Proof Bravelo^® Works

Central Indiana Community Network Bravelo is the Answer to Project Management

When it comes to organization, one knows it's always better to have everything in one place. This is true when it comes to planning events ranging from award banquets to committee meetings.

Thinking outside the box is a good thing. Just ask Susan Vaughn. The CEO of the Project Authority, Inc., thought outside the box, when her company began using Bravelo to help with project management. Vaughn was first introduced to the product more than a year ago. She saw the Bitwise logo, and was intrigued. "Bravelo was just what I needed," Vaughn said. "It's nice, because during the span of the ten years I've been consulting, my clients all had various systems."

Although Vaughn was intrigued with the product, she did not begin using it until the CICN project. CICN, the Central Indiana Community Network, is a coalition of nonprofit organizations in Central Indiana whose vision is to create an automated, integrated, on-line human serves network that will share client information and referral for the purpose of helping families obtain better, faster, more informed services.

"Bravelo allows for a high level of communication," Vaughn said. "Everyone has access. We were able to post information easily, and you don't have to dig through a number of e-mails for the information you need." Vaughn also points out the convenience. For example, if she attends a meeting and doesn't have a document, she can simply step over to a computer, log on and print the document.

Once CICN is in place, the system will allow caseworkers, care coordinators and frontline workers to query the various systems to determine which services the client/consumer has already received and for which the client may be eligible for.

The CICN system is intended to allow organizations to share basic client information, assist in reducing duplicate services and promote improved customer service. Once completed, the system will allow families in need to have electronically coordinated access to an array of services: emergency assistance, affordable child care, remedial education for children, health care, substance abuse treatment, basic social services, assessment, case management, legal counseling, mental health services, domestic violence assistance, housing assistance, work-based employer entered job training, transportation assistance, job readiness placement and retention services.

With a multitude of organizations involved, time-management is a must. Bravelo helps make sure that aspect is achieved. "Bravelo is a time-saving element," Vaughn said. "For example, I had someone set up a meeting who did not use Bravelo. We ran into problems with using the wrong distribution list being used, unsure who was attending and not attending the meeting. I spent 6 to 8 hours fixing that dilemma. With Bravelo, we can use the calendar feature and everything is in one central location. The calendar feature is amazing."

It's not just about time savings. There are cost savings elements as well.

With an estimate of project managers charging $100 to $200 an hour, Vaughn notes a saving is visible.

"On a weekly basis, the amount of money saved by using Bravelo is enough to pay for a project in some instances," Vaughn said. For example, in the past, Vaughn could spend upwards of an hour setting up and sending messages for a meeting. In Bravelo, it takes five minutes.

"The number of times my phone rings requesting documents, and spending time sending mail management has decreased," Vaughn said. "People are now pulling information, instead of me pushing it."

Vaughn notes that Bravelo allows her to spend time as a project manager, and takes away the administrative piece. "It's self-sufficient," Vaughn said.

"I love the product. I feel good about the company, and that's one of the reasons I use Bravelo on a personal basis as well. Anywhere I am, I try to sell the product. When I feel good about something, I share it."