Paperless software

The Total Activity Control (TAC) software from Clear Computing provides tools to support paperless operations. For the billing department, regular or special event invoices are sent via email to fax, and received instantly by customers. Fast management of receivables is handled with integrated credit card processing. Work orders and service routes can be emailed to drivers. Drivers with mobile devices can open detailed work assignments with attached maps, then write notes or capture customers’ signatures and email back to TAC. The GPS-Relay iPhone app allows drivers to send back their status with location and time stamp. The sales team can receive customer lists from the software and create paperless proposals, which can be converted to work orders and invoices and emailed to the customer and technician. 888/332-5327; www.clearcomputing.com.

 

Asset management assistance

Granite XP infrastructure inspection software from CUES Inc. is used to manage and assess the condition of any asset. The Inspection Edition captures a wide array of data and video from robotic transporters deployed in pipelines. It is customizable with 19 optional plug-in modules.

Some of the key features include: asset-based architecture; dynamic pipe graphics built on the fly as inspection is completed; asset management integration systems such as Hansen, Maximo, WRc and NASSCO; bidirectional integration for Esri ArcGIS; customizable code systems and screen layouts, and mandatory field controls; synchronization mechanism to allow precise data aggregation and provide conflict resolution; single click CD/DVD burning, synchronization and reporting; reports available in HTML, ASCII and PDF formats, with print and email options; the ability to take unlimited still images during video capture; compatible with Sonar systems and analog or digital video cameras; and optional automatic scoring system to report on pipe quality and probability of failure. 800/327-7791; www.cuesinc.com.

 

Service validation

PulseStar and iButton technology from EZTrakR Systems Inc. provides positive service validation, eliminating the need for service stickers. The bundled software system records services, tracks employee productivity and route service stops, provides an automated time card and updates inventory. The system also provides one-touch billing and QuickBooks integration, along with missed service reports. The iButton records delivery, pickup or service date and time. Data is captured with each vibrated touch of the weather- and dust-resistant reader, which automatically updates customer accounts with each download. 866/529-1938; www.eztrakr.com.

 

Wireless pen system

The wireless pen system from Famhost Apps enables drivers to fill out invoices and any other paperwork without learning new processes or doing data entry. The pen gets the paperwork digitally in real time without scanning. It eliminates employee temptation to waste time on social media, Web surfing or games.

The system includes a rugged pen, modem, optional Garmin interface and airtime plan. Cost is less than a smartphone. The pen and GPS dispatching system can be stand-alone or integrated into the JaRay field service software system. All applications are cloud-based so users can log in from anywhere on any device including iPhone, iPad, Windows and Android. 800/658-1676; www.famhost.com.

 

Field service software

Smart Service software from My Service Depot is fully integrated with QuickBooks accounting software (2008 and newer) and designed for companies with field service employees. Program features assist with routing, scheduling, dispatching, mapping, CRM and mobile data collection. Other features include iPhone, iPad mobile solution for field employees that does not require constant Internet connection, drop-and-drag scheduling screen, Smart Find routing to ensure quick and efficient service scheduling, marketing campaigns for increased sales, estimates, customer notes and correspondence to track full account history. The program also includes a standard and custom report tool, mapping and GPS on mobile workforce screen. A mobile version for laptops is available. 888/518-0818; www.myservicedepot.com.

 

Company management tools

The Summit Service Tools from Ritam Technologies include service reminders, service maintenance agreements, service dispatching and service appointment scheduling. A mobile app can be added for customers to request service or check appointment times.

Service reminders provide postcards (or emails and text messages). Service maintenance agreements enable monthly automatic credit card processing for annual service agreements (and track which technicians are selling). Service dispatching manages high-pressure, emergency-response task assignments for your technicians (improving response times and reducing cross-town driving). Service appointment scheduling shows a matrix of technicians and equipment (and can be filtered by the skills required). 800/662-8471; www.ritam.com.

 

Organization program

The SAFE Program from VMSoft Products enables users to organize routes and service schedules, invoice customers, create work orders and contracts as well as record inspections and vehicle maintenance. The program tracks expenses, customer inventory and rentals and also monitors alarms. Users can email documents (invoices, contracts, work orders) using Outlook or Windows Live Mail and create an online map of customers viewable from a smartphone or laptop. The program also allows personalized reminders and follow-up emails to be sent to customers. 800/604-7351; www.thesafeprogram.com.