There are plenty of reasons to use technology-based solutions, of course, including to maximise the effective organisation of data, to reduce administrative costs and to generate revenue in your business.
NDS has been paying close attention to the operational needs of organisations in the new NDIS environment, and from our learning, we have concluded that one of the best approaches to dealing with this new environment is to leverage existing technology available in the market today.
This means identifying systems that perform well in their specialisation area, such as client or workforce management, and integrating to ensure that they work together effectively.
With hundreds of systems to choose from - and many acronyms and abbreviations to decode - we thought you might benefit from this summary of common technology terms to help you on your tech journey.
When entering the software marketplace, it can seem like a minefield. If you need some help with working out your technology needs, you can engage an NDS consultant. Contact Billy Kang at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a discussion.
CMS
Client Management System - A CMS keeps key client data such as support needs, NDIS goals, notes, risk management, task management, calendar of events and service management. A CMS should allow for uploadable files like photos and videos, and keep an accurate record of how NDIS goals are being supported. The CMS should manage the client’s NDIS package with your organisation, including links to a client service schedule. Not to be confused with a content management system for managing the content of a website, like WordPress or Drupal.
NDS supports the iplanit CMS integrated with easyemployer. You can register for a webinar to learn more about iplanit.
WMS
Workforce Management System – A WMS will assist you to manage your employees. WMSs include a range of functions like rostering, time and attendance through to payroll. They include staff profiles with varying kinds of data, such as skills and qualifications. It is important to have a comprehensive system that supports wage cost control.
NDS supports the easyemployer WMS integrated with iplanit. You can register for a webinar to learn more.
LMS
Learning Management System – An LMS is a software system that delivers electronic learning modules via a browser on the internet or via a networked software solution installed on computers. An LMS is primarily used internally to manage learning and development, and includes all TMS functionality as well as additional services such as target-setting and monitoring, skills profiles and managing qualification compliance.
NDS Learn and Develop provides access to sector specific content through the NDS learning portal.
TMS
Training Management System – A TMS provides all the functionality required for running a training business, managed learning services or training department or arm. It builds processes around courses from creating potential customer leads to arranging courses and providing post course follow up. In addition to managing training, a TMS also deals with peripheral aspects such as online booking and finance, marketing and resource management.
CRM
Customer Relationship Management software systems are designed to manage your sales process or sales funnel. Basic features of a CRM include contact management, a centralised place to keep notes from sales pitches and customer service activity, and information analysis tools. A CRM is different to a CMS because it is focused on processes relating to sales and not complex human service delivery environments.
ERP
Enterprise Resource Planning systems are software designed to run your entire business. The most basic functions of an ERP are sales/customer management (CRM) and accounting software functionality. Like the majority of one-size-fits-all solutions, many ERPs provide too many modules for disability service providers. The important thing to understand is that an ERP attempts to do the work of two or more smaller business management software systems, meaning that it is most suited to large, complex environments.
SaaS
SaaS stands for Software as a Service. Anytime you see something offered as a service, it means that access to the product is offered via a subscription. This provides higher value service and support to the customer and reduces production costs.
All of the previously-mentioned systems can be provided as SaaS. The main benefit of choosing this option is that it is cloud-based, which means it enables access at any site on a range of devices, and provides a multitude of other organisational benefits. Find out more about the cloud and multi-cloud options.
