BlueCHP transforms affordable housing delivery with digital tools

BlueCHP has improved the efficiency and accuracy of its affordable housing delivery operations by adopting UniPhi's project management software and integrating EMS Solutions' BASIX compliance platform.

BlueCHP, a not-for-profit Tier 1 Community Housing Provider, works across East Australia to facilitate social, affordable, and disability housing, assisting more than 2,000 people. With increasing demand for its services, the organisation sought to upgrade its previous methods of managing projects and information.

Manual processes

Previously, BlueCHP relied on manual processes involving spreadsheets and email chains. This approach produced challenges, including version control issues, inconsistency, and limited visibility over project information. There were concerns that such inefficiencies could impact workload management as the customer base and project scale increased.

To address these issues, BlueCHP partnered with UniPhi in 2023. UniPhi deployed its cloud-based software to centralise document management, project coordination, and communication across the organisation.

Glenn Amanonce, Developments Director at BlueCHP, said the implementation brought greater clarity and improved management capacity.

"UniPhi software gives us instant visibility across our entire project portfolio, from contract progress to supplier claims," said Glenn Amanonce, Developments Director at BlueCHP.

Cloud-based transformation

The new system provided real-time tracking of developments, streamlined invoice approval workflows, and supported improved revenue reporting. UniPhi also supplied a development plan dashboard for BlueCHP's board, allowing decision makers to instantly access project details.

According to BlueCHP, this transition has reduced administrative workload significantly. All projects and contracts are now accessible from a single platform, making information management more straightforward and reducing the risk of errors.

In addition to increased internal efficiency, the partnership resulted in more reliable reporting of data such as beds delivered, sector-specific housing, and overall project statuses. BlueCHP noted a reduction in the need for assumptions and estimates about progress indicators.

Integration with BASIX

EMS Solutions, a software development company with expertise in community housing and electricity projects, contributed to the project by integrating its own software-BASIX-with UniPhi's platform. BASIX provides compliance and financial management capabilities necessary for BlueCHP to meet regulatory requirements, and its integration ensures efficient data flow between systems.

The result has been an end to information duplication and inaccurate reporting while supporting compliance and consistency across BlueCHP's operations.

Mark Heath, Chief Executive Officer at UniPhi, commented on the scope and significance of the digital overhaul.

"BlueCHP is proof that not-for-profit housing providers can embrace digital transformation without compromising accountability or control. Transparency leads to innovation and BlueCHP are testament to that. We're incredibly proud to support their mission".

The integration with BASIX ensured that all compliance data is current and accurate, and data can be accessed by authorised staff as needed. According to BlueCHP, the shift to the cloud-based system has improved data reliability, raised staff confidence, sped up payments, and clarified project tracking.

Staff experience

BlueCHP's Developments Director Glenn Amanonce described the effect of the new processes on day-to-day operations.

"It's completely changed the way we manage information and make decisions."

With the support provided by EMS Solutions and the adoption of UniPhi's software, BlueCHP reports that the management of information is clearer and more accessible than before. The team can now keep up with increasing project volume and complexity, meeting both operational and compliance needs.

The integration of systems and improved real-time data access were cited as key factors in helping BlueCHP deliver housing for people of varying ages, abilities, and life stages, as part of its ongoing commitment to social and accessible accommodation solutions in Australia.