You have finally decided to invest in an hvac service software. But then there are more than enough options to confuse you. So, how do you start? This is a crucial decision for any HVAC company to make and needs a good deal of thought. Implementing and reaping the benefits of HVAC field service software takes time and money. And that is why it’s important to ask the right questions while buying an HVAC field service software. Your goal is to maximize the potential value of your software so that it does everything you want it to do.
However, you need to ask the right questions while buying an HVAC field services software in order to get the best out of it. These are the top questions to ask when you’re looking for an hvac software.
Can I test the software before making the final decision regarding whether or not to buy it?
It can be difficult to test drive an HVAC field service software. It’s a system that integrates with your CRM, ERP, and accounting software. Your technicians also need to be trained on the mobile field service app. Your dispatchers must be aware of the new tools in their HVAC software. Since it’s a complex system, it might be difficult to get a sample product for it.
So, if not through testing, how does one determine what they need in the software? For that, they can look at their business and the kinds of tasks that need to be handled. You can visualize how your day will run. In an HVAC service business, work order creation is the most important aspect. Work orders are created, scheduled, dispatched and sent out. Once it is completed, an invoice is generated. This is the heart of HVAC businesses. It’s worth taking a test, if allowed by your provider, to see how this aspect of the software performs.
How will it take care of my service requirements?
Once you have a clear understanding of your processes, you will be able to figure out how HVAC field service software could help you. If a considerable chunk of your revenue gets generated from delivering services, then it would be valuable for you to understand how an HVAC software will take care of the various aspects of service delivery. For instance, how they help in the pricing of services or in the generation of invoices. If you manage preventative maintenance contracts, it is important to understand how your HVAC field service software will take care of contract renewals and automation of work orders, making it easier for you to sell.
Your dispatchers will be able to use the software to improve their dispatch process. You need to think about the requirements that your technicians must meet to be able to reach the job site. Do you want turn-by-turn directions via field service mobile apps for technicians? Are you looking for a system that optimizes routes to ensure technicians complete work orders in a minimum of driving time? These are all important service requirements that you can expect your HVAC field service software will address.
How does HVAC field service software manage contract projects?
HVAC system installations are complex and require multiple technicians. Parts must be ordered and tasks must be scheduled. And that is why some HVAC companies avoid contact projects because they don’t have enough resources to handle them. While they have the resources or personnel to handle their break/fix work, they avoid contract work as they think that would need extra staffing. However, offering break/fix services and handling contract projects can go hand in hand without companies having to hire extra staff. All you need is proper workforce management. With streamlined management, you can use the same technicians for fix/break work and then pull them off jobs as needed to complete contract projects. And since managing staff and work orders is too hectic and time consuming when done manually, HVAC field service businesses are increasingly using hvac contractor software.
Doing installations and fixing work effectively is a great way for HVAC businesses to gain customers’ trust, which can help them sign the customers up for preventative maintenance contracts. An HVAC field service software program that can manage all aspects of HVAC service is essential because margins are often tight on installations and fix work. Using a service management software makes it possible for you to offer lifecycle protection for the units you sell or install for customers.
Final thoughts
The above-mentioned are not the only questions relevant in this regard, you can ask a lot of other questions while deciding on which HVAC service software to invest in. Questions like is the software customizable or how much time will your employees need to understand the working of the tool might also be important for your business. You can look at your business processes to determine what questions to ask. Remember, you have the power to create the business of your dreams with the right HVAC service management software. To do this, you just need to ask the right questions about your business and the HVAC field service software that you intend to buy.
