Along with the advances in technological devices, there are even bigger advances in online technology. There’s an app for everything!
A good job management system is designed to completely manage your world.
Need to send a quote – use the system. Need to schedule a job – use the system. Need to see the last time you attended Mrs Smith’s place – use the system. Want to track your customers’ assets – use the system.
We’re making it sound simple, and we understand that it’s really not. But when you break it down step by step, you’ll quickly realise choosing the right system for your business is the trickiest part, but then it’s all uphill (we promise)!
FINDING THE RIGHT JOB MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
Job management software programs come in all different shapes and sizes. When looking for the right job management software you must first identify your requirements – that is, what your
business needs. Does your new system need the ability to:
- Create new jobs?
- Create quotes to be sent to the client while on another site?
- Hold a catalogue of parts with pricing from each supplier?
- Schedule (and of course manage) your technicians?
- Allow technicians to clock hours, notes and photos live from site?
- Invoice customers before you’ve even left site?
- Integrate with your accounting package (this one is a must – if you don’t have an accounting system, please do yourself a favour and get one) or other programs you’re already using (or want to use)?
- Scale the business in the future?
It could be these or any number of wants and needs that you’re looking for in a system. Have your list prepared before you start researching software providers.
IMPLEMENT YOUR JOB MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
Now that you’ve identified your requirements and developed your non-negotiables, you’re half way there.
With the plethora of affordable, easy-to-use and customisable job management systems on the market, there is no better time to get your hands on the right system for you. Get online and do some research, compare systems based on your requirements. Hold true to your list of must haves because you’ll regret not looking harder if you let go of any of them.
Once you’ve found the one that ticks everything on your list, start the implementation. Make contact with the software company, download a trial and start playing. Our biggest recommendation here is to recognise the importance of the system and the role it plays in your business. If you aren’t tech-savvy, or your time could simply be used better elsewhere, hire a consultant to help you with the implementation.
Some consultants will support you from start to finish, ensuring the system is built specifically to match your and your business’s needs.
NOT QUITE READY
If you’re not quite ready to commit to a job management software, you should at least have a shared calendar with your support staff and tradespeople. Schedule the jobs, email invites to the people out on site, save repeat business like backflow valve testing, and schedule your meetings.
While you’re at it, add other items like licence renewals, rego renewals, ticket or training course expiration dates, BAS payment dates and anything else relevant to running your business.
Need some more assistance? You can chat with the Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) Digital Solutions providers. ASBAS Digital Solutions provides small business with low cost, high quality advice on a range of digital solutions to help them meet their business needs and grow their digital capabilities. Click here to find out more.
