Many cleaning and restoration companies are embracing the use of technology and management softwares to run their businesses. Gone are the days of old school organization methods that leave room for error and ultimately slow down the growth of your business.
Restoration software systems serve a myriad of functions that can be customized for the specific needs of a company. There’s also a ton of options available on the market. So how do you pick the right software system for your cleaning and restoration business? Let’s hear it from the experts.
Make sure the software provider has your best interest in mind
In the restoration industry there are a myriad of software options available, making it overwhelming to know which is right for your business. Here are some key points to think about as you determine what is the right solution for your business.
- Software alone is dead. Instead, think about what tools are going to help grow and scale your business. Being a sophisticated business owner means focusing on driving the direction of your company through metrics, KPIs, and real time. Information is the key to success.
- Simplicity. Restoration is complex so finding a solution that is easy (especially in the field) is a must! How easy is it for your technicians to do their job and document the loss? The simpler the user experience, the more repeatable it becomes, ensuring standardization and quality.
- Innovation and integration. Gone are the days when a closed end to end platform will give you the user experience and innovation that will change and adapt to the pace at which the industry is changing. Finding tools that integrate and work well with other platforms eliminates the frustration and pain that can often bog down your processes and frustrate already overburdened staff.
Lastly, you really want to consider if your software provider has your best interest in mind. Ask questions like: How will the platform help me streamline and simplify? What is going to make running my business easier? What is being done with my data and is it helping ME?How are you adapting to the ever-changing industry and in particular? And lastly, what are you doing to help me grow and scale my business?
– Rachel Stewart, Founder/CEO of Xelerate
Determine what your objectives and needs are
Product demonstrations are a good place to start, as well as taking the time to get feedback from your peers on their experience with their software platform. Caution: Once size doesn’t fit all.
Determine what your objectives and needs are and marry those with ease of use and scalability for your future growth. Consider the culture of your organization also, starting with Leadership.
Don’t get lost. Step back and really work through what you need versus what “looks cool” and match that to your culture and aptitude. I liken it to becoming a pilot. If you get a single engine pilot license and are given a modern fighter jet to fly, chances are the outcome will be less than desirable, even catastrophic. Software implementations can be the same way.
Be deliberate and ask many questions. There is not a right or wrong answer as to which is best, there may be a right or wrong answer to which is best for you and your organization.
– Jon Fields, Owner of RestorePro
Look for functionality, automation, organization, security and dependability
“When business owners are looking for a Restoration Management Software, they should look for functionality, automation, organization, security and dependability. It’s helpful when all companies’ information is held in one place where anyone inside the organization can get access to the information in real time.”
– Brandi Hawthorne, Account Manager at iRestore
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