Field service, jobsite WiFi, and HVAC calcs

ServiceTrade (www.servicetrade.com) is a mobile and web application for commercial service mechanical/HVAC contractors for managing field service, customer service, sales, and marketing. Users can schedule recurring work, dispatch emergency repairs, and quote new work.

Technicians use the mobile app on smartphones and tablets to clock in and out of jobs with a GPS-enabled clock. The app creates a record of the work performed that can include photos, videos, and audio notes. In addition, techs in the field can create work acknowledgments for customer signature on the spot.

Field personnel can also use the app to record what’s needed for repair and their observations during a preventive service visit. Information is shared instantly with the home office, where it can easily be converted to an online quote with video, photo and audio notes of the issue. Each service call is documented in a detailed Service Link online after-service report that can be shared with multiple customer contacts. Each Service Link is stored in an online portal for recall, if needed.

Subscription-based pricing depends on the number of technicians (office users and managers are free). Plans with a minimum of 10 techs include a customer engagement service portal where customers can view their service history and upcoming appointments, request a service call, and provide online reviews of service.

Fieldwire (www.fieldwire.com) is a construction app (available on iOS, Android and web) suitable for general and specialty contractors that combines task management, including punch list and inspection checklists, with the management of blueprints and as-built drawings.

The punch list app lets users create a template for common open items with attached checklists, assign a due date for any open item, and leave instructions for another contractor. As comments and photos are added to the punch list, notifications are sent automatically to keep the team up to date. Users can send out saved report templates from iOS and Android apps.

The Access Points device can easily be moved — the device self-heals and adapts, retaining connectivity on site.

The blueprint app optimizes as-built drawings on Fieldwire’s server so they display instantly on mobile devices in high resolution. The contractor can upload blueprints as multi-page pdfs or, with some subscription plans, sync the project to a posted set on Box or Dropbox. The app extracts sheet names automatically.

Users can add markings such as arrows and freeform lines, highlighting, clouds, text notes and symbols, and progress photos onto drawings. At the end of the project, the as-built drawing can be exported in one click. Free limited capabilities trial available for small teams; fee for unlimited projects and unlimited sheets based on per user/per month or by project or company.

DeWalt recently launched its Jobsite WiFi Access Points (DCT100) for reliable internet access on residential and commercial construction sites (www.dewalt.com/jobsitewifi). Made in the USA with global materials and built to withstand construction site conditions, the WiFi mesh technology enables general contractors and specialty trade contractors to collaborate in real-time across large-scale and smaller jobsites and easily access critical info such as shop drawings, schedules, budgets, RFIs, photos, and construction software.

The Access Points use the user’s existing ISP (with the base unit typically located in the GC’s trailer) and can be installed vertically, horizontally, or at an angle to a user’s optimal orientation on a carabiner, anchor, tripod, or wall mount (not included). They are IP67 rated to protect against dust and water submersion and have an operating temperature range from -4°F to 122°F.

As jobsite conditions change, the Access Points device can easily be moved — the device self-heals and adapts, retaining connectivity on site. Each Access Point operates off 120V AC power and provides WPA2 encryption via SSL interfaces for security. A mobile set-up app (iOS and Android) that guides users through setup without requiring a technician is available upon purchase of the unit.

SuperCool HVAC app (Designstein LLC, available at Apple Store and Google Play) provides HVAC conversions and possible solutions for repair issues, along with onscreen instructions and sequential guidance through each step of repair work. The software includes calculations for superheat and subcooling charging of all popular refrigerants on the market, with onscreen corrective action including “add refrigerant” or “remove refrigerant” based on specific conditions entered.

The app, featuring full color graphics and charts, also aids in duct sizing and calculating layout for flex, round metal, rectangular and oval, and provides compressor windings troubleshooting with “acceptable resistance” or “unacceptable resistance.”  It also has a wet bulb calculator and a belt sizing calculator and includes capacitor series and parallel installation output values. Free 30-day trial available.

Arzel Proposal app (Arzel Zoning Technology, www.arzelzoning.com), is a free utility for Google, Android, and Apple devices that aids technicians in the field in creating professional proposals, including labor, products, and materials for a specific job that the customer can review and sign on the tech’s device. The user can offer quotes on Good, Better, and Best options and the proposal can be customized with the contractor’s company profile. The proposal can show both the total cost and the final amount (including taxes) due if the customer makes an advance payment on the spot. In addition, the app offers marketing tools (video and literature) that can be used to help sell zoning.

Bill and Patti Feldman write articles and web content for trade magazines and manufacturers of building products. They can be reached at [email protected].