Basix Housing Manager Roadmap: The Future of Cloud-Based Community Housing Software in Australia

Wednesday, March 11th, 2026

 

EMS Releases First Basix Housing Manager Roadmap: The Path to Cloud-Based Community Housing Software

EMS is pleased to release the first official Basix Housing Manager development roadmap, outlining the strategic evolution of the platform from a traditional on-premises system to a modern cloud-based community housing software solution.

This roadmap provides housing providers with visibility into the future direction of the platform and demonstrates EMS’s ongoing commitment to delivering a secure, scalable, and future-ready housing management system for the Australian community housing sector.

A Clear Direction: From On-Premises to SaaS

Beginning in Q1 2026, development of Basix Housing Manager is being delivered through structured quarterly roadmap phases designed to progressively transition the platform from its existing on-premises deployment model toward a fully cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) housing management platform.

This transition reflects the broader shift occurring across the sector, where community housing providers are increasingly seeking secure cloud housing management systems, improved integration capabilities, and greater operational flexibility.

A key technical step in this transition is the introduction of a co-located web server architecture. This strategic enhancement allows the platform to begin supporting modern web-based capabilities while continuing to operate within existing customer environments.

This architectural shift will:

  • Accelerate the delivery of new features
  • Enable broader integrations with other community housing systems and government services
  • Establish the technical foundation required for future cloud housing software deployment
  • Future-proof the platform for the next generation of social housing management solutions

Importantly, this approach allows customers to benefit from improvements progressively while the longer-term SaaS platform continues to evolve.

Phase 1 Development – Q1 2026 Progress

EMS is pleased to report that Phase 1 development is progressing on schedule, with the first tranche of new capabilities planned for delivery by the end of March 2026.

In Final Testing

Several major capabilities are currently in final testing, including:

  • A comprehensive suite of API endpoints to support integration with external platforms and services
  • Direct integration with the Queensland Community Housing Rent Calculator

These improvements expand the ability for Housing Manager to integrate with the wider housing ecosystem, supporting better data exchange and automation for community housing providers.

In Development

Additional capabilities currently in development include:

  • A new web-based dashboard providing real-time operational insights
  • Automated emailing of employee payslips directly from the system
  • A consolidated full-text search capability across all Housing Manager data, including:
    • Core database records
    • Uploaded documents
    • Attached files

These enhancements are designed to improve daily workflows, helping housing organisations access information faster and operate more efficiently.

Shaping the Future Through User Collaboration

As part of the roadmap rollout, EMS will also begin an ongoing program of user-group workshops with customers.

These workshops will provide opportunities for community housing providers to:

  • Discuss upcoming roadmap capabilities
  • Share operational insights from the sector
  • Provide feedback that helps guide future development priorities

This collaborative approach ensures the platform continues to evolve in alignment with the real operational needs of Australian community housing organisations.

Looking Ahead

The release of the Basix Housing Manager roadmap represents the beginning of an important new phase in the platform’s evolution.

By combining the stability and capability of the existing system with modern web and cloud technologies, EMS is building a next-generation housing management platform designed specifically for the Australian social and community housing sector.

As the roadmap progresses, customers can expect continued enhancements that support:

  • Cloud-based housing management
  • Integrated housing and tenancy systems
  • Modern web-based user experiences
  • Improved data integration across housing platforms

EMS remains committed to delivering a leading community housing software solution in Australia, helping providers manage tenancies, properties, compliance, and reporting more efficiently.

For further information or questions, please contact the EMS team at ems@ems-solutions.com.au.

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What Is Fully Integrated Property Management Software for Community Housing?

Friday, February 20th, 2026

Fully integrated property management software is a system that allows community housing providers to manage properties, tenants, finances, and maintenance on a single secure platform. Instead of relying on spreadsheets or disconnected tools, organisations can access real time data, automate processes and manage their entire portfolio from anywhere.

For community housing providers across Australia, adopting fully integrated property management software helps improve compliance, streamline operations, and reduce administrative workload. It provides a single, integrated system for managing tenancies, finances, reporting and maintenance while supporting better decision making through accurate, real time insights.

