How application management software can reduce time spent on admin with The Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce
The Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce has used MindaClient’s as its application management tool to run its annual Business Awards for the past five years. We have designed the portal specifically for how they work and what they are looking to achieve. This allows their team to focus on the awards event itself instead of the paperwork behind the applications and nominations.
What Is Application Management Software?
Application management software can reduce time spent on administration by replacing spreadsheets, email inboxes and manual sorting with our portal that collects, organises and routes every application and nomination. Application management software is a system that handles the full lifecycle of an application or nomination, from submission to review to decision all in one place. Instead of applicants emailing forms and staff manually tracking entries in spreadsheets, a dedicated software system collects every submission through a single portal, checks it against set criteria and moves it through to the review stage automatically.
For organisations that run awards, grants, scholarships or membership applications, this turns an admin burden into a repeatable, low-effort process.
The Challenge for Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce
The Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce needed a system to seamlessly manage all applications and nominations for its annual Business Awards. Each year, the Chamber opens the awards to two audiences, businesses or individuals applying directly and members of the public or other businesses nominating a company they believe deserves an award. People can apply or nominate across 20 award categories, with each applicant eligible for up to three awards. This would be a huge task for the Chamber if it was done manually or if it was done across multiple systems.
The Solution from MindaClient
MindaClient designed and consulted on a portal tailored specifically to Kilkenny Chamber’s process, with a focus on ease of use and flexibility around reviews. Here’s how it works in practice:
- Applicants and people wanting to make a nomination log in to a portal branded and configured for Kilkenny Chamber and complete a structured form for each award they’re applying or nominating for.
- After the deadline closes, the Chamber’s admin team checks submissions and begins the review stage.
- The qualifying applications move to review and third-party reviewers assess entries and interview applicants before final decisions are made in a physical interview environment with the applications from MindaClient with them.
The Impact on the Kilkenny Business Awards
The result is a system that reduces time spent on admin so the Chamber’s team can fully focus on delivering the Awards Banquet, not chasing paperwork. Their customised dashboard reports give the team a full overview of applications, nominations and review status in real time as they update automatically as they are submitted.
“The ease of use, with a great support network behind it is what I like most. No problem is too small, or too big, for the support team.”
Róisín McQuillan, Administrator & Business Development Officer, Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce
The Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce does not only use MindaClient for the awards process. They also use it as their CRM and business management system, used to:
- Send and track email communications
- Record meetings and activities with members and contacts
- Maintain standard CRM records across the organisation
Having an application management system and CRM in one software platform means the Chamber does not have to juggle separate tools for awards season and everyday member management which streamlines their entire operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is application management software used for?
It is used to collect, track and review applications or nominations for awards, grants, scholarships or membership programmes. It can replace manual, email and spreadsheet based processes with a single online portal that feeds directly into the main system. - How does application management software reduce time spent on admin?
By automating submission collection, centralising review workflows and having saved dashboard reports for a full overview, staff will spend more time on decisions and what they do best rather than manual administration. - Can application management software also work as a CRM?
Yes, Kilkenny Chamber (and most of our clients) use MindaClient as both an application management tool and as a CRM and business management system for email, meetings and activity tracking, all in one platform. - Is this software easy to use?
Kilkenny Chamber has given us invaluable feedback about the system’s ease of use. It is easy to navigate for applicants, reviewers and the admin team. We also offer first class customer support with a dedicated account manager and excellent customer support team. - How long has this system been in use?
MindaClient has managed Kilkenny Chamber’s Business Awards applications and nominations for the past five years and we truly value this amazing partnership and love working with all the team in the Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce.
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