What does a digital telecare project look like? How does Appello help you manage this? Our tried and tested process is designed to steer you through each stage as painlessly as possible – from our initial conversations through to the installation and post-installation phases.
Of course, your exact digital journey will depend on a whole host of factors. But this guide is designed to provide a useful overview of a typical digital telecare project, with tips to help you ensure everything goes smoothly.
In the first part of the guide, we look at what you can expect when you contact Appello, the questions we ask and why these are important.
Our aim at this stage is to ensure you have the right information around digital telecare to make an informed decision. We will start with building a picture of your organisation and what you want to achieve with your project. This helps us find the right solution to match your needs and ensures there are no complications that could slow progress.
But it’s very much a two-way process: it’s also a chance for you to find out more about Appello and build your knowledge on how telecare is being impacted by the transition to digital telecoms networks. We want you to have all the facts so you can make your decision to work with us with confidence.
Planning your digital telecare project
1. Understanding your digital telecare requirements
We allocate a named contact based on your location, the type of organisation you are, and how many housing schemes or sites you manage. We also want to know details such as:
– What’s driving the project?
Do you simply need to upgrade to meet the requirements of the digital phone switchover or has this prompted you to consider what else you can do to improve your services or integrate with other building or care systems? We offer a choice of digital telecare products to suit different needs, so this enables us to pinpoint the best option for your organisation.
– What timeframes are you working to?
We can let you know if this is realistic and what you can do to make sure the project moves forward as quickly as possible.
– What stage are you at right now?
You may be fact finding, in which case we can provide information on our different products and how they can help you. Or you may be ready to narrow down the solution and see a full demo.
– What other departments are involved in the project?
It’s vital to know the challenges and priorities other departments have in relation to the project so everyone is on the same page. In particular, do you have support from your IT department?
2. Your procurement process – and how this impacts your digital telecare project
We often speak to people who aren’t aware how strict their organisation’s procurement rules are. But these need to be factored into your project plan as they may affect how you choose what suppliers to work with, as well as your project timescales.
Depending on the size of your organisation, you may need to obtain quotes from three potential suppliers or you may need to go through a full tender process, which can take a significant amount of time.
It may be possible to use a procurement framework, which provides public sector organisations with pre-approved suppliers for different project. This can speed things up, as areas such as market testing and benchmarking have already been evaluated. You may also be able to award the contract directly to your preferred supplier if the procurement regulations have been satisfied.
Appello is on a number of frameworks, such as Consortium Procurement, and we can make an introduction where relevant.
3. Finalising the scope of your digital telecare project
Even if you think you have a clear idea about what you want, it’s unlikely you’ll have a fully formed project scope at the outset. Our initial discussions clarify your aims so we can recommend cost-effective, future-proof products that meet your needs and begin building a specification.
Our goal is to help you make the most of your investment, so we advise on what elements may or may not be necessary for what you want to achieve within your budget.
Often organisations use the tender process to finalise their requirements. This may include a project wish list that potential suppliers comment on, showing how far they can match the different requirements. It’s only once the contract is awarded that the specification is completely finalised.
4. What are the typical timescales involved for a digital telecare project?
This depends on a number of factors. As we’ve already mentioned, your procurement requirements will impact timescales, so it’s crucial to understand your internal procedures.
Once the contract has been agreed, you’re generally looking at an average of four weeks for the installation phase for projects involving the upgrade of existing systems. For new builds, this will be determined by the progress of the building project.
5. What you can do to help the project go smoothly
It’s always helpful if you’re able to get your ‘ducks in a row’ at your end. For example, you can:
– Discuss the project with other departments from the outset so you have their input and perspective.
– Find out what your procurement process involves so you have an idea of the timeline and whether any specific requirements need to be met.
– Consider related practicalities, such as whether the site needs broadband and if an asbestos report will be necessary.
– Be aware of relevant legal requirements, such as whether you need to carry out a Data Protection Impact Assessment or issue a Section 20 (S20) notice of the installation works. Section 20 is only applicable for those with leasehold tenures but this can impact both your procurement process and the timescales for your project.
Take a look at our guide on how to plan and procure the right digital solution for useful tips on managing your digital telecare project.
Starting your digital telecare project
Take a look at the second part of our guide to find out what happens when you start your digital telecare project with Appello. We cover the practicalities as you prepare for the installation of your digital systems, what happens during the installation phase, how you can engage your residents with the process and the training available to support your staff.
If you’re looking for a pain-free transition to digital telecare, we’d love to chat. We’ll audit your current system and provide our recommendations for cost-effective, future-proof digital telecare solutions that meet your needs. Contact us to talk about your requirements and find out how we can help you.
