When we talk about product innovation at AssetWorks Facilites, it’s all about collaboration and working side-by-side with our customers to solve real-world problems. One of the most impactful ways we bring new ideas to life is through our Special Interest Groups (SIGs).
You may have heard us reference SIGs when discussing products like ReADY Space, our intuitive platform for managing physical space on campus. More recently, these groups have been instrumental in shaping solutions like Facility Services, which streamlines custodial operations, as well as other tools that help teams stay audit-ready and aligned with evolving regulatory standards.
What truly sets these tools apart isn’t just what they do, but how they came to be. These resources weren’t just built for our customers; they were built with them.
What Is a SIG?
Essentially, a SIG is a joint initiative where a select group of customers partners with us to develop a new product from the ground up. Participants bring their real-world experience to the table; sharing what’s working, what isn’t, and what they truly need in a solution. In return, they get to influence the design, work with stakeholders, and access early versions of the product.
It’s not just about perfecting features, but rather meaningful engagement with customers throughout the process. From discovery sessions and design reviews to beta testing and ongoing check-ins, SIGs are unified, thoughtful, and focused on solving everyday challenges.
Why It Matters, For Everyone
If you’re already a part of the AssetWorks community, SIGs are your opportunity to tailor the tools you rely on daily. It’s the perfect chance to speak up about what would help you work smarter, streamline operations, and exceed your institution's goals.
If you’re new to AssetWorks, SIGs says a lot about who we are: we’re not just a software vendor; we’re a long-term partner in your success. While most companies build a product and try to sell it, we take a different approach. We encourage you to be part of the process from the beginning, improving a solution that delivers the value you deserve in a world where software often falls short of real user needs.
SIGs in Action
Here are a few examples of how SIGs have transformed pain points into possibilities:
ReADY Space: Crowdsources space data from trusted sources and makes it visible to campus leaders; enabling them optimize space utilization and support long-range planning. It answers questions that come up on campuses everyday like: “Where is everyone?”, “What space is vacant?”, and “How big is that building?”.
Over the years, many innovative organizations have helped shape the evolution of our solutions by actively participating in our Special Interest Groups (SIGs). Their insights, feedback, and collaboration have played a key role in aligning our offerings with real-world needs.
Past participants from SIGs include:
UMass Chan Medical School
Portland Community College
University of Wyoming
Collaboration Over Code
We like to joke that we don’t just lock our developers in a room with pizza and Mountain Dew and hope a great product magically appears. The truth is, SIGs follow a structured, intentional strategy, and they’re effective because they are rooted in partnership and customer insight.
Yes, being part of a SIG takes some time and effort, but the return is worth it. You get to influence a tool you’ll actually use, and your feedback becomes part of something that benefits the entire higher education community.
Why We’re Sharing This
We want to keep our current and potential customers in the loop because SIGs are your chance to shape what’s coming next. If you ever thought, “I wish our software did this...,” chances are, a SIG might just be the answer.
Interested in joining one? Reach out to our team at sig@assetworks.com. We would love to hear what you’re thinking. Let’s build better together.