By David Crary
With the capabilities of our mobile devices going far beyond a simple telephone call it is difficult to keep up with the potential gains we might be missing by using some unique solutions. We have compiled the following list of four applications that we believe will help you in your service business. You might need to upgrade that flip phone after all but you will be
glad you did!
- Mobile Field Service Software: Arm your field personnel with a tablet, smartphone, netbook, or virtually any internet-connected device, and you'll eliminate paperwork, immediately collect accurate information in the field when it happens, better control your labor costs thanks to precise time tracking, and accurately track parts. Mobile field service software makes it easy for your field personnel to record their activity in the field, turning your inefficient paper processes into well-oiled electronic ones. This software also tracks productive and unproductive time, travel time and shop time to the minute so you can ensure you're getting paid for the work that's being performed. Field personnel can quickly indicate which parts they used, making it easy for you to include these parts on your invoices. These are just a few of the many benefits you will find by implementing field service software in your business.
- Square: Want to collect payment in the field? Square is a pocket size device is a credit card reader for your business. This device is compatible with mobile phones and IPads. This is a secure environment in that your customer’s credit card information is stored on the Square servers and not on your device. Customers can receive a receipt via email or text. It also has a built in tip function should your customer want to add on some extra dollars for a job well done. This is an extremely efficient way to get paid for your services ASAP in a secure environment. The cost to you is only 2.75% of the sale. Independent hairdressers, farmer’s market employees, kiosk attendants and several other businesses have adapted this brilliant device for their use. Perhaps it is right for your business?
- Dropbox: This cloud document storage system is great for taking jobsite pictures and storing them online along with having documents accessible to many users. This safe environment is an ideal back-up to information stored on your mobile device in the event it is lost or damaged. You control who sees what. The cost is dependent on how much data you want to store and the number of users. It ranges from Free to $15/month for 5 users. Not a lot of money for the benefits this can bring to your business.
Evernote: This organization tool is extremely valuable when using a mobile device. There are many useful applications with this software so I will highlight a few that you might find valuable. You can take photos with your phone and add them to your Evernote notebook with specific “tags” that will allow for easy future searches. You can talk into your phone and Evernote will store your information in text form and you determine which folder to store for future retrieval. Maybe you take a photo of a particular landscape that you pass that is exceptional but you don’t have the exact address. Evernote has a GPS system built in and will store the location that the photo was taken. Maybe you are browsing the internet and see a helpful webpage that you want to follow up and read more about or purchase the item offered. Simply use the “web clipper” functionality and this will get stored in your Evernote application for future reference. Organize your life, collaborate with your team and make great gains in productivity by utilizing the Evernote tool.
Hope these applications are helpful as you move forward with mobile technology in the spirit of being more productive and efficient. Share with us your thoughts on these ideas and any additional tools that you have found helpful to your service business.
Want more tips on how to improve your field service business? Download our free eBook, 33 Stupid Things Contractors Do (And How to Fix Them), today!
