Time & Material Billing Manager by Vision InfoSoft, www.visioninfosoft.com, is desktop-based plumbing service billing software that enables preparation of and easy syncing of service work orders with a contractor’s billing software.
The solution, which includes a custom plumbing item database that integrates with QuickBooks and Vision InfoSoft’s EPIC Pricing System, works in conjunction with Vision InfoSoft’s T&M Service Billing Mobile App.
The built-in database includes thousands of commonly used plumbing items and will accept manually added custom items and items imported directly from the EPIC Pricing System, which provides both suggested pricing, both trade (suggested retail) and target (average benchmark price at a supplier).
Local suppliers can also provide a custom price file that can be imported into EPIC. A work order template creator expedites creating custom work order forms and facilitates customizing and branding invoices. Management can set different access levels for users with password protection.
The T&M Mobile App, available for use on iOS and Android phones and tablets, is designed to be used by techs in the field to record the material and labor for a job. The app, which includes the entire T&M Billing Manager database, enables syncing of T&M work orders, customers and database with the contractor’s billing software.
The app features instant time and material search capability by item number and key word and offers four ways to add items to a work order: from the work order template, searching by item number, searching by key word and by adding them on the fly, which requires reconciliation onto the desktop software back at the office.
The items in the work order created in the mobile app can be reviewed by clicking on the summary tab at any point. Once the work order is created and marked “closed,” the tech sends it back to the office to be imported and processed on the desktop software, where it is then available for review and approval and for reconciliation of items added in the field.
The work order is then ready for e-mailing to the customer and for printing. The data can also be synced to QuickBooks or PeachTree/Sage for accounting purposes.
RoadFS, www.roadfs.com, is a cloud-based scalable software solution for managing a field service business, from dispatching and customer management to invoicing, that also works in conjunction with a mobile app.
The program features a command center with various tools that support management to create, dispatch and invoice jobs in the field. Users can schedule one time or recurring appointments and view the schedule, with full team visibility, by day, week, two weeks, or monthly. Quick Check Filtering permits assignment of jobs by tech, crew, appointments or callbacks. Color coded work orders facilitate quick identifying of service techs. Work orders can be viewed as a summary or can be drilled down for more detail.
Designed to operating on smartphones, iPhones, iPads and tablets, RoadFS Mobile App permits technicians to work in a fully connected mode. Users can access the full complement of service information and can create new estimates, work orders and service tickets on the fly. Techs can add service items, materials and parts, capture notes and accept customer signature.
Any changes made in the RoadFS schedule are pushed immediately to the Mobile App. For field service techs who have traditional feature cell phones (rather than smartphones), work order assignments and changes can be sent via SMS.
Invoicing is handled in one of two ways. First option: invoicing comes into the Command Center to be reviewed and finalized by an office manager. Invoicing can be sent to the customer via print or email. Second option is to configure the system to allow invoicing at the time of service, so that when a service tech completes a job ticket and the customer accepts the work, an invoice can be sent immediately via email.
The software integrates fully with accounting systems, using Account Bridge and features direct connection to QuickBooks, QuickBooks Online, Sage and Intacct. Management can batch invoices or modify the synchronization setting to automatically send invoices to the accounting software.
FieldPulse by Flicent Inc., www.flicent.com, is another entry in the category of business management software for service businesses. It can be accessed from anywhere via the computer WebApp and available mobile apps for iOS and Android. The app can be used to access customer information, send out estimates, schedule jobs, dispatch techs and send out invoices.
With real-time status updates, the ability to attach and view files and photos, office based and field techs can always be up-to-date with the most relevant information. FieldPulse can also be used to map tech locations. Techs automatically are notified of their new assignments and van view service records where he or she can view customer’s contact information, location of jobsite, and pertinent files and notes.
Bill and Patti Feldman write articles and web content for trade magazines and manufacturers of building products. They can be reached at [email protected].