This Guest paper was submitted for publication in May 2021
It is copyright to Rae Oliver © 2021
Published here July 2021

Editor's Foreword | Author's Introduction
The Benefits of Managing Your Business with Plumbing Software 
How to Choose a Plumbing Project Management Program
Most Popular Plumbing Software Programs | Final Thoughts

How to Choose a Plumbing Project Management Program

When trying to decide on suitable software, keep in mind that every business has different needs and operational strategies, so the perfect solution will be different for everyone. Each software will have unique features to suit the needs of diverse businesses and plumbing operations. However, all of the best project management platforms will share a few commonalities.

Here are some of the most important features to look for:

  • Real-time task performance data. Good plumbing management programs will always offer built-in management tools for job estimation, performance tracking, timekeeping, and purchasing.
     
  • Digital employee dispatch. Field service software with dispatcher modules allows you to remotely manage your employees' schedules and instantly dispatch plumbers to work sites. Dispatcher modules will enable you to quickly create and update tasks in real-time on a cloud-based calendar. Your technicians will receive live notifications about changes to their schedules.
     
  • Remote workforce management. Your plumbing project management software should enable you to rapidly find job details and relevant documents to avoid confusion and wasted time. It should also help to minimize work-related errors and make it easier to find live-updated work order information.
     
  • Payments and estimates. Mobile workforce management features enable you to seamlessly generate estimates and accept payments with mobile devices on-site. Clients can even sign estimates and invoices using specialized devices to assist your record-keeping protocols and help you to rapidly process payments.
     
  • Inventory management. Reliable plumbing software allows you to keep track of equipment, materials, and storage. It allows you to import supplier catalogs, remotely monitor inventory, and reorder essential materials when and where you need them.

More advanced features:

  • Third-party software integration. Solutions that integrate with third-party programs will help you to ensure that your books are accurate and that no data has been double-entered into your systems.
     
  • GPS tracking. All the best project management software programs also offer GPS tracking, worker driving guidelines, and automated route mapping features. These will keep travel costs low and maximize the productivity of your mobile technicians. GPS also enables you to keep track of your employees and schedule urgent work orders to the closest available plumbers.
     
  • Instant activity alerts. Good plumbing management software can help to reduce the number of on-site infrastructure inspections, quicken response times, and minimize reactive maintenance by sending alerts about potential equipment failures and the reasons behind them.
     
  • Seamless setup. The best project management software programs do not require much intervention on your team's behalf, which boosts the efficiency of your business and the services it offers. If needed, make sure your plumbing software solution has been optimized for desktop and mobile operating systems like Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android to create a convenient, multi-channel management solution.
     
  • Self-service portals. Self-service portals are essential for rapidly-growing service companies who want to give their customers more autonomy. This feature reduces your service costs, provides your customers with exactly what they want, and improves customer support and loyalty. It also reduces the need for your business to handle emails and phone calls, saving manpower hours and improving your office's efficiency.
     
  • Cloud hosting. Most modern plumbing project management software is based in the cloud. Cloud hosting gives you rapid access to your files and stores them securely, mitigating the risks of cybercrime attacks and data hacks. Cloud-based software enables you to enjoy all the best features of an on-site system without the associated costs, maintenance requirements, and security and update risks.
The Benefits of Managing Your Business with Plumbing Software  The Benefits of Managing Your Business with Plumbing Software

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