Asset tracking software helps you gain control
Tool and vehicle tracking software can help a contractor gain control over valuable assets, large and small, by keeping track of where assets are and who is accountable for them. Here are three tool tracking solutions for the office and the field that can maximize tool and equipment availability and minimize hoarding, misallocation or theft. Solutions hosted in the cloud reduce reliance on a contractor's IT resources and allow users access from anywhere, anytime.
Solutions for when on the move
PlanGrid 2.0,
www.plangrid.com, a cloud-based service available both as an iPad and an iPhone app, is a blueprint viewer that enables users to maintain one master set of blueprints in the cloud (on the web) and publish them to a team, keeping all members in the field up to date.
Solutions for contractors of all sizes
FreshBooks, www.freshbooks.com, is an online cloud-based solution that can create one-time and recurring invoices and accept payments in return. The service, which is cloud-based, is designed for small service-based companies that invoice their customers for time and material, or time plus materials projects.
Estimating software for the mechanical contractor
When well matched to a company's needs, estimating software may save time, increase accuracy, and increase the level of professionalism a bid conveys. Here are some popular options from a few of the major software developers targeting HVAC and plumbing contractors.
Mobile apps streamline service contractor tasks
Mobile devices are becoming essential tools for running a service-based contracting business. Here are two solutions that take advantage of iPhones and Androids. The first is service management software aiming to help streamline and oversee daily operations. The second is a compilation of niche applications HVAC contractors can use to boost efficiency and accuracy when calculating for several important niche tasks.
Mobile computing hardware, software
Given the increasing array of daily computer-aided tasks that service contractors can perform in the field, on sales calls, while working at jobsites and traveling to and fro, a lightweight full-featured tablet that is easy to carry and use throughout the day can be a smart investment.
Sales, estimating software and a diagnostics solution
Three industry-specific estimating programs — FastPIPE for mechanical contractors, FastDUCT for HVAC contractors and FastWRAP for mechanical insulation contractors (
www.fastest-inc.com) — give commercial contractors the ability to perform takeoffs from digital plans directly on the computer screen using the on-screen digitizer.
Business blogging basics
If you have not started a blog for your company (and those who already have can still be considered early adopters), here is some food for thought.
Building automation, control and GPS
HVAC service contractors familiar with building automation and control have lots of opportunities to expand traditional energy service offerings by adding the installation of information and analytics hardware and accompanying software to their mix. A growing number of software developers offer solutions that address building systems monitoring and optimization.
The NATE Magazine is the official publication of North American Technician Excellence, the nation’s largest non-profit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians
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