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Do Field Service Management software help HVAC & Plumbing contractors more than they cost?

Just about every mid to large sized contractor is using some form of Field Service Management (FSM) software to run their business.

In 2020 a study by FieldPoint showed 48% of all contractors are using some type of software. Looking at the figure below that would mean that there are about 53,000 HVAC and Plumbing contractors that are not using some type of FSM.

When not to use an FSM software

In a perfect world we would have lots of money to burn through when we start our business and we would buy all the gadgets, new work truck, rent an office, hire admin, use an FSM software, spend thousands on marketing, build an expensive website, pay for sales training etc. etc. The reality is that most people starting their new business do not have the cash to do all these things. The answer to the question, when not to use a software, is in the name itself, Field Service “Management”, in order for someone to get value out of a management software there has to be something to “manage”. If a company is relatively new or just starting out and they do not have a consistent stream of work its likely they don’t need an FSM software. Assuming there is a limit of funds available, the primary goal of a new contractor would be to get and stay busy. The funds and effort needed to learn a FMS could be better spent on marketing and introducing your company and services to the local community.

When does it make sense to start using an FSM software?

It may be hard to believe, and this is coming from someone who is very disciplined to follow a process, organized, and can use available “free” technology quite well, that even if you have a moderate flow of business learning and incorporating a FSM software into your business is one of the best decision you can make. I can go through all the different ways it saves money, time, alleviates countless headaches and helps generate more revenue and calculate a net benefit figure, but I won’t do that in this article. The #1 reason contractors should use an FSM is the affect it has on their brand. Let me explain, when a contactor uses a management software it makes their company incredibly awesome. Here’s how:

  • Begins with storage of data, from the customer data, customer interaction data, install data, service data, technician data, dispatch data and the list continues, everything you need to know about your customer and your interaction with them can be captured and used by anyone in the company.
  • Helps contractors not forget to schedule a call and make sure they arrive on time.
  • Gives contractors the ability to present their company along with their products and service clearly with a nice layout and consistent message and pricing along with the ability to capture approval signatures on the spot that are stored on their customer’s account and copies can be sent in real-time via email.
  • Allows for an automated post service, install and sales process that keeps the customer engaged and valued.
  • Gives the ability to accept payment and offer financing on the spot.

Are you considering a FSM software?

There are many software available today that can help contractor’s brand. Fieldpusle is a leading software and a Trinity partner. FieldPulse's HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical service software empowers HVAC businesses to stay on top of their game, enhance customer satisfaction, and grow their reputation as industry leaders. Here are just some of the tools FieldPulse offers in its software:

Scheduling

FieldPulse simplifies complex schedules with ease, utilizing our multiple view options ranging from daily agendas, gantt charts, and map plots by day, week, month, list, dispatch, or team member.

Fleet Tracking

FieldPulse’s new GPS Vehicle Tracking feature enables you to track the locations of your work vehicles in real-time, directly from the FieldPulse app. Using live GPS tracking, you’ll be shown metrics like driving speed, vehicle use, idling time, and more, with automatic reports on gas mileage and technician driving patterns available upon request.

PriceBook

The FieldPulse Pricebook makes creating and adding your flat rate jobs quick and easy. Once you’ve added your labor rate for each job and selected your markup percentage, FieldPulse will automatically calculate the overhead cost and will apply your markup to all your jobs, ensuring that you’re making a profit every time. Once the customer has selected which services they need, you can then quickly convert the service offerings into an estimate or invoice and attach it to your customer’s profile, which you can access at any time through the FieldPulse app.

Proposal Tool

FieldPulse’s good, better, best proposal app makes it easy to set up tiered pricing for your company. Start by defining the different packages you want to offer. You can create as many packages as you’d like, but it’s best to start with just a few and then add more over time.

Dashboard

Elevate your decision-making with FieldPulse’s Intuitive Dashboard feature. From monitoring ongoing projects to tracking team performance, every critical piece of information is just a glance away. Easily drag and drop the widgets you want to see with your dashboard editor.

Workflow

Empower your team with the flexibility and clarity they need to excel. Our customizable job statuses allow you to design and manage your business processes in a way that resonates with your company’s rhythm. Whether you’re scheduling services, tracking project progress, or overseeing team assignments, our intuitive interface ensures a seamless, coherent workflow that aligns with your business goals.

Free Trial of FieldPulse

Interested in seeing whether a FSM software is the right choice for you? Visit our contractor center and login to your account here: Contractor Center. All Trinity contractors are eligible for a 2-week free trial and additional perks and savings.

ESAs for Contractors

If you are a contractor that would like to offer parts and labor coverage to your dealers, feel free to reach out to us 

For more details on Trinity Warranty for Contractors visit ESAs Designed for Contractors