The HVAC industry has greatly benefited from the rise of mobile apps in the last decade. HVAC contractors can take advantage of a large ecosystem of HVAC-specific apps that do everything from instantly converting pressure-to-temperature points for refrigerants to providing a “how-to” guide for nearly every task encountered on a job.
In addition to those specialized for the HVAC industry, businesses also benefit from apps aimed at improving overall efficiency and allowing contractors to stay on top of things while in the field. This is critical to starting, building and growing customer relationships that result in a successful HVAC business.
Here are three apps that should be in every HVAC contractor’s toolkit to build a strong business: CRM, Invoice Software and Time Tracking.
CRM
It’s common for HVAC contractors to keep track of accounts and sales on old-school spreadsheets and paper. For field reps that spend most of their day on the road, it’s difficult to keep track of everything with these old methods. This makes it easy for HVAC contractors to lose out on potential jobs due to being unable to keep track of and prioritize their day.
While there are many CRM solutions out there, focus on getting one that has a focus on simplicity.
A cloud-based CRM solution helps contractors manage jobs and keep organized in the field. Keeping track of jobs and responding in a timely fashion are critical to winning business. A cloud-based solution that can be accessed on any device to ensure seamless communication between team members in the office and in the field makes this possible. While there are many CRM solutions out there, focus on getting one that has a focus on simplicity. The easier a CRM is to use, the faster the whole business will adopt it and benefit from it
Invoice & Payment
One question that every HVAC business should ask itself is: Do we make it easy for our customers to pay us? Having no mobile invoicing or payment software makes it hard for customers to pay. Many HVAC contractors don’t know they can generate invoices and accept payments via device or tablet while in the field. Invoice and payment software in the cloud makes it easy to get paid out, so teams can focus on delivering excellent service, not chasing down payments.
Invoice and payment software in the cloud makes it easy to get paid out, so teams can focus on delivering excellent service, not chasing down payments.
Time Tracking
Keeping track of time can be a real hassle. Some businesses still have contractors call when they leave for a job, when they arrive at the job site, and once more when they finish. This “call in and call out” job system isn’t just inefficient and costly in terms of time, it can also be incredibly inaccurate.
Time tracking apps make it easy to monitor field workers’ drive time to the job, time on the job, and time spent doing administrative tasks.
Luckily, time tracking apps make keeping track of contractors’ time a breeze. These apps make it easy to monitor field workers’ drive time to the job, time on the job, and time spent doing administrative tasks. More importantly, these apps keep all of their tasks organized. As a result, payroll and bookkeeping can quickly execute on paychecks.
JP Werlin co-founded and has served as CEO of PipelineDeals since 2006. With a focus on starting, developing and growing relationships, Werlin leads PipelineDeals in its endeavor to change the way small-to-medium-sized businesses manage their sales pipelines and grow revenues. The company boasts more than 4,000 customers in 60 countries.