Installation businesses looking to survive and thrive in 2024, need to embrace software for streamlining purposes according to Ab Initio’s Rhonda Ridge, creator of AdminBase, but it needs to be the right kind of software.
To streamline a business is to simplify processes with the aim of increasing efficiency. For example, when creating an order, generating an invoice, or arranging appointments, it is more efficient if there is one simple, repeatable system to follow every time. One of the most popular ways to streamline processes is to implement software. But there are so many kinds of software it can become a daunting task to research the options, let alone decide which one is right. Here’s a quick overview of some common types of software, and a fast-track solution for installation businesses to ensure they implement the right solution for them.
Business Process Management (BPM) Software manages all the processes within a business. It streamlines and improves efficiency by automating processes that would otherwise be done by hand or in separate computer software programmes. BPMs usually also include the ability to see an overview of the company’s performance.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software meanwhile focuses on the interactions between a business and its customers and prospects. Implementing it can improve communications through automation. For example, perhaps customers can help themselves to the answers they need online.
Project management software is a great way to help manage longer projects, or projects that aren’t necessarily the same each time, like installations. It works by breaking the job down into smaller tasks, allocating these jobs to individuals and keeping track of them through to completion.
Productivity software allows individuals and teams to create to do lists and checklists for each project they work on and keep track of progress throughout. It offers a great way to manage an overall project and with more visibility it helps to improve productivity.
A fast-track solution
To implement the best software for any business it takes time examining operations, identifying activities that need to be streamlined and researching the right software for the task. The good news for installation businesses is that Ab Initio has already done this groundwork. With direct experience in a home improvement company, we already know how installation companies work, what processes are involved and how they can be simplified. What’s more, our complete installer management solution, AdminBase, addresses not just one of the areas mentioned above, but all of them.
AdminBase simplifies processes business-wide and creates reports so that managers can keep track of how the company is performing. With quick and easy access to live data in one central system, all aspects of the business can be monitored, and empowered with information.
The system also helps to streamline relationships with customers with its award-winning customer portal. The portal allows customers to log in to their account at any time to check on the progress of their installation. They can confirm appointments, make payments and when the job is complete, report any service issues if necessary. The portal can also be used in conjunction with an SMS feature for even easier communication.
Visibility, accountability, productivity
AdminBase also offers users an online job board facility called Taskboard, that not only tracks the progress of a project, but also manages the distribution of work across teams. It allows installation businesses to monitor the detail behind the projects, highlighting bottlenecks and identifying any areas deemed to still have capacity. Taskboard ensures visibility and accountability across the business to improve teamwork and productivity.
As we embark on a new year, uncertainty in the window industry continues, so installation businesses need to be more streamlined and efficient than ever. They need to be at the top of their game for customer service and both internal and external communication needs to be well organised and professional. AdminBase offers one simple software solution to support all aspects of an entire installation business and is ever evolving to ensure users stay ahead of the competition as well as changing market trends.
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