We held our first Implementation and Planning meeting with Wirral Wheelchair Service in mid June to prepare for their upgrade from BEST V14.8 to V14.50. With a deadline set for the beginning of September, this project had one of the tightest turnaround times on record and everyone involved had their work cut out for them.
Throughout the summer months, the Wheelchair Service staff did an excellent job testing data and processes, all while managing staff holidays. They made wonderful use of the Guided Learning Videos supplied as part of the upgrade package, ensuring they were well-prepared for go-live.
Meanwhile, the Soft Options team worked hard behind the scenes to ensure everything was ready for the transition. The simultaneous upgrade of several Ross Care sites, including Wirral and Chester’s Approved Repairer site, required the implementation of multiple new EDTs, expertly managed by Senior Developer Mike, while Dave handled the data conversions.
As autumn approached, both teams focused on getting the services ready to go live. With Software Trainer, Vicky on site in Wirral and the rest of the Soft Options team providing remote support, the Wirral and Cheshire Wheelchair Service successfully went live with BEST V14.50.
Thanks to this being an upgrade, the team at the Wheelchair Service were already familiar with BEST and were able to complete their data checks early in the day.
Between versions 14.8 and 14.50, a number of key improvements were introduced and the team on site were quick to appreciate them. Clinicians were particularly pleased to be able to raise work orders directly from the Assessment screen, while technicians praised the enhanced Asset Review screen, commenting that it is now “much easier to use.”
This upgrade was a notable example of collaboration, commitment, and efficiency from both the Wirral Wheelchair Service and Soft Options.
Testimonial from Amanda Ball, Specialist Services Manager for Wheelchair Services
Soft Options pulled out all the stops to enable us to upgrade to v14.50 in record time before our Service Support Manager retired.
Thanks to Dave and his excellent team, the process went smoothly, and we can’t thank them enough for being so amenable and responsive to all our needs.
During Go Live, it was great having Vicky on hand for 2 days to support the service and staff, especially with her having first-hand experience working in Wheelchair Services, she understood the importance of getting things right from the service user perspective. Kelly was also on hand when needed, her usual fantastic self, buzzing with lots of energy, explaining things we couldn’t fathom in a way we could understand.
The new training videos are a great addition and will prove really helpful for future reference and any new starters.
We have worked with Soft Options for many years and our experience is always a positive one, we love the fact that Dave is still so hands on and passionate about delivering a system that is the BEST!
