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Established in 2010, Mel’s Computer Care is a computer and software solutions company located in Sale, Cheshire. The company’s seven staff provide computer support, repair, and sales alongside the creation of bespoke software solutions for both businesses and private consumers.

The company provides technical support to its own customers as well as supporting Okappy’s customers in the implementation and use of the Okappy platform.

Business owner, Mel Harris first came across Okappy’s software when looking for a solution to help improve his capacity to manage his various client responsibilities.

Like many businesses Mel’s workflow management began with a simple spreadsheet, but as he became busier, he began to search for software that would help him manage his operations more effectively. After careful consideration Mel chose Okappy as the right solution to help him manage his clients efficiently and successfully.

“We found [Okappy] a number of years ago, the software was not long out of its development phase, we are pleased to have found a partner that is dedicated to continually growing and improving. It is nice to see how the solution is maturing… It’s become more versatile, which is a thing I haven’t seen very much and think it is the great benefit to it, with the reporting and flexibility to adapt to the sector you’re in.” Mel says.

“Going forward Okappy is developing and getting better every day, improving and bringing in more functionality to make running my business so much easier for me.”

Okappy provides a considerable amount of support to its own customers. However, we at Mel’s Computer Care step in to support those customers that require a bit of extra support or who have more specific, tailored needs.

Mel continues, “The main relationship began when Richard [the founder and CEO of Okappy] outsourced [some of] the IT support that Okappy clients received, so they could get a more tailored, in-depth guidance.”

When Okappy clients had general queries about how to use Okappy, Mel became their first point of contact. Mel said,

“Okappy is quite versatile and can be tweaked to match the customer’s needs. As we looked into developing Okappy for the client the opportunities became clear and were very much worth exploring…”

Mel found that a lot of clients knew what they wanted, but didn’t have the technical experience to achieve it, “so we came in to help them tailor it to their needs.”

“I’m speaking with business clients every day, in the sectors of labour, repairs, plumbing, services, waterworks… I see them grow and support them with their IT systems, but they have a stack of papers on their desk of job sheets that I see them rummaging through. It’s very empowering to be able to say ‘there’s better ways of doing this’, I can support them in taking that next step. A lot of them do realise that Okappy is really well suited for them but are afraid to take the next step.”

Mel pointed out that this is a common challenge for businesses, particularly in these sectors –   people aren’t used to using I.T., but often they’re forced to use it as part of their role. So they tend to stay in their comfort zone, using paper and analogue systems for recording and managing their operations even when software would streamline their operations. In relation to these paper-based operations Mel said:

“Businesses that are growing do see that as a barrier. They understand that they need to be more efficient. A lot of them see their staff increasing and they work remotely, so managing that is basically a nightmare.”

Mel says that when it comes to software development for a business:

“You’ve got two solutions, ‘off-the-shelf’, or bespoke solutions. Generally, if you’re going to build a bespoke solution, you’ll have to invest a lot of time and money, and then there is a need for constant development work, so it just isn’t an option for many people.  But with an off-the-shelf solution from Okappy you’ve also got the adaptability which is a massive advantage.”

So Mel’s Computer Care helps provide Okappy customers with the support to guide businesses towards the implementation of a software solution, including the uploading of data, and help familiarising themselves with its day to day use. Mel and his team then help to roll it out across the company and tailor it based on any specific needs and requirements.

He said that Okappy is a great system to support remote staff:

“For example, you have all the job sheets on your phone. All the engineers can update the job sheets instantly and you’ll have the update and then they can be invoiced through that. It is just so much more efficient.”

With such a host of ways Okappy can integrate to work alongside other software systems, we then asked Mel about other ways he feels Okappy benefits clients:

“The accounting side is a big factor. So, you can integrate it into cloud accounting software, like Xero and QuickBooks. I feel it’s important for it to have that link. You haven’t got to navigate multiple systems meaning you can invoice straight from the Okappy platform.”

“The reporting is a really important aspect. For those people trying to get more data out of their business and make data-driven decisions it’s vital. It’s really important to be able to get data in a report so they can actually see what’s happening in the business.”

“Data security is another thing as well. With all the GDPR implementation and cybercrime as well, you need to have data controlled and with Okappy it is very well protected.”

“My ethos is quality customer service. That’s what we strive for. We actually spend the time to listen and speak to our clients and not merely sell them a solution and then shut the door, like other places. The way we work allows us to understand them more because we’re getting more involved in how the clients work, which then in turn helps us with the development and support aspects of their I.T. systems. It’s building relationships really – understanding them and what their requirements are, what their goals are, what their limitations or challenges are. A Job management system is so key to any business!”

“Still do research to make sure Okappy is the right solution. They offer a trial service, so use that to familiarise yourself. And speak with Richard, the team, or myself with any questions you may have. Look at the good feedback, case studies and reviews Okappy gets as this gives valuable insight into other company’s experiences. Just give it a go!”

“I spent many hours doing research into other systems and found that you got what you bought and couldn’t change it and often didn’t qualify for much support at all. But with Okappy, its versatility is a key benefit to a company where you can customise the platform.”

“The support with Okappy is growing and responsive which is a great sign that it is going places and that it’s only going to get better.”