As reporting requirements grow and housing portfolios expand, more providers are moving to specialised systems designed specifically for social and community housing management. These platforms bring everything together into one efficient solution that supports both operational and compliance needs.

Why Are Community Housing Providers Moving to Fully Integrated Systems?

Community housing organisations manage complex operations that include tenants, properties, maintenance schedules and strict compliance requirements. Traditional processes often rely on manual data entry or multiple systems that do not integrate effectively.

Moving to fully integrated property management software allows providers to modernise their operations and improve efficiency across every department.

Key reasons for adopting full integrated systems

  • Access to real time financial and tenancy data
  • Reduced reliance on spreadsheets and manual reporting
  • Improved compliance and audit readiness
  • Better collaboration across teams
  • Centralised information in one secure platform
  • Ability to scale as portfolios grow

Many providers also recognise that specialised social and community housing management software offers features designed specifically for the sector, rather than generic tools built for private real estate.

What Is Fully Integrated Property Management Software?

Fully integrated property management software is hosted, allowing authorised users to securely access the system from any location. All data is stored on a single central platform and updated in real time, ensuring information is always accurate and up to date.

Simple definition

Fully integrated property management software is an integrated system that manages tenancy, property, finance and maintenance functions within one platform.

How it works in practice

Instead of using separate programs for accounting, tenancy and maintenance, everything is managed within a single system. Updates made by one department are instantly visible across the organisation.

This improves accuracy, reduces duplication and allows management teams to make informed decisions based on real time information. For community housing providers, using dedicated social and community housing management software ensures the system aligns with regulatory and operational requirements.

What Features Should Community Housing Software Include?

Choosing the right fully integrated property management software is essential for long term efficiency and compliance. Systems designed for community housing provide specialised features that support daily operations and reporting obligations.

Essential features to look for:

Integrated tenancy and property management
Track tenants, leases and property details in one place.
Maintain accurate records and histories.

Finance and accounting integration
Manage rent, budgets and reporting within the same system.
Reduce manual reconciliation and errors.

Asset maintenance management
Schedule maintenance and track work orders.
Monitor property condition and contractor activity.

Document and compliance management
Store agreements and compliance records securely.
Access documents instantly when required.

Real time reporting and dashboards
Generate financial and operational reports quickly.
Support management and board level decision making.

A fully integrated property management software platform eliminates the need for multiple systems and improves overall efficiency.

How Does Cloud Software Improve Efficiency?

Efficiency is one of the main reasons community housing providers adopt fully integrated property management software. By automating processes and centralising data, organisations can operate more effectively.

Operational improvements include

  • Less time spent on manual data entry
  • Reduced duplication across systems
  • Faster report generation
  • Improved communication between teams
  • Easier access to accurate information
  • Better visibility across the organisation

With all departments working from one platform, staff can focus on delivering services rather than managing spreadsheets or chasing information. Many providers find that specialised social and community housing management software also improves accountability and transparency.

How Does Fully Integrated Software Support Compliance and Reporting?

Compliance is a major responsibility for community housing providers. Funding bodies and regulators require accurate reporting and financial transparency.

Modern fully integrated property management software supports compliance by automating and simplifying many of these tasks.

Compliance and reporting advantages

  • Accurate and timely financial reports
  • Audit ready documentation
  • Real time dashboards and insights
  • Secure data storage and backups

With all information stored in one system, organisations can quickly generate reports and demonstrate compliance with confidence.

Why Choose Australian Built Software?

Australian community housing providers face specific regulatory and operational requirements. Choosing locally developed, fully-integrated property management software ensures the system aligns with these needs.

Benefits of Australian built solutions

  • Designed for Australian compliance standards
  • Local support and implementation
  • Understanding of community housing structures
  • Ongoing updates aligned with regulations
  • Faster onboarding and training

Australian providers often benefit from using social and community housing management software built specifically for the local market rather than generic international platforms.

