Partnering with Access PaySuite replaced manual work with real-time automation. Tenants gained access to a simpler, faster and more intuitive way to pay, while staff benefited from instant visibility and reduced workloads. The result was measurable financial impact, including faster settlements, lower transaction fees as further efficiencies are unlocked through integration with their new housing management system, Homemaster, by Aareon.
From manual workarounds to modern automation
When Lhyam Sumal joined Shettleston Housing Association, it quickly became clear that the existing payment system was working against both staff and tenants. Teams were downloading and circulating up to 15 files daily, while tenants experienced long reference numbers, slow updates and unnecessarily complex payment journeys. The incumbent supplier offered limited innovation, poor visibility and settlement times of up to twelve days. The organisation required more than a replacement system, it needed a partner capable of supporting future digital transformation.
That search led to Access PaySuite, and the shift that followed transformed the entire payment experience.
The challenge
- Up to 15 payment files manually processed daily
- Tenant payments taking up to 48 hours to reflect
- Funds taking 12 days to reach the organisation
- Transaction fees almost double modern platforms
- No development roadmap or innovation
The solution
PaySuite were able to:
- Fully replace existing processes without disruption
- Automate manual tasks and provide real-time visibility
- Deliver secure telephone payments and digital card payments
- Integrate seamlessly with their existing systems and future platforms
- Offer lower transaction fees and significantly faster payouts
- Build a collaborative, forward-thinking partnership
Everything we had, you were able to replace and enhance with modern tools.
The impact
A dramatically improved tenant payment experience
Tenants benefit from a faster, more seamless payment journey, with payments reflected instantly in housing management systems and Direct Debit or account updates completed in seconds. Secure payment links and on-site card terminals make it easy to pay however is most convenient, while removing the need for lengthy tenancy reference numbers or third-party account registrations.
A smarter, faster way of working for staff
By significantly reducing manual payment processing, organisations can streamline day-to-day operations and free up valuable staff time. Tasks that once required specialist expertise can be managed across the wider team, while real-time access to payment information eliminates reliance on supplier emails. The result is simpler workflows, fewer errors, and a more efficient service for both staff and tenants.
Staff are happier because everything is easier. Most tasks are just click here – done.
Stronger Financial Outcomes
The move to a more efficient payment solution delivers measurable financial benefits across the organisation. Settlement times are reduced from up to 12 days to as little as 24-48 hours, helping improve cash flow and financial visibility. Lower transaction fees contribute to reduced operational costs, while automation significantly cuts the manual workload associated with payment administration, freeing staff to focus on higher-value activities. In addition, PCI compliance risks are removed, providing greater security and reducing the burden of managing sensitive payment data.
Access PaySuite is one of our most strategic partners. They know our business so well that sometimes I don’t even need to speak in meetings.
Looking ahead: A payment foundation ready for the future
Together, Access PaySuite and Shettleston Housing Association now operate as strategic partners, shaping a payment infrastructure designed to evolve with organisational needs. What began as a payment system replacement has become a catalyst for broader digital transformation.
What challenge was Shettleston Housing Association facing before working with Access PaySuite?
Before partnering with Access PaySuite, Shettleston Housing Association was using an outdated payment system that relied heavily on manual processes. Rent payments took up to 12 days to settle, reporting lacked real‑time visibility, and staff were managing multiple daily files to reconcile payments, creating inefficiencies for both tenants and teams.
How did Access PaySuite help improve payment processing for Shettleston Housing Association?
Access PaySuite replaced manual payment processes with automated, real‑time payment solutions. This enabled instant payment visibility, faster settlement times of 24–48 hours, and simplified workflows for staff, while maintaining continuity and avoiding disruption during implementation.
What impact did Access PaySuite have on tenant experience at Shettleston Housing Association?
The introduction of Access PaySuite significantly improved the tenant payment journey. Tenants gained access to simpler, more intuitive payment options, including secure online and telephone payments, with payments reflected instantly in housing management systems and without complex reference numbers or third‑party registrations.
How did Access PaySuite support cash flow improvements for the housing association?
By reducing settlement times from 12 days to as little as 24–48 hours, Access PaySuite helped Shettleston Housing Association access rental income faster. This improvement in cash flow supported better financial planning, reduced reliance on manual reconciliation, and delivered operational cost savings through lower transaction fees.
Why did Shettleston Housing Association choose Access PaySuite as a long‑term partner?
Shettleston Housing Association chose Access PaySuite not just as a payment provider, but as a strategic partner. Access PaySuite demonstrated a forward‑thinking approach, strong understanding of social housing needs, seamless integration with housing management systems, and a commitment to supporting ongoing digital transformation.