Client Overview
Housing Choices Australia (HCA) is a leading not-for-profit organisation dedicated to delivering affordable housing and community-focused services. With operations spanning multiple states, HCA manages a diverse portfolio of properties while supporting thousands of residents. As a mission-driven organisation, HCA is committed to creating thriving communities, ensuring its residents have access to safe, secure, and affordable housing. However, delivering on this mission required a robust and future-ready IT infrastructure capable of supporting its operational needs and safeguarding sensitive data.
Recognising the growing importance of technology in enabling its mission, HCA partnered with Orro to modernise its IT systems and enhance its digital capabilities. This collaboration has positioned HCA to better serve its residents and adapt to the evolving demands of the digital age.
Problem: Overcoming Technology Debt in a Rapidly Changing Landscape
The rapid pace of technological advancement, coupled with rising expectations from clients, staff, and regulators, presented significant challenges for HCA. Residents increasingly rely on HCA’s services and expect them to be delivered with consistency and reliability. Staff require reliable tools to perform their roles effectively, and new legislation demanded stricter compliance and data protection measures. Yet, HCA found itself constrained by outdated and fragmented IT systems that struggled to meet these demands.
Key challenges included:
- Outdated Systems: Legacy tools, including desk phones and unsupported applications, were not only inefficient but also exposed HCA to potential cybersecurity risks.
- Fragmented Infrastructure: With multiple telephony and service providers across its offices, HCA faced inconsistent connectivity, frequent service disruptions, and higher operational costs.
- Limited IT Resources: A small internal IT team lacked the capacity to manage existing systems or drive the strategic changes required for long-term success.
- Cybersecurity Risks: The absence of advanced security measures left sensitive resident data vulnerable, creating compliance and reputational risks.
HCA recognised that addressing these issues was critical not only to improve day-to-day operations but also to future-proof its organisation in a landscape where digital maturity was no longer optional.
Solution: Tailored IT Modernisation for Strategic Growth
To address these challenges, Orro worked closely with HCA to design and implement a comprehensive suite of IT solutions, tailored to the organisation’s unique needs. This collaborative approach ensured that each initiative was aligned with HCA’s strategic goals.
Key solutions included:
- Network Redesign and Upgrade:
- Orro conducted a thorough assessment of HCA’s network infrastructure and implemented a high-performance, scalable network.
- This upgrade resolved persistent connectivity issues, ensuring seamless operations across all HCA offices and enabling staff to focus on their core responsibilities without IT interruptions.
- Cloud Telephony Transformation:
- Driven by HCA, this transformative initiative was delivered in partnership with Orro. By consolidating three fragmented phone systems into a unified, cloud-based telephony solution, Orro improved communication efficiency while reducing costs.
- The flexibility of the cloud solution enabled staff to work seamlessly across locations, supporting HCA’s commitment to adaptability.
- Enhanced Collaboration:
- The deployment of video conferencing systems revolutionised internal communication, connecting teams across multiple states and fostering collaboration.
- These systems were especially critical in supporting HCA’s geographically dispersed workforce, allowing them to operate as a cohesive unit.
- Protecting Digital Assets:
- Driven by HCA as a key strategic initiative, Orro partnered to implement advanced cybersecurity measures including SharePoint hardening, comprehensive patch management, a Security Operations Centre (SOC) for proactive threat monitoring and Vulnerability Management Services (VMS), to safeguard HCA’s systems and sensitive resident data.
- These collaborative efforts significantly reduced cybersecurity risks and enhanced compliance with regulatory standards.
- Identity Management:
- In collaboration with HCA, Orro implemented an identity and access management solution leveraging Microsoft E5 licensing to ensure secure access for staff across all locations.
- This solution not only improved security but also streamlined user authentication processes, saving valuable time for HCA’s IT team.
- Wi-Fi Upgrades:
- A pilot project upgrading the Wi-Fi networks at HCA’s Melbourne and Preston offices demonstrated immediate benefits in connectivity and user experience.
- The success of this initiative paved the way for similar enhancements across other locations.
“Orro’s collaborative approach ensured that every solution was tailored to our specific needs, helping us build a stronger, more secure foundation for the future.”
— Fang Stevenson, Director of Digital Services, Housing Choices Australia
Outcome: A Digital Transformation That Delivers Results
HCA’s partnership with Orro has delivered measurable improvements across its operations, transforming the organisation’s ability to serve its residents and meet its strategic objectives:
- Operational Resilience:
- The redesigned network significantly reduced downtime and improved staff productivity, ensuring seamless operations across all locations.
- Enhanced Security:
- Cybersecurity improvements, including SOC and VMS, mitigated risks in a proactive approach.
- Cost and Time Efficiency:
- Consolidating telephony and network services reduced operational costs and allowed HCA’s IT team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than troubleshooting.
- Improved User Experience:
- Modernised tools and systems empowered staff to perform their roles more effectively, ultimately enabling HCA to better serve its residents.
“The solutions Orro implemented have transformed how we work, empowering our team to focus on delivering the best outcomes for our residents.”
— Fang Stevenson, General Manager IT, Housing Choices Australia
Looking Ahead: A Partnership for Continuous Improvement
HCA and Orro’s partnership continues to grow, with both organisations working together to enhance HCA’s digital and security maturity. By building on the strong foundation established through these projects, HCA is well-positioned to face future challenges with confidence.
“Partnering with Orro has been a game-changer for our organisation. Their expertise and collaborative approach have enabled us to modernise our systems and address critical challenges. The transformation has not only improved our operations but also empowered our team to better support staff and residents every day.”
— Daniel Cipriani, IT Operations and Security Manager, HCA
Learn how Orro can help your organisation achieve its digital transformation goals. Contact us today!
