More and more electrical contracting businesses of all sizes are using electrical business software. Contractors are shifting their business processes to digital and forgoing outdated paper-based systems. Those who make the change to electrical contractor software benefit from streamlined workflows, satisfied customers and employees, and higher profit margins.
If your service business isn’t already using software solutions or is unhappy with your current job management system, you may want to consider an upgrade. But which business software is right for your electrical company? