Are inefficient service routes costing you time and money? Now is the time to use the latest mobile software technology to make the most of your service routes. The goal is to efficiently perform the most jobs in the least amount of time to generate the most revenue in every hour of the service tech’s day. Prior planning combined with the latest mobile software technology can help make the most of your service routes.
Best planning tips for efficient service routes
Successful swimming pool and spa service companies plan their service routes and use mobile technology to maximize their profits.
- Optimize pool tech abilities. Pair techs for greater efficiencies. Sometimes two techs will get eight jobs done together where splitting up that team results in only six jobs completed. Team up techs with complementary skills.
- Group ‘Service Type’ for each truck. Be sure each truck is stocked with all the items needed for the same type of service call. Techs with the right materials and tools complete their scheduled jobs more efficiently.
- Minimize driving time. Avoid rush hour by giving service techs local jobs near the office from 7-9 a.m. then send trucks to the farthest point from the office as the second stop after the morning rush. Then move techs ‘back’ toward the office to finish jobs at the end of the day. An added benefit: Techs can more easily ‘swap’ with one another for emergency calls, etc.
Mobile software features that support efficient service routes
Service professionals have everything to gain by using mobile technology to improve business operations. The RB Retail & Service software has powerful ‘mobile’ components that make service techs incredibly efficient in the field.
Instant access: In field staff can instantly access all customer information and equipment profiles with the RB Mobile Live app that syncs with office software. Forget going back to the office to look up important customer information such as spa cover dimensions or equipment warranty dates.
Instant payment: Stop chasing customers for payment. Take credit card payments instantly in the customer’s backyard and watch your cash flow instantly improve.
Instant schedules: Techs view their schedule in real-time on their phone or tablet. This even allows for instant modifications in the schedule as needed.
No more paperwork: Add items used on the job to the customer’s invoice in the field. Eliminate the need for office staff to manually enter handwritten slips. Have techs email invoices or have office staff review before emailing.
Mobile tracking and GPS routing: Clock in and out of jobs onsite and have techs tracked by GPS viewable on a map. Track time spent on jobs and view reports that show profit per tech based on the number of jobs completed in a day. GPS routing gives businesses the ability to cut down on payroll, gas, mileage, and vehicle wear.
Better business: Choose a business software with a mobile app that gives techs the ability to provide superior service to clients so your business stays ahead of the competition. Being able to text customers through the software to make them aware of appointments before and after they happen will help build customer loyalty. Be sure the software solution you choose has a mobile app that allows techs to include before and after photos showing the work done. A comprehensive business software solution should also provide mobile live service options such as integration with water testing so results can automatically be saved in the software and can be added to a customer’s post-visit electronic door hanger.
If you are a pool and spa company considering the purchase of software to improve the efficiency of your service department, use the planning tips mentioned earlier, and be very organized. Good planning habits will ensure you have good, clean and useful data to bring into a new mobile business software solution.
About the author: Rachael Pritz
Rachael Pritz has been active in the pool industry for more than 20 years, which has provided her with an all-encompassing expertise in the trade. She worked at a local pool store while pursuing her master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh, Pa. With her technical skills and industry knowledge, she joined the launch of RB Retail & Service Solutions in Pittsburgh in 2003. She can be reached via e-mail at rachael@rbcontrolsystems.com.
