Kiwi franchise growing with reliable IT

What was the issue?

At Mizin (formerly Cabin Hire NZ), their business was growing, and they made the decision to franchise. Their IT systems needed to work together seamlessly to support this expansion. 

• Mizin had taken expert advice from franchise specialists and put a lot of effort into getting the business ready, and into ensuring that new franchisees get great value from their investment with every chance of success!

• Critical to this success, is a well-specified IT system that is consistent across the franchisee.

• This IT system needed to enable Mizin to run the business, and for the franchisees to grow their businesses with confidence, with all the tools they needed to do a quality job serving Mizin customers.

• While working well for the franchisees, the IT system also needs to ensure, for everyone’s best interests, that Mizin remains in control of the franchisee system and data.

 What needed to happen? 

• To find a reliable IT company to partner with, that they could trust to deliver their specific requirements. 

• To put in place IT systems, to support the franchisor and franchisees on an ongoing basis.

• To have a repeatable method for training franchisees as they came onboard.

• They needed their different systems to be fully integrated so that communication was easier. 

• Mizin were using Microsoft 365, plus a specific hire programme, and Xero, however they needed to be able to get all of the systems working together in a better way.

 Action steps:

• They were referred to GTB. 

• They met and had a long discussion about what was required for Mizin’s visions and needs. 

• GTB helped improve some of Mizin’s existing IT, aided with setting up Microsoft 365 and Sharepoint. 

• GTB developed a ‘franchisee IT template’ as a part of onboarding franchisees to Mizin.

• Onboarded the first Mizin franchisees, with GTB setting up the franchisee’s laptops, tablets, Microsoft 365 email and systems access.

• Currently working on a phone system for the franchise

• GTB created streamlining of the systems and made suggestions for what needed to happen. 

“It’s just freed up our lives. We would struggle without it, and there would be a lot of paperwork!”

Result:

• Mizin now has efficient systems in place that work for everyone. This includes the use of SharePoint and 365 email.

• The franchise template for the IT ‘onboarding’ of franchisees has been used multiple times, and feedback from new franchisees is that they appreciate GTB’s (and Mizin’s) efforts.

• GTB now sets up a franchisee’s IT, and provides the hardware and software they need. GTB is there to support them on an ongoing basis in a direct relationship.

• Gordon and the Mizin team are happy about how this is all working, and know they have a reliable long-term partner in GTB. This helps give them the confidence to continue taking on franchisees. They also know their franchisees are looked after by an IT company that understands them and their requirements.

• “Good reliable systems that have freed up our lives”.

Mizin are currently looking for franchisees for territories throughout New Zealand. If you are interested in finding out more please contact them directly.

Mizin Cabins

https://www.mizin.nz/

Gordon Green