03/08/2022
I have been sitting on this idea for the last 24 hours and it has really annoyed me so it is time to write about it. In the last 2 weeks especially I have been speaking with people regarding their Job Management Systems.
Before I get started though I need to point out that I am a Certified Servicem8 Partner, however this does not mean I do not recommend other systems to those I feel they would suit better.
Now, last week I was working on site with an Excavation company that had Servicem8 established within their business for the last 2 years. Once I got on site and got to know the business model better I felt that another system would have suited their business better. Not a big issue as they have major complex works that they can utilise their accounting program for the Quotes and Invoices, however 1 question asked 2 years ago would have seen them better suited to Simpro or even AroFlo.
Yesterday's conversation is the one that has annoyed me the most.
Locksmith contacts me asking for assistance, they are using Servicem8 currently, they wanted to know why the field staff could not log in to their jobs. Something that is very important considering they are on the road and the whole idea behind a Job Management System is to manage all facets of the jobs.....
My first question was
"What iPhones are they using?"
the answer "They are not using Iphones they are using Android."
"Servicem8 is iOS only so you will be able to use the Website version of SM8 which restricts check-in times etc"
"Oh, our Digital Marketing company set it up for us and said it would work." 😡😡😡
Again 1 question of "What mobile system does your business use?" would have saved this company hours of headaches through no fault of their own. They now need to make the decision to learn a new system or go out and buy iPhones/ iPads for their staff members.
I have talked to a lot of Trades business owners over the last couple of years purely about Job Management Systems, some have gone on to become partners of mine in Servicem8. However not all of them, as it does not suit their business model. Below are some of the criteria I work with to decide if Servicem8 will work with them or another system is more suited. There are more criteria to ask but to help you make a wiser decision here are a couple:
1. What mobile system is your business using?
-Android. Simpro, Tradify, AroFlo, GeoNext, Ascora and Fergus will all work.
- Apple. Servicem8 plus all the above.
2. How do you structure your invoice payments? Is it all at completion, Deposit then Final or are they Staged?
- Staged. AroFlo and Simpro are my recommendations for ease of use and ability.
- Completion or Deposit/ Final. All systems will allow this.
3. What accounting program are you using?
- If it is MYOB, QB, Xero all systems will connect very easily. Anything outside of these more common programs it may take an API connection to merge.
4. Are you set to a strict budget?
- Servicem8 is the only Flat Rate per month plan based on Jobs Performed.
- The other systems are Per User, Per Month plans with additional fees for certain add ons that may be required
5. How big do you want your workforce?
- Sole Trader>3 Staff. All systems will work well.
- 3-10 Staff. Depending on the above questions this where the big 3 set themselves apart in my opinion. Servicem8, Simpro and AroFlo.
- 10 plus. I find AroFlo gets in to the business structure more here but the other 2 will do the job also.
Once these questions are answered it gives me a bit more understanding of what system will work best for your business. Just because a guy you met in the street said that you should use the same system does not mean it will work for you. There are 100's out there and I have only briefly spoken about 7 of them if you want more clarity about what one suits you then reach out and I will gladly assist. Remember these things have been created to give you greater control in your business rather than create more headaches.
