Online 3, a Crayon partner was engaged by Australian franchise, Gutter-Vac when it faced significant operational challenges due to outdated software and manual processes. Deep expertise across the Microsoft platform and Online 3’s exceptional customer-centric service standards resulted in a deep transformational initiative that has set Gutter-Vac up for sustained growth and success, long into the future.
Gutter-Vac is a prominent Australian franchise specialising in residential maintenance systems and services. For years, the business relied on disparate systems and spreadsheets, leading to duplicated efforts, errors, and business process inefficiencies that created significant frictions and relationship issues across its franchise network. Reliance on a deprecating proprietary software system created further risk to the business, which had found itself saddled with very high costs every time a change or customisation was needed to support internal process changes.
Recognising the urgent need for modernisation, founders Warren and Anne Ballantyne sought a solution that could centralise data, enhance productivity, and reduce administrative burdens for franchisees.
Partnering with Online 3, a seasoned IT services provider, Gutter-Vac embarked on a transformational journey. Online 3 recommended retiring the legacy software and adopting a platform-based approach leveraging Microsoft Power Platform, Microsoft 365, and Dynamics 365. This strategic shift empowered Gutter-Vac to gradually enhance its system capabilities without upfront prohibitive costs, ensuring alignment with evolving business needs.
The implementation of Online 3’s solution was swift and comprehensive, consolidating Gutter-Vac’s systems onto a unified cloud platform. Key enhancements included a new SharePoint intranet for franchisee communications, a robust royalty calculation system, and automated compliance reporting using Power Automate and Power BI. This integration not only streamlined operations but also fostered better collaboration between franchisor and franchisees, supported by enhanced data security and licensing efficiencies.
The outcomes were transformative. Within 12 weeks, Gutter-Vac saw tangible improvements in operational efficiency, compliance management and franchisee relationships. The true mark of success however is in the close bond formed between Online 3 and their customer.
Open the full case study to learn why Gutter-Vac founders Warren and Anne simply can’t imagine running their business without the support of the team at Online 3!
Get the details on the technical approach, business outcomes and new value created for GutterVac.
