resilience – Working with a tech partner to understand both short-term and long-term goals means you gain a fresh, outsider view of the business. This, in turn, can help you quickly and efficiently flag and diagnose roadblocks to success that may not have been apparent. Your tech partner will then help you implement tailored digital and tech solutions that will give you a robust platform for maximum adaptability, efficiency, connectivity, and scaling up – all while you navigate changing markets and scenarios. Productivity – A direct – yet often-overlooked benefit of outsourcing your tech is that a small in-house IT team simply can’t achieve what a dedicated tech company can. When it comes adding value, outsourcing tech to the experts gives you access to tailored tech features and services that can enhance your organisation’s productivity. Whether it’s tools to help your employees work remotely, connectivity features that enhance collaboration, safety protocols that eliminate longwinded process, or optimising staff wellbeing – outsourcing tech to the professionals can help you boost productivity, enhance company culture, and bring employee wellbeing to the forefront. Whether you’re a start-up with a great idea, a business looking to scale, or a large organisation with multiple existing systems and processes that could be streamlined – outsourcing tech could be the answer. As the outsourcing trend continues, many of Vindico’s latest projects have seen us become development and technology partners – where our tailored tech and expertise is fully integrated into our clients’ long-term goals. To find out more about tech partnerships with Vindico, drop us a
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Vindico’s Tailored Tech (And How It’s Giving Businesses an Edge)...
Tailored tech is helping businesses access the features they need to thrive in ever-changing environments. Tailored tech is just that. It’s technology that’s built just for you – and it’s designed to do exactly what you need it to. Previously a luxury for big companies with huge SaaS budgets, now tailored tech is easier and more accessible than ever. And it’s the reason why forward-thinking businesses are shunning pricey off-the-shelf software in favour of tech that’s designed specifically to meet their unique business ambitions. “It really puts businesses in the driving seat,” says Vindico MD Jo Polson. “We’ve all used software, sometimes expensive software where only 10 – 15 % of it gets utilised by the business – either because it’s not clear how to use it, or because it’s not relevant. Sometimes that’s all we need. But in 2022 it’s survival of the quickest, and off-the-shelf software just isn’t enough.” That’s where SWAPP comes in. SWAPP (Smart Workplace Application) is Vindico’s own software platform that’s been specifically designed to facilitate the speed, efficiency, productivity, and connectivity that businesses are looking for post-pandemic. It’s also a foundation platform for the tailored tech that’s facilitating digital transformations for our clients in sectors ranging from sport, civil, and transport to hospitality, manufacturing, and retail. “SWAPP has been a great catalyst for these kinds of platforms,” adds Jo. “It delivers impact swiftly, it’s easy to adopt, and provides clients with instant benefits. But it’s designed to be that foundation that gives businesses so much more.” And in an age where there seems to be an app or piece of software for anything, Vindico is seeing an increased demand for tailored tech that actually does the job well. “Our clients are now fed up with separate systems, and everything being harder than it should be. Yes, there’s an app for most things, but businesses need more for it to integrate seamlessly and be adopted for success. “When we visit prospective clients we’re seeing too much data, and not enough connections. SWAPP provides this as a foundation platform – and it’s giving our clients a single source of truth for all the meaningful data they need, with simple visualisation.” Although SWAPP provides the basic features that are handy for your business – it’s its tailored tech capability that’s really giving clients a competitive edge. Whether it’s an aggregator of lots of different business systems or a completely automated process-driven management system delivering what your business needs, SWAPP’s tailored tech capability is now helping businesses to automate processes, streamline their approach, and visually see the results. “Since Covid, businesses are now looking for a more robust tech infrastructure,” adds Jo. “Meaningless data and outdated systems that don’t tie together have been holding many businesses back. And tailored tech is like a spring clean that’s helping businesses transform the way they operate – for the better.” Along with its existing tailored features, SWAPP’s latest tailored tech modules include stock management, job allocation and rota, staff wellness questionnaires, temporary staff recruitment and management, increased project visibility, and a tailored sales flow – from leads to invoice. These latest modules have been designed to give businesses an advantage when it comes to productivity, efficiency, visibility, and connectivity. But the benefits of tailored tech don’t stop there. Since Vindico started to roll out SWAPP’s tailored tech in 2021, clients have reported: More integrated, streamlined software that actually works A single easy-to-access view and status of all meaningful data The ability to spot – and address gaps in the business Important data that’s just a click away Increased efficiency and productivity New opportunities presented A resilient core platform that’s robust enough to handle market changes Better data, better decisions, quicker data, and quicker decisions Meaningful data that drives better business processes and practices A more engaged workforce Enhanced employee wellbeing Better time-management Elimination of menial tasks, thanks to automation Optimum employee safety These are just a few of the benefits that our clients have reported, and as Vindico’s dev team continues to evolve our tailored tech – led by market demand – we’ll keep making sure our clients stay one technological step ahead. To find out more about Vindico’s tailored tech solutions – and how they’re helping businesses, sports teams, stadiums, and events get an edge – drop us a line to speak to our
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Seven ways SWAPP saves businesses time...
