By David Crary
It’s about that time for the snow to fly. We, in Minnesota, just had some dump on us over Thanksgiving and out east was already hit with a few storms this year. It’s time to get prepared for the snow, and one of the best tools you can have is snow removal software.
I’m sure you are thinking, “Why would I buy an entire software program for a season that only lasts a few months?” Or perhaps your thought process is, “I only hire subcontractors. Why would I purchase software for a staff that isn’t even full time?” These are valid questions, but not a good enough reason to not purchase the software when you look at the benefits.
Routing your trucks becomes much easier and more efficient with field service software. The software allows you to set up routes according to location, job, or how your contracts are set up. The routes allow your trucks to have a set route that they will plow, making them more efficient.
Routes also help to ensure gas is not wasted and jobs are not missed. Once a group of jobs are scheduled, you can route them all at once, ensuring none slip through the cracks. If you have subcontractors, having routes are a good way to manage them.
Snow plowing software also allows you to manage contracts easily. You are able to set up the contracts with your customers before the season starts. Things such as deciding when you will visit, how often you will service, and how much you will be charging can be put in to the contracts. The software then helps to manage contracts by mass and recurring routes and setting up your billing.
Job tracking is another plus of field service software. You are able to track when your truck times in and times out. Once the job is completed (and if your guys are using devices out in the field, which they should be), you are able to check what occurred at the job site. You can see any de-icing materials used, what the trucks and crews did, and if they had any issues or unusual things happen at the job.
Job tracking features are nice when customers have questions about the services they received. Techs can put in comments to show up back in the office or to be put on the invoice, depending on what they entail. Customers like details when they have questions or complaints, and the tracking of the job from start to finish is a great way to get them the information they want quickly.
The added bonus of having a snow removal software program for your business is that most can also be used towards the other parts of your business as well. Most software programs will have other features besides those listed above that adhere and apply towards the green industry, along with many other field service industries, so it’s not a one industry system.
A lot of times, contractors and business owners don’t think to use software for their snow removal business, because they don’t think it’s worth the time to set up or manage. In reality, it’s the complete opposite. You have a short amount of time for your business to do snow plowing. Don’t waste it stressed with paperwork and information falling through the cracks, and don’t allow that extra work such as invoicing or billing run over into the next season. Invest in a snow removal software to make you efficient through every season, rain or shine, snow or wind.
