Service Scheduling Software

Service scheduling is one of the most time consuming tasks for the project manager of a service business.

Timely & efficient scheduling of personnel and equipment can be time intensive and frustrating, resulting in a costly enterprise if mis-handled. With the capabilities of service scheduling, allows timely use of all your business assets.

Timely Management of Assets

Every project manager can literally tear out their hair with mismanaged assets and the associated headaches that come with needlessly upset customers. There are numerous service scheduling software packages available on the market that can make your life easier as well as more profitable. But, be warned that the wrong software choice can be very costly in time and money wasted!

To find the best software for your service organization, there are a number of things to look for when you start your evaluation. Be sure to take your time in delineating your needs.

What Kind of Jobs Do You Do?

Let’s look at some of the major questions that you will need to answer before you select which software is right for your company. First you need to list all of the different types of jobs your company competes for in the market place. Next, list the physical assets that your company uses (owned or leased). Then list the personnel that the company employs and the skills associated with each individual.

Time Conflicts Eliminated

There are a number of questions to be answered. Can the software track conflicting time schedules for both personnel and equipment? Does it manage crews? Does the software have the flexibility to assign the same equipment to more than one job at the same time, with checks for conflicts? Can the software be integrated into your existing software’s payroll and or job costing? Do you want it to - or do you want only a standalone system for the service scheduling? What do the software references have to say? Is the software easy to understand and use? Is the reporting consistent and readily understandable? What kind of support and training is available? Is it affordable? What happens with maintenance of the software? Is support and upgrading done on an annual contract or a per incident fee agreement? Do you get a good feeling about the vendor that is selling the software? You will be working with them for some time, so there needs to be a good working relationship with the support personnel.

Of course, price is a consideration, but do not be penny-wise and pound foolish. This is not the place to be miserly. Consider the long term ramifications when choosing the software to help make your company more efficient and profitable.

See Also:

Scheduling