What problems is BuildOps solving and how is that benefiting you?
The main advantage of BuildOps is bringing a bunch of disparate software solutions into the same program.
We were spending lots of time doing double or triple data entry. We would make a work order in QuickBooks then manually dispatch it to a tech via paper. If the job needed a quote we would put it into our estimating software and then type up the quote in Microsoft word. Then we'd go to Outlook and email the quote to the customer. When a quote was accepted we'd go back into QuickBooks and turn the quote into a worker which was dispatched to a tech via paper to perform the work. The tech would write down all the materials, labor, and job description on a paper invoice. We would take the invoice and manually enter it into QuickBooks then generate and mail or email an invoice. If the customer wanted to pay with a credit card the process was time consuming for the office staff.
With BuildOps, we input the work order and digitally assign the work to a tech. The tech can track time, materials, labor, purchases, before/after pictures, job related documents, and other important items through a very well designed app. If a quote is needed the estimator can put all the info he needs (pictures, list of materials, etc.) into the app while they are on site or back in the office. Then the quote can be emailed directly from BuildOps, which then tracks the email's status through being opened, read, and responded to. The customer can approve the quote directly from their email. Once approved the quote is turned into a work order through just a few clicks and digitally scheduled with a tech. The tech tracks everything in the field and all that info can then be turned into an invoice with only a few more clicks. The invoice is emailed to the customer directly from BuildOps and they can pay online from a link in the email (this requires setting up payment service through another provider called Payabli that is partnered with BuildOps). The online payment is incredibly easy to use and it saves us a ton of time versus taking credit cards over the phone.
There is also a fantastic portion of the program that handles larger contracted jobs that take place over months and years. Again, it streamlines almost every process we do throughout a job like this. From budgeting to assembling submittal packages, pay applications to job cost tracking, BuildOps makes every process and workflow faster, more consistent, and more organized.
All of your info is stored in a logical, easy to access format. If you need to know what type of light fixture you installed for a customer four years ago it's quick and easy to find in the system.
Of course you have to put in the time and work to get everything set up and customized properly and follow through on things like taking pictures and saving documents into the system. All of these things are well designed and easy to use which makes them fast and second nature after fairly minimal practice.
The program has great reporting and tracking features that will let you monitor any KPIs you might be interested in. It also frees up so much time that was spent addressing tons of small items throughout the day. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.
