Yolanda Lovelady, PMO Programme Coordinator, Roc Technologies - Advanced App Builder Interview

Yolanda Lovelady, ROC Technologies

Leads the iterative development of ATLAS Digital, ROC Tech’s best practice project management process built on the Softools web-application platform.

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Context

ST: What business challenges were you trying to solve when you began ABC training? What were you hoping to achieve through ABC training?

YL: Our project delivery methodology - ATLAS Digital - runs on Softools. With a range of project types and differing stakeholder requirements, it’s important that the system meets these needs while remaining standardized and fit-for[1]purpose. I wanted to be fully independent in my role, and agile enough to make amendments to the system without relying on the Softools support team.

ST: What was your main concern that would have prevented you from starting ABC, and what put your fears to rest?

YL: I had very little apprehension about undergoing a new training program. I’ve become proficient on other software systems in the past and, ultimately, I was very confident in Softools. My previous work with their team gave me every reason to trust them.

Training

ST: How long did the training take? How smooth was the training process?

YL: A good training course should set users up for success and Softools’ ABC does just that. It’s self-paced so you can progress at a speed comfortable for you, and suggests time allocations as guardrails to keep users on track.

ST: What specific feature did you enjoy most about the ABC training?

YL: It serves a wide range of user requirements and needs. It can benefit someone who needs the skills to make simple app modifications but can also bolster the know-how of advanced app builders. This becomes apparent in the first two modules. The overview module gives you an idea of what the system is capable of, and the second immediately gives you the skills to build a simple but valuable app that captures and structures data.

ST: How long did it take to put your skills into action?

YL: A day or two! A new client engagement required a second iteration of one of our applications. I had to create new and amend existing data fields and templates – my ABC experience made this so much easier. In building this second iteration, I was ensuring that processes are standardised across the organisation for future client engagements.

Outcomes

ST: What impact has your ABC certification had on your company?

YL: Our organisation is increasingly reliant on data to drive performance and results. With a new Managing Director with a new set of requirements, the ability to optimize our Softools applications to improve visibility of information and communication of data across the company is critical. It’s become especially useful in this time of uncertainty with project delays and stoppages. All project information is structured and easy to reference, that way the team can pick up where they left off once regular business activity resumes.

ST: What impact has your ABC certification had on you personally as a professional?

YL: PersonalIy, it has given me improved structure and wider responsibility at work. Emails come in with system requests and I have the ability to take immediate action. Best of all, I can take initiative and contribute to process improvement. The other day the office phone was ringing off the hook, so I built an app in 10 mins from scratch to log calls and assign required actions. This independence has given me a great sense of confidence and accomplishment.

ST: What are two benefits you’ve experienced as a result of using ABC?

YL: Time-saving and time efficiency. Previously I had to engage Softools’ support team to make system changes. While they are very responsive, I can now make changes in real-time saving time and maintaining business agility. Improved usability. I can make the application look and behave as our users need to be perform efficiently. I can spearhead changes to constantly improve everyone’s user experience.

Advice

ST: Why would you recommend ABC training to someone who might be on the fence?

YL: There are so many types of skills you can learn. Obviously, the training allows you to learn app-building skills. But more importantly, it gives you a better understanding of the business processes that underpin applications. It puts you in the right frame of mind to create fit-for-purpose solutions. Then, the ability to quickly digitize a process in an application is priceless.

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