As businesses look to become more efficient – here’s how SWAPP’s helping organisations to streamline their processes and save valuable time. We created SWAPP (Smart Workplace Application) back in 2020 as a direct response to the pandemic. But it quickly became apparent that we weren’t just solving new safety issues posed by COVID. We were also tackling old efficiency issues that were costing businesses valuable time, manpower, and money, too. Fast-forward to today, and as we return to workplaces, SWAPP’s become a key feature for business transformation. Because businesses ranging from start-ups to enterprise-level organisations to arenas are driving change, with maximum efficiency, optimum safety, and employee wellbeing at the forefront. Here’s seven ways that SWAPP’s helping businesses to streamline their processes and save valuable time, too: 1. Automated contractor and sub-contractor management The gig economy is having a bit of a moment. But managing contractors, sub-contractors, and freelancers has never been easy. SWAPP’s simple dashboard is giving brands including the WRU, Principality Stadium, and Transport for Wales full visibility of every person on sight. An added permit module also offers pre-approval and communication and allows gig workers to register in advance and confirm that they’re safe to attend a venue. 2. Simple sign in/out feature Manually signing in and out of workplaces, sites, arenas take time. And all those extra minutes add up. SWAPP’s easy sign in/out feature can be rolled out across all offices and sites, for staff, visitors, and contractors alike. It’s also helping some of our clients get rid of old-fashioned sign in books for good! 3. Accreditation (and permit to work creation) Managing Access is critical for large businesses and venues – especially ones with restricted areas. SWAPP’s accreditation module allows third parties to manage their staff access requirements, which can then be approved by the business before staff attend the site. It then lets businesses generated passes in both digital and / or printed formats. 4. Casual Staff Management Whether it’s labourers, media, hospitality workers, or stewards, SWAPP allows the management of casual staff for all types of events. Once you’ve created your event, SWAPP lets you send a notification to all staff, allowing them to declare their availability for the event – which gives organisations a more accurate picture of staff availability. Linked with the SWAPP In / Out feature, you can track staff before an event and when they arrive. This also links to payroll to get a timestamped start and end time for shifts. 5. Site dashboards (providing info on who is where, and key project information) Custom dashboards give staff and management a data-led visual view of how their business is running. It allows management to make quick decisions and lets staff efficiently react to incoming requests. Designed to run on mobile, desktop, and TV, the dashboards can be designed to suit specific department, or to specific data requirements, which lets users to drill down to the detail they need. Our VindiShow TV signage platform can also be used to enhance SWAPP’s dashboards –allowing you to visualise your organisation’s information in useful, actionable charts and numbers. 6. Reporting and observations One of SWAPP’s most widely used features, the simple reporting function within the app allows all staff and contractors to take pictures and make notes on a variety of business-related tasks and topics. Whether it’s cleaning or maintenance issues, accidents and incidents, near misses, or IT related problems, this useful feature lets businesses address, adapt, and solve quickly and efficiently. 7. Integrated document viewer How many times have you searched your inbox for an attachment or piece of information that you can’t seem to place? Our SWAPP clients had the same complaint – and it was using up time that could be better used elsewhere. SWAPP’s integrated document viewer means you can get your hands on the right documents swiftly and easily – without having to hunt for them. Could your business be saving time and operating more efficiently? Click here to drop us a line and see how SWAPP can transform your
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Vindico Becomes Business Transformation Partner for Walters Group...