How EMS Solutions Supports Community Housing Providers

EMS Solutions has worked closely with community housing organisations to deliver technology that meets real industry needs. The Basix: Housing Manager™ platform is designed specifically for community housing providers and built in Australia.

Key advantages of Basix: Housing Manager™

  • One fully integrated system for the entire organisation
  • Finance, tenancy and asset in one platform
  • Asset maintenance and project management tools
  • Real time reporting and organisational insights
  • Local support and sector expertise

This purpose built fully integrated property management software helps community housing providers increase efficiency, reduce administrative effort and improve overall management.

Learn more about the system here:
https://www.ems-solutions.com.au/products/basix-housing-manager/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is fully integrated property management software?

Fully integrated property management software is an online platform that allows organisations to manage properties, tenants, finances and maintenance in one system.

Why is full integrated software important for community housing providers?

It improves efficiency, simplifies compliance and provides real time reporting for better decision making.

Can full integrated software replace spreadsheets and manual systems?

Yes. A fully integrated system can replace multiple tools and centralise all data on a single platform.

Is fully integrated property management software secure?

Modern platforms use secure hosting, encryption and regular backups to protect sensitive data.

Looking to Improve Your Housing Management Systems?

If your organisation is still relying on manual processes or multiple systems, now is the time to consider a more efficient approach. Modern fully integrated property management software can streamline operations, improve reporting and support long term growth.

EMS Solutions works with community housing providers across Australia to deliver integrated software designed specifically for the sector. Explore Basix: Housing Manager™ today and discover how a smarter system can support your organisation.

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Biz Hub Australia Acquires EMS Solutions to Advance Basix Platform

Thursday, November 20th, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Biz Hub Australia Acquires EMS Solutions, Investing in Next-Generation Basix Platform.

Canberra, 1 Oct 2025 — Biz Hub Australia is pleased to announce the acquisition of EMS Solutions, a leading provider of management software for Community Housing Providers and Electricity Asset Managers.

As part of the acquisition, Biz Hub Australia will make a significant investment in renewing the core technology of EMS Solutions’ Basix platform, enhancing client experience, performance, and embracing a web-first approach.

Biz Hub Australia brings deep expertise in mission-critical government systems, as well as data and system migration and conversion technologies, positioning the combined group for accelerated innovation and growth.

In making the acquisition, Biz Hub recognised the sophisticated domain knowledge of EMS Solutions in the Community and Social Housing and Electricity Asset Management sectors, along with the dedication, capacity, and service excellence of the EMS team.

Robert Brown, who will serve as CEO of both companies during the transition period, said: “We are excited to be on a journey together with EMS. We share a similar work culture and a focus on great outcomes and quality, friendliness, and determination to deliver. I think we’re all agreed it’s a great match.”

For more than 30 years, EMS Solutions has delivered comprehensive management systems tailored to the needs of community service and infrastructure providers. This acquisition will enable EMS Solutions to accelerate its evolution, leveraging best-of-breed and AI-assisted technologies to deliver even greater value to clients.

About Biz Hub Australia

Biz Hub Australia is a leading developer of enterprise systems for government and regulated industries, with specialist expertise in data integration, digital transformation and conversion of legacy and failing software systems.

About EMS Solutions

EMS Solutions provides proven management software for Community and Social Housing organisations and Electricity Asset Managers, supporting efficient operations, compliance, and customer service excellence.

Media Contact:

Name: Brodie James
Email: info@bizhub.com.au
Phone: 1300 978 230

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EMS celebrates 25 years

Thursday, January 2nd, 2020

Remember back when the World Wide Web was new, Google didn’t exist and smart phones were still in the realm of science fiction?

Since 1995 businesses have not only had to cope with the rapidly changing world of information technology, but at the same time live through global crises like Y2K, the GFC, SARS and more recently COVID-19.

So how has EMS, a small Australian technology firm, not only survived but thrived over the past 25 years?

“It’s about being agile, continuously seeking innovation and providing excellent customer support,” says EMS Product Manager and Director Chris Matthews. “We’ve got a solid business model, a loyal long-term customer base and dedicated staff who are highly skilled and adaptable to change,” says Chris.

