A concept for an innovative new Microsoft Power App envisioned by Orbit Group to transform the management of utility meter readings for all housing association homes has won a Microsoft UK competition.

Orbit Group is now working in partnership with leading Microsoft partner, Infinity Group, to develop the app. Once completed, the Utilities Manager App will be available on Microsoft App Source for all social landlords to download and use.

Colleagues at Orbit Group came up with the concept for the app when looking to find a more efficient way to take meter readings, record bills from utility providers and apportion costs to customers, to improve what can be a time consuming and manual process.

“We had some excellent entries in the competition” said Caimin Stafford, Solutions Specialist from Microsoft “but the Utilities Manager App concept by Orbit Group is a worthy winner of the Power Platform Concept Competition for UK Housing. We are thrilled this game-changing app is being brought to all UK housing associations.”

When completed, the Utilities Manager App will be available to be used on any phone or tablet by colleagues visiting a location and will record meter readings with photos, automating cost allocation in line with agreements.

“Not only will this app offer housing associations a much more efficient way to carry out what can otherwise be a laborious process, most importantly, customers will have a much better, more accurate oversight of the utility supplies and associated costs. We look forward to seeing how the app can be put into practice as a tool to help customers and colleagues.” said Lisa Odedra, Lead Solutions Architect – Orbit Group, who was the driving force behind the design of the app.

Development of the app is well underway and is due to be completed by the end of October. Sarah McRow, Infinity Group’s Head of Sales – Housing, added: “We are delighted to be supporting Orbit Group to bring the Utilities Manager to life. Not only does it showcase what Microsoft Power Apps are capable of, but how Housing Associations, Microsoft and partners can come together to collaborate on developing a truly transformative solution to help all organisations in the housing sector.”

Get in touch if you would like to find out more about our Housing Management System solutions.