iOffice Relies on Teamwork for Future Development of Its Own Products

by Elizabeth Dukes on September 16, 2014
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A professional’s success at work requires entrenching oneself in the core of their chosen industry. Setting yourself up to achieve such success means continuously seeking out new knowledge and, in a sense, “practicing what you preach.”   To do this one must seek out knowledge from their peers within their own organization, their peers, in the marketplace, and customers.  

In developing solutions we rely on this approach.  Our team is comprised of a diverse group of professionals spanning multiple backgrounds, each with their own unique knowledge and experience. Additionally, they support different phases of engagement with our customers from marketing and sales, to implementation, and ongoing customer service.  We believe their collaboration and problem solving efforts results in powerful innovation for our customers.  We try to maximize the team’s ability to problem solve and innovate through our open floor plan.  This office design allows us to collaborate and work without boundaries, both physically and creatively.

As facilities management software developers, our success relies on the accomplishments of our clients. Much like those we serve, the iOffice team is strengthened through the collaborative efforts of everyone involved in our industry. In addition to drawing knowledge and inspiration from our client base and industry peers, we utilize our own tools to enhance our own office and employees.

Our Clients are Part of Our Team

Delivering a product that is easy to use and meets the ever-changing needs of our clients is our primary goal. After all, without our customers, where would we be?iOffice clients are part of our team

We recognize that, while most organizations encounter similar struggles, each facility’s challenges are unique. When building a software solution for a new client, we work closely with them through the entire process. Not only does this ensure that we design a solution tailored to their needs, we gain valuable insight into industry specific struggles. During the implementation process, we work with key players, training them on the features of their new software modules. This process allows us to ensure the client gets the most out of the modules and identify any configuration “tweaking” that might be needed.

As an Integrated Workplace Management System (IWMS) company, our work is an ongoing process. Once implementation is complete, our team maintains contact with the client, both for ongoing support and feedback. The purpose is to create products that expand and grow WITH the customer. There is no better way to gain insight into these growing needs than through a strong partnership with the clients themselves.

While it would be ideal to build the “perfect” product, there will always be room to evolve and grow. With mobility needs increasing at an astonishing rate, we have worked diligently to ensure our products meet those needs. Employees must have access to accurate, up-to-date information, regardless of the time of day or location.  Our IWMS modules are cloud-based, so access is gained wherever there is an Internet connection. But our clients expressed the need for being able to work on-the-go without having to depend on the Internet.  Our modules are now complemented by a mobile app, affording users full mobility. They asked and we listened.

Teamwork Sometimes Means Collaborating with Others in Our Industry

A valuable trait every facilities management leader must possess is doing whatever it takes to get the job done. This means delegating responsibilities, bouncing ideas off your teammates and recognizing no one has all the answers. In order to gain new perspectives, it is sometimes necessary to step outside the box and expand your team to outsiders. In an effort to deliver the very best product, we sometimes partner with our peers during planning and development. These partnerships have brought about long-standing relationships, innovative ideas and fresh insight into our profession.

Collaboration and communication are two key factors for a successful organization. Making sure you facilitate the creation of this environment is your job as an FM. Most companies strive to successfully share ideas in order to create a productive work environment, but are stymied by an ineffective system for communication. Our team is here to help you realize your organization’s full potential so your star will shine.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth Dukes

Elizabeth Dukes' pieces highlight the valuable role of the real estate and facility managers play in their organizations. Prior to iOFFICE, Elizabeth was in sales for large facility and office service outsourcing firm.

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