Vindico have partnered with Walters Group to drive the brand’s business transformation. Vindico is excited to announce that we’ve partnered with Walters Group to implement the smart technologies the brand needs to drive a sustainable business transformation. This new partnership focuses on sustainability, employee safety and wellbeing, and a better work / life balance for every employee at Walters Group. It’s an evolving project that focuses on two key areas for Walters Group’s tech transformation: The website – which covers user experience (UX) and the brand’s overall digital presence SWAPP – our Smart Workplace Application The website is a project we’re rethinking from the ground up. Walters Group is experiencing significant growth, but as the brand transitions from SME to a larger enterprise, the forward-thinking business wants to keep its focus on its sustainable future – without losing its family heritage. Stripping it back and rebuilding the website with the user experience (UX) in mind, we’re focusing on Walters Group’s great achievements so far, and perhaps more excitingly – the important work that’s on its way. With Walters Group’s more holistic approach to recruiting star talent at the forefront – along with its core values, family heritage, sustainable future, and The Walters Way at the core – we’re focused on developing a website that can evolve alongside Walters Group as they transition into a larger enterprise. As for SWAPP. Where do we start? SWAPP (Smart Workplace application) is streamlining Walters Group’s systems and processes to give the business a more pro-active information network system that goes beyond IT support. SWAPP’s safety features are efficiently keeping employees and contractors safe across Walters Group’s sites. It’s automating and streamlining everything from a regulatory and accreditation perspective while maintaining site health and safety requirements. SWAPP’s key features include: Automated contractor and sub-contractor management, including approval and communication Sign in/out (across all offices and sites, for staff, visitors, and contractors) Site dashboards (providing info on who is where, and key project information) Fire roll call (for each site) Staff directory (with bios, click-to-email function, and contact info) Inductions Notice board Reporting (of accidents, incidents, and snagging) Accreditation (and permit to work creation) Integrated document viewer (so no more searching through emails for the right attachments) For Walters Group’s employees and contractors: SWAPP’s accessibility means that every employee or contractor can access the platform using their own preferred devices – which results in easier, more seamless adoption. For Walters Group’s management: SWAPP’s digital experience provides live dashboards that offer a complete overview of each site. These dashboards are also allowing the business to manage, monitor, and report – using meaningful, intelligent data to drive better, more sustainable decisions. “We at Walters Group are setting the standard for sustainability, safety, and excellence – and joining forces with Vindico is helping us stay one step ahead of the game,” says Huw Richards, Group Chief Operating Officer of Walters Group. “SWAPP was a natural fit for the Walters Way, and it’s helping us to connect more efficiently with our teams on the ground while we also enhance both safety and efficiency. Digitising many of our processes and protocols isn’t just helping us to deliver better outcomes, but it’s also allowing us to reduce our carbon footprint and drive significant business growth with sustainability at the forefront.” We at Vindico are committed to driving sustainable change through our smart tech solutions. So, Walters Group’s eagerness to evolve their business, and enhance sustainability, while focusing on the health, safety and wellbeing of its teams meant it was a perfect match for Vindico. As Vindico’s Head of Partnerships, Rhys Perkins, puts it “We’re incredibly proud to be working with Walters Group as their Business Transformation Partner as they continue to drive change and build for their future.” To find out more about SWAPP, and how Vindico’s smart tech and innovations can help transform your business, click here to speak to one of
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Tech for good: How SWAPP helps keep your employees safe and compliant...