EMS was set up in 1995 by his father, Allen Matthews, who had a vision to provide a “whole of business” software solution. With a staff of four based in a small office in Belconnen, ACT, Allen set about building software which would manage financial, customer, billing, resource, works and asset management functions for regional electricity distributors.

Allen drove the growth, expansion and success of the firm until his retirement in 2011. He sadly passed away six years later, after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. He left behind a team of three directors and a number of loyal long-term staff who have continued with the vision and leadership he had instilled into the company.

“He will always be remembered for his vision and courage as the founder of EMS, and will be greatly missed by both his immediate and EMS family” says Chris. Prior to setting up EMS, Allen had worked in the electricity distribution industry, where he had lead the development of a Unix-based software system capable of managing multiple business functions. He combined this experience with his vision to establish EMS and their first software products.

With the evolution of the Windows operating system and the Internet later in the 1990s, EMS adapted quickly, developing a Windows-based product called EMS-WASP, which continues to be used by many customers to this day. The business offering now includes a range of Basix™ products which were designed and continue to evolve in close conjunction with their customers to match requirements. This innovative software enables companies to manage and integrate vital business functions while reducing costs and risks.

“What we do is match business needs and deliver great value for money,” says Chris. While the firm’s original focus was on electricity sector clients, they have expanded their reach to include other utilities, airports and the community housing sector, where they are a leader in the provision of whole of business software solutions. With head office, development and support facilities based in Canberra, EMS has consulting staff across Australia who help provide clients with ready access to products and business expertise.

EMS would like to thank all their customers and staff, both past and present, for their contribution and support of this successful Australian owned small business.

Allen and his family at the Telstra Small Business awards Finals in 2004 (L-R: Kylie, Allen, Megan, Kerry and Chris)
Allen & his family at the Telstra Small Business awards Finals in 2004 (L-R: Kylie, Allen, Megan, Kerry & Chris).

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Two successful Basix:Housing Manager implementations in 2019

Monday, July 1st, 2019

In 2019 we successfully implemented Basix:Housing Manager for two new customers – Homes North Community Housing in Armidale NSW, and Access Community Housing Company in Cairns QLD. This included a full data migration from their previous system, user training and a number of enhancements that were requested during scoping.

The implementation project for Homes North Community Housing started in January and required very short timeframes due to a pending transfer of a large number of properties from the NSW Government to Homes North Community Housing. EMS was able to provide a live system in just 3 months as required, which allowed the transfer of properties to occur and provided a solid platform to complete the implementation of the full suite of modules.

We also implemented Basix:Housing Manager at Access Community Housing in Cairns, with a go-live date set of July 1 to coincide with the new financial year. Again, the system was implemented on time and on budget and has been well received by the users and management.

Both customers implemented the full Basix:Housing Manager solution, which includes fully integrated Finance, Tenancy, Assets, Human Resources, Payroll, Reporting and automated Centrepay payment processing.

EMS would like to thank staff and management of both Homes North and ACHC for their support and co-operation during these implementations, which was critical to their success.

https://homesnorth.org

http://www.achc.org.au

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Basix:Mobile implementation for BHC

Saturday, February 16th, 2019

In February 2019, BHC in Brisbane successfully went live with our Basix: Mobile solutions for Routine and Entry/Exit inspections.

This was after months of collaboration between EMS and BHC to develop and refine these mobile solutions, specifically developed by EMS to complement our Basix:Housing Manager product.

The implementation of these Basix:Mobile solutions has drastically reduced the time and effort required for BHC to conduct these inspections, which seamlessly integrate with Basix:Housing Manager. All Inspection reports, work tasks, next inspection dates and other files are automatically generated and linked to the relevant record in Basix:Housing Manager to streamline the entire process and avoid manual entry or re-keying of data.

EMS would like to thank BHC for their contribution to the design of these mobile solutions and we look forward to implementing Basix:Mobile with some of our other customers very soon.

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