5 Ways HVAC Software Can Simplify Your Work Orders
Clearly, the overarching objective of any business software is to improve efficiency. This applies to software for HVAC companies as much as it does to any business. HVAC software that handles work orders can free up employees to perform other tasks, and time saved is money earned. The question is just how efficient can HVAC software be.
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5 Ways That Software For HVAC Can Simplify Your Work Orders
1. By Being User-Friendly
While usability might seem like a given in any software, it isn’t always the case. Mechanical and technical savvy aren’t the same thing. Technicians can be wizards with a wrench while being intimidated by a keyboard. Just as it’s important for customers to easily navigate your website in order to be attracted to your business, it’s critical that your employees feel confident with your HVAC software. The ideal interface should be simple to navigate, intuitive, and easy to learn.
2. By Having Recurring Work-Order Capability
Like any mechanical equipment, heaters and air conditioners require regular maintenance to slow depreciation. Devices frequently come with maintenance plans incorporated into their warranties. With built-in recurring work-order capability, it’s simpler for HVAC software to automate the scheduling of maintenance calls, as well as customer reminders and notifications..
3. By Acknowledging Job Completion With E-Signatures and Uploaded Photos
One of the simplest methods for documenting work completion and communicating unexpected issues is digital photography. Software for HVAC that permits photos to be attached to a work order can demonstrate that previous equipment was removed and replaced. They can also document unanticipated problems. Signing off with an e-signature replete with a time-stamp informs supervisors when jobs are complete.
4. By Offering Detailed Reporting
Data reporting is an important tool for monitoring and improving productivity. Detailed metrics can track the state of a business in real-time and assist in making critical business decisions. An effective software platform will translate work order meta-data such as completion times, man-hours, and tasks performed into key performance indicators. With mean times to repair and respond, as well as mean times between equipment failures, all at one’s fingertips, significant cost-saving opportunities can be recognized and implemented.
5. By Integrating With Accounting and Inventory Software
System integration is another key component of a successful business. Not only should the right hand know what the left is doing, but the two must also work together. Work order software should do more than track jobs. It should tie into inventory software so that technicians have the necessary equipment before leaving the warehouse. Once jobs are complete, they should link with accounting and payroll software to ensure customers are billed, books are balanced, and employees are paid in a timely fashion.
Simple doesn’t always mean basic or limited. Often, it means dynamic and adaptable. HVAC software can simplify a work order in many ways. To begin, it can make the order simple to read and use. Beyond that, its features can simplify the technician’s job, giving him or her tools to prepare for a job and document their work. Finally, it can link with other business ware to streamline accounting and payroll and allow the owner to analyze and improve productivity.