Vindico’s SWAPP platform is helping big names across sport and business to optimise safety, compliance, and wellbeing. Here’s how… SWAPP (which stands for Smart Workplace Application) is a platform Vindico originally created to meet the safety and compliance demands of Transport for Wales back in 2021. But what started as product for a public sector client quickly became an essential tool for changing workforces. Since launching, SWAPP’s been in such high demand that our dev team, led by Technical Director Ry, have been hard at work adding even more features to help the growing safety and compliance demands of businesses, stadiums, arenas, and sports teams. “We used the Covid pandemic as a chance to not just tackle new problems, but solve old ones, too,” says Vindico MD, Jo Polson. And one of the key problems SWAPP is solving is safety and compliance – especially as we prepare for Covid restrictions to be lifted. Here’s how: SWAPP collates an organisation’s up-to-date practices, processes, and policies into one user-friendly app Providing a streamlined approach, SWAPP gives optimum visibility for businesses, while also taking care of all the measures needed for optimum safety, compliance, and wellbeing It covers everything from inductions and snagging to incident reporting and accreditation checks. It also monitors every project and job on site – whether it’s a depot, an arena, or an office SWAPP’s key features include: Sign in/out (across all offices and sites, for staff, visitors, and contractors) Site dashboards (providing info on who is where, and key project information) Fire roll call (for each site) Staff directory (with bios, click-to-email function, and contact info) Inductions Notice board Reporting (of accidents, incidents, and snagging) Accreditation (and permit to work creation) Integrated document viewer (so no more searching through emails for the right attachments) Contract management Track and trace Snagging Live fire roll call Risk assessments “We’re continuously updated features to stay one step ahead – and to make workplaces safer and more efficient,” adds Jo. “SWAPP has evolved rapidly in the last 12 months – going from something useful for providing safe working access to staff during the height of the pandemic, to becoming a key foundation platform that we can bolt on to existing systems, processes and problems.” Fast-forward to today and SWAPP is now one of the most prominent safety apps used across the UK. Simple to use, and smart to run, SWAPP now provides a single portal for management teams to view essential live information, while optimising safety and compliance. Its seamless integration has seen brands including Walters Group, OOMPH!, Ministry of Furniture, and One Central Square adopt the platform in 2022 alone. To find out more about SWAPP – and how it can help your organisation streamline its approach to safety and compliance – drop us a
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SWAPP: Optimising Safety for Transport for Wales...
How Vindico’s SWAPP Platform is helping Transport for Wales maximise safety and compliance Transport for Wales came to us to help them comply with the changing regulations. They also wanted to make sure their workplace was as safe as possible. And we knew we could provide the solution. But let’s rewind for a second. Transport for Wales and Vindico have a relationship that goes way back. Vindico has been providing digital signage, WiFi, and live customer information for the Transport for Wales for the last five years. And this relationship has taught us a lot about how Transport for Wales works. It’s also given us insight into the challenges of controlling access to their depots throughout Wales – especially as they navigate changing Covid regulations. What we pitched wouldn’t just solve these problems for Transport for Wales. It would become a catalyst for brands across all sectors to achieve so much more. Enter SWAPP (Smart Workplace Application). Working closely with Transport for Wales for over nine months, we were able to collate all of the brand’s up-to-date practices, processes, and policies into one user-friendly app. Finally going live in August 2021, SWAPP is now used to streamline their approach, while providing optimum safety for everyone on site. The platform doesn’t just control access to each of Transport for Wales’ sites. It also runs their inductions, snagging, incident reporting, and monitors every project and job on site. SWAPP’s key features include: Sign in/out (across all offices and sites, for staff, visitors, and contractors) Site dashboards (providing info on who is where, and key project information) Fire roll call (for each site) Staff directory (with bios, click-to-email function, and contact info) Inductions Notice board Reporting (of accidents, incidents, and snagging) Accreditation (and permit to work creation) Integrated document viewer (so no more searching through emails for the right attachments) Digitising the experience means the old sign-in book is gone for good. Live dashboards that offer a complete overview of each site have also replaced endless email chains that provided only a singular view of projects and incidents. SWAPP has also simplified the process for contractors and team members. A single portal allows them to upload all relevant safety certification and Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS) in advance. It also manages work requests and advanced screening – giving Transport for Wales ability to manage and assess contractors before they are permitted on site. “Vindico over-delivered,” says Kieran Hickman of Transport for Wales. “The scope kept changing and they continually added the requests to the system with smiles on their faces. SWAPP has totally transformed and improved contractor and visitor management for us at Transport for Wales – especially from a safety point of view in a very safety critical industry.” SWAPP has made the entire process simpler and better for Transport for Wales. It’s become their key contact system, and its innovative capabilities have satisfied unions and other departments along the way. Although this foundation is leading the way for smarter, safer workplaces, Vindico’s development team are continually updated and improving SWAPP’s features to keep it one step ahead. New features and modules soon to be added will range from asset tracking to rota management, so WATCH THIS SPACE! To find out how SWAPP can help your organisation streamline its approach while optimising safety and compliance, click here to get in
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