Efficiency in the Field

Workiz (http://workiz.com, 855/790-7363), a communications and field service platform for home services/field businesses with a  single or multiple locations (covered in the September 2019 column with an update in July 2020), recently introduced Workiz Genius, which provides AI-enhanced capabilities and is offered as an add-on option to the Standard plan and is included as a part of its Ultimate plan. The new feature enabling the solution to act as a virtual personalized smart assistant for service professionals, providing suggestions and insights designed to help boost a user’s productivity.

The AI-enhanced capabilities include Smart Messaging, Call Insights, and Genius Leads. Smart Messaging enables quick-click composing of new messages, accessing existing relevant replies and editing existing messages for grammar and to read more professionally. The editing takes advantage of built-in contextual awareness, the conversation, your client, and your history with the client.

Call Insights allows you to transcribe your calls, search works in a call, provide a call summary and extract such details as job type, addresses, and pricing. Genius Leads automatically detects details of incoming lead emails, website emails, and warranty requests, and maps them to the corresponding lead field in Workiz. The Ultimate plan, in addition, includes the ability to utilize flat rate pricing for your clients.

Workiz Genius is also presenting Call Insights as part of its Genius offering, enabling operational managers to instantly pinpoint overlooked opportunities and risks within dispatcher phone conversations, potentially saving time that would otherwise be spent listening to complete calls. Every recorded call is analyzed and processed, giving users the full context of their customer interactions—key topics being discussed, top questions, upsell opportunities, customers at risk, team training opportunities, and more. Call Insights highlights crucial sections of phone conversations, providing a high-level summary and actionable suggestions for post-call follow-ups. With every interaction, Workiz Genius becomes smarter, allowing users to focus on growing their businesses.

FieldEdge by Xplor

FieldEdge by Xplor field management software (www.fieldedge.com, covered in the September 2018 column, updated in May, 2024) recently entered a partnership with Social Jazz, a content marketing tool (www.socialjazz.com)  to help HVAC service contractors generate HVAC-specific automated social media posts designed to help attract and retain customers, with the online  messages posted periodically throughout a year. As a preferred vendor for Carrier, Bryant, and International Comfort Products (ICP), Social Jazz offers pre-loaded social media posts for those brands, alongside a catalog of ready-to-use posts on topics like preventive maintenance, indoor air quality, and repair advice within the Social Jazz platform. Purposefully honed ready-made posts are available on a variety of topics including benefits of mini splits, ductless mini splits, and tips on open registers, fixing drafts, and optimal humidity for homes.

Pricing: fee per month.

Linxup GPS Tracking

Linxup GPS Tracking for HVAC Companies (www.linxup.com, 866/485-0171) is a GPS tracking solution, available in a range of scaled plans, that offers fleet vehicle tracking for commercial fleets, asset and equipment tracking, ELD tracking for FMCSA compliance, and optional add-on dash-cams.

How it works: plug or wire in the tracker (2.0” x 1.8” x 1”) to the OBII port and to your device (in vehicles manufactured after 1996) to monitor and track the vehicle from the app on your smartphone, tablet laptop, or desktop. You can get real-time information on the app’s dashboard to view location of the vehicle and track maintenance information, generate safety reports, and receive safety alerts and detailed reports including geofence alerts and reports on unsafe action/braking such as harsh acceleration/braking (determined by an algorithm based on change in velocity) straight to that computing device.

With the Linxup Diagnostic Trouble Code Monitoring feature, you will be alerted to check engine lights, as an icon in map view, when they happen, via text, email, or app notification.  

The solution, which can provide accurate ETA to customers, also has capability to streamline dispatch by locating the most convenient vehicle

Pricing: fee per month/available by quote.

Update

Update: Verizon Connect (www.verizonconnect.com, 855/891-0005), a platform for tracking vehicles in the field, suitable for small and medium-sized fleets (covered in December 2015 column) now includes AI driver and rear-facing dash cams that, depending upon the user’s plan, enable a near real-time 360 degree view of a fleet’s daily operations, viewing video clips of harsh driving events within minutes of happening; asset tracking of heavy equipment and other assets; compliance and electronic logging devices (ELDs) and driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs).

The dashcam video enabled plans, Verizon Connect Reveal and Verizon Connect Fleet, utilize artificial intelligence for real-time detection of distracted driving, tailgating, and road hazards. The cameras use natural ambient light in the environment and artificial light from streetlights and a vehicle’s headlights.

Pricing: customizable plans—users can choose the initial length of commitment and contract term to suit your needs, After the initial term of commitment, the contract automatically continues on a month-to-month basis.

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