Monthly Archives: February 2016
Work Order Management from Mobile Device
Last week we talked about the five benefits of using a desktop for managing work orders, but what about using mobile devices?
In most cases, work order management (WOM) is best done from a desktop. This computer acts as the hub, sending information out to other users. For service-based businesses, the project manager or scheduler uses the desktop. Crews and others working off-site can access this information from their mobile device, using a streamlined version of the WOM software. While the mobile access isn’t as comprehensive as on a desktop, mobile users hold a wealth of information in their hands.
All WOM software offers different features, but let’s look at what users of Service Proz‘ mobile application can do from their phone.
- Check schedules
- See maps and routes to job sites
- Review and adjust project details
- Comment on project status
- Add before and after project photos
- Get client sign-offs on projects
- Mark jobs ready for billing
The Service Proz solution was made for small service-based businesses. Once the software is set up, the app’s many features will increase productivity and billable hours.
What do you like most about using work order management software? Tell us in the comments section.
Download the app and try out Service Proz for yourself. While you’re at it, sign up for an account on our website and talk to Billy about scheduling a walk-through!
5 Reasons to Manage Work Orders from Your Desktop
Imagine your work order management (WOM) software to be a limitless file cabinet. Each customer has its own file, only searching through the digital file will take seconds compared to flipping through a paper file. WOM software is most powerful from a desktop, which can act like a command central sending out information to your work crews near and far. Here are a handful of benefits to managing work orders from your desktop computer.
1. Make sure work orders are complete.
WOM software generally requires you to enter data into a form. For every work order, the form stays the same. Those notes you scribbled in the car after a call with a client most likely aren’t complete. But, when you go to enter the information into the computer, it’ll be easy to see what information is missing — just look for the blank fields. You’ll also set a pattern with creating work orders, training yourself to remember all the details.
2. Save time with organization.
Because WOM software uses forms to enter data, you or your project manager will be entering information in a systematic way. The fields won’t change locations, and this means once you get used to your software, your eyes will know exactly where to look on the screen for the information you need.
(Want a comparison? Take three recent work orders you’ve written on the fly and put them in front of you. Can you quickly find the client’s name and number? How about the number of workers needed to complete the project? Is the equipment needed for the job even described on your notes? If these projects were entered into a WOM system, you’d be able to find all this information and more in a matter of seconds. All the info would be in the same place on all three work orders!)
3. Access existing information…
Today’s WOM software usually allows users to use existing customer information. By using this “autocomplete” action, you won’t have to go digging around for a client’s contact information. Find the client in your list of clients, and the computer will link the work order to the client.
4. …and info from past jobs.
WOM software keeps data from past jobs, and let’s you access that information with a few clicks. View costs, check labor costs, verify client payments, see before and after pictures — what information is available is based on your particular WOM program, but whatever you have stored is valuable when planning new and upcoming projects.
5. Know what’s available, at the start of the project.
WOM software synchronizes most aspects of your business. It keeps track of inventory and staff. A project manager entering data into a desktop version of a WOM program (such as Service Proz) will be able to check whether equipment is being used at another site or if it can be used with this job. The PM can also look into labor availability — and even schedule the job then and there with the client.
WOM software helps you in managing your business, but even more important, having information readily available and organized projects to your client that your company knows what it’s doing…and has the capability to do the work.
Looking for solid WOM software to use for your service-based company? The Service Proz Solution is specifically made to help keep track jobs, customers, and crews.
What do you like most about using work order management software? Tell us in the comments section.
Download the app and try out Service Proz for yourself. While you’re at it, sign up for an account on our website and talk to Billy about scheduling a walk-through!
Managing CRM from a Desktop
Whether your goal is lining up one new customer a day or one a month, having a strategy to manage customer leads will save you time and energy. This is the fourth of a four-part series on CRM, customer relations management. Read the first part, “Getting the Most Out of a Lead”, here. Read the second part, “Organize Your Leads for Max Profits”, here. Read the third part, “Benefits of Using Mobile Devices for CRM Systems”, here.
Last week’s blog entry mentioned that 75% of small business managers are doing work from their mobile device, but we all know that a good amount of work is being done from our trusty desktop (or laptop) computer.
When looking for CRM software, it’s important to have access to your data through a desktop or laptop computer. These machines can quickly access data from other sources (for example, your email program, and they are often connected to large monitors that let you view a greater amount of details than what you can see on the small screen of a mobile device. Desktop software in general offers more functionality and options than one made for a mobile device.
Equally important is having information stored in the cloud. When user data is kept in the cloud, it does not need to be manually updated or backed up. There’s also virtually no delay. When you type in new information or upload a photo, it’s instantly viewable and editable by your team.
The Service Proz Solution is accessible through both mobile and traditional computers, and data is kept in the cloud. This is why for many of our users, work crews and managers access their company’s information on their mobile device while the office manager or project coordinator is the one sitting at the powerhouse.
How do you use your desktop to manage your leads? Do you use the cloud? Tell us in the comments section.
Download the app and try out Service Proz for yourself. While you’re at it, sign up for an account on our website and talk to Billy about scheduling a walk-through!
Benefits of Using Mobile Devices for CRM Systems
Whether your goal is lining up one new customer a day or one a month, having a strategy to manage customer leads will save you time and energy. This is the third of a four-part series on CRM, customer relations management. Read the first part, “Getting the Most Out of a Lead”, here. Read the second part, “Organize Your Leads for Max Profits”, here.
Let’s face it: Small business owners handle most of their day-to-day operations using their mobile device. A survey done by GetData in 2015 found that “almost 75% of managers of small businesses access their work data from a mobile device on a daily basis.” Whether it be a tablet or a smartphone, the mobile device has become the tool for small business owners. It connects managers to customers and crews, and holds information on projects and finances.
Since your phone is always by your side, it only makes sense to have access to your CRM system (customer relations management system) on your mobile phone. Here are a few benefits of doing business from your phone, and added benefits if you’re using the cloud.
- Tighten your sales cycle by having all your client, inventory, and personnel data in one place.
- See real-time status on prospective leads, and know what your sales team is saying and doing to close the sale.
- Add new leads as you get them in the field, and waste no time assigning them to your sales team.
Mobile devices are essential to managing your CRM program. Clients expect their service providers to have their information readily accessible, and service-based companies that don’t meet these expectations look unorganized and unable to provide top-notch service. If you haven’t already, it’s time to move your CRM system to your mobile device.
With the Service Proz Solution, you are able to access your CRM data from your mobile device while out in the field. Start saving time and streamlining your business today!
How do you use your mobile device to manage your leads? Tell us in the comments section.
Download the app and try out Service Proz for yourself. While you’re at it, sign up for an account on our website and talk to Billy about scheduling a walk-through!
Building a Better Business 