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Trucks + Get AlertsBeing a small business doesn’t mean having to do without advanced electronic tools that improve productivity and performance. Software providers constantly upgrade their applications, and each new version adds features and conveniences that make office work easier and more efficient. Here are some of the latest innovations from vendors catering specifically to the environmental service industry.
Flexible tools
Summit Service Profit Builder from Ritam Technologies is designed for sewer and drain cleaning and septic service businesses. Preventive maintenance can be automatically scheduled with each technician, and reminder cards can be sent. Inventory control features can track each technician’s truck as if it were a mobile warehouse.
Jobs can be billed on a flat-rate or time-and-materials basis. Detailed history keeps everyone in touch with what occurred on the job and what recommendations were made. Diagrams, maps and up to 15 pictures can be attached to each job, making it easier to manage work and get up to speed on future work. The tool also includes dispatching and street-level routing with advanced mapping. 800/662-8471; www.ritam.com.
Complete control
Total Activity Control software by Clear Computing Inc. has several features that assist with customer records management, office operations, dispatch, routing, invoicing, mapping, material management, marketing, activity tracking, and service delivery scheduling. Tools include drag-and-drop dispatch board, in-vehicle voice and map directions by Garmin, GPS, route planning and optimization, real-time production reporting, and caller ID. Also included are a full audit log for all transactions, receipts for credit card transactions, a log file for service stops, security settings, site service history, and reports to rate drivers and customers. 888/332-5327; www.clearcomputing.com.
Fast paperwork
The Linkwriter wireless digital pen from Famhost Hosted Applications automatically sends paperwork from the jobsite to the database in real time. Before the driver leaves the jobsite, the paperwork is entered into the system and a digital copy is attached to the customer record. The pen enables true point-of-sale inventory, reads barcodes, and automatically sends proposals, invoices, inventory forms, time sheets, drawings and applications from field to office. 800/658-1676; www.famhost.com.
Privacy protection
ControlScan from Matrix Payment Systems alleviates concerns about security for Web sites, protecting customers’ private information, thus encouraging them to stay online and make purchases. It meets Payment Card Industry (PCI) requirements. To boost Web traffic and increase sales, the offering includes interactive LIVECHAT, the RatePoint consumer feedback management system, and placement on search engines. 877/738-0731; www.matrixpaymentsystems.com.
Routing efficiency
RouteOptix software allows users to record detailed customer information, including mailing/billing details, locations with visual map-based confirmation, multiple services, follow-up calls, asset details, charges, and routing. It uses MapPoint technology to assist in visually analyzing geographic densities using a variety of parameters such as Service Type, Sales Representative and Service Frequency. 519/896-9433; www.routeoptix.com.