Wahooti supports growth with Vism install

Wahooti has implemented the Vism project management software system to maximise the efficiency and profitability of its installation processes and support its rapid growth.

Vism was installed at the printing and project management specialist, which is based near Bank in central London, earlier this year.

The company said the cloud-based system has “transformed” its installation process, with relationships and customers now much more effectively managed and communication now fast, accurate and focused on delivering high levels of customer satisfaction.

Wahooti was formed in 2015 when Nick Manuel, a print buyer in an ad agency, and his father Julian, who worked for a large-format printer, decided to work together.

Offering a one-stop shop to manage a print project from conception to installation, the business outsources a lot of the print work to a roster of suppliers.

“Most large-format projects require a specialist fitter to carry out the installation. Whether we are doing this ourselves or using external suppliers, accurate and timely communication is extremely important,” said Nick Manuel.

“For a while, we were doing this using Google calendar, WhatsApp and information briefing sheets produced in Word.

“This was extremely limited in terms of sharing information with multiple installers to see who was most suitable and available for the job and also gave us a real headache when it came to knowing that the customer had signed off the project and if they were happy.”

Searching for new technology to streamline its processes, Manuel initially heard of Vism through social media and, upon further research, felt it offered exactly what Wahooti was looking for.

“Vism’s strength is that it is very much designed for our industry and this is apparent as soon as you see it,” he said.

“By using Vism, you immediately improve the whole process of requesting, arranging and completing a large-format signage installation.”

Vism was up and running “almost immediately” at Wahooti and Manuel said the company had its installers setup on the system “within minutes”.

“The biggest selling point to us was that Vism allows us to hold all the information relevant to each of our projects in a central place that could be communicated to multiple installers in one go. From there we can see who is available and select an installer there and then.

“Previously this would have taken many emails back and forth and always created the potential to double book or provide misinformation. The installer then has all the information they need directly sent to their smartphone, including location and special information. We can also fire through any changes and their instructions are updated immediately.”

He added: “This simple improvement to our operations has saved us at least two days per month, which has a hugely positive impact on our bottom-line profitability.”

Manuel said Vism’s sub-contractor module enables it to collaborate effectively with its suppliers, who also use the software.

“When we use sub-contractors, it is important that this is seamless for our customers. Thanks to Vism we can ensure we maintain the same high level of service for all our installations.”

Vism managing director Dan Tyler added: “Wahooti were very quick to adopt Vism and go out there and start working with their suppliers.

“Nick has almost reiterated a lot of what we set out to do with Vism – they can do more with less, be more profitable, be more efficient, speed up cashflow and deal with all the challenges that small growing businesses face.”

Employing 10 staff, Wahooti turns over £3m and serves a variety of clients in sectors including construction and advertising.