J&B Hopkins Case Study
UK Building Services firm saves 44% on its annual mobile bill and implements the latest smartphone technology into the price!
J&B Hopkins is a building services company specialising in the design and build of mechanical and electrical solutions to commercial and industrial sites. Services include: installation of heating, security systems, plumbing and sanitation and inspection and testings. The company has clients all over the UK and is based in Fareham, Hampshire.
Paul Hopkins, managing director of the company wanted to improve the efficiency of the business with remote working technologies that were easier to use than the current Palmtops and PDAs in place and also upgrade the older style mobile handsets in use by many of the project engineers. Hopkins explains: "Most of the firms' contracts managers and engineers are out of the office over 80% of the time but still have to contact colleagues, clients and suppliers throughout the day. Having the ability to process more information and work on the move, would increase project efficiency".
The Challenge
Hopkins explains the two areas he wanted to address: "We wanted a full review of the smartphone technologies on the market to see what would work best for us. The devices need to be able to perform in rugged conditions as well as give us the capabilities we need to do our jobs. We also wanted to identify and then set a reasonable yearly budget for our mobile communications as we were finding our mobile costs were increasing dramatically, with each monthly bill becoming an unwelcome surprise."
The Solution
1) Tariff
Paul Hopkins got in touch with Jelly Communications to seek advice. Jelly conducted a full analysis of the needs of the business and current usage. Jelly found a business tariff with T-Mobile would provide the same coverage and service at a massive annual saving of 44% which equated to £8,800. The new plan gives free calls between all employees, something they didn't have previously.
2) Technology
Following a detailed consultation, it was recommended that the contracts managers and project engineers transfer from their basic mobile handsets to using BlackBerry® Bold handsets. Mobile internet cards were also issued to project managers working furthest from the office.
The results
"Our project engineers have got on really well with the BlackBerry handsets and they now respond to requests from clients and the office quicker" remarks Hopkins. "They can immediately respond to new instructions from a client and forward information on to ensure that all involved in the project is notified and the next steps are actioned".
Hopkins goes on to explain: " For example when we receive additional variations and instructions from our clients on projects we can immediately let our surveyor / project teams know and get any necessary feedback".
As well as the vastly important benefits it has brought through improved customer service, the increased workflow has also benefited the firm's cashflow. "I no longer need to wait two days until I'm next in the office to update the client and company records. I simply forward information to my colleagues who can ensure the invoices for materials and services are dispatched promptly" comments Hopkins.
"This technology helps me be more productive. I love being able to stay in touch, and by filtering out and working on small tasks when I'm on site, I can then prioritise my time in the office and deal with the most important matters."
Hopkins describes the implementation process as quite straightforward. The whole system was put in place during an office move. "Jelly worked hard to sort us out quickly. Their attention to our needs was great and they made what could have been quite a headache into a relatively simple process."