The past two summers have been extremely challenging and intense. From creating new business offerings such as curbside service and home delivery to expanding online store options and redesigning retail stores — every pool and spa retailer in our industry has had to adjust.
As we move into the winter and the intensity of this past season tapers off, it’s time to ask, “How did we do?” And in particular, “How did our software support our business?” If you think your company could have been more successful with a different business software solution, now is the time to join the many pool and spa businesses that are making the switch to pool industry software. Pool and spa professionals agree that today’s most essential software technology solutions include mobile apps, vendor integrations and e-commerce solutions.
Technology trend: Mobile software
The past two seasons emphasized the importance of having mobile software solutions to thrive in today’s business environment. With resources stretched thin, business software should be accessible on any mobile device to support your staff and to provide better customer service. Be sure to select industry-specific software that includes these in-demand mobile technology solutions:
Mobile Live – Retail: Provide better and faster service with retail Line Buster features using a mobile device – look up inventory in real-time, get instant access to customer history and profiles from any location.
Mobile Live – Service: Service technicians can operate more efficiently by viewing all Scheduled Jobs along with the Customer’s Information including equipment profile, job notes, directions, and pictures on record—all from their mobile device.
Mobile payment option– Provides the convenience of paying online or from mobile devices — perfect for touch-free business transactions.
Technology trend: E-Commerce
For those businesses in the pool and spa industry that were not originally equipped for an online e-commerce option, look for pool-industry specific software with a shopping cart feature that can be added to existing websites. Providing a fully equipped, easy check-out and curbside pick up or delivery is key in today’s pool and spa marketplace. E-commerce has become standard for all consumers so pool and spa professionals need to embrace and implement an e-commerce solution to make sales management easier during this surge in demand for all things pool, spa and outdoor living.
Technology trend: Integrations
Incorporating pool industry specific software that integrates systems within your business, as well as with vendors and partners, is key to running your company more efficiently. Be sure to look for software that has the following industry-specific integrations:
Water Testing Station Integration – Connects business software with industry water testing software for fast purchasing recommendations in person or from your online store.
Pool Industry Vendor Integration – Eliminates duplicate purchase orders and input of inventory. Pool industry software directly integrates with pool and spa vendors and distributors with pre-programmed SKUs. It saves time with automatic pricing and inventory imports/updates.
Pool industry specific software solutions
Implementing pool industry specific software will immediately reduce or eliminate stressors currently confronting our industry. Designed for pool and spa retailers, service professionals and builders, pool industry software provides an all-in-one solution that integrates with vendors, distributors, water-testing software. It is designed to manage inventory right down to what’s inside the service truck. Pool industry software immediately helps generate more revenue, saves time, allows businesses to improve operations and take advantage of market opportunities. Don’t wait. Get started while this past season is still fresh in your mind. Get a new system and be ready to knock it out of the ballpark in 2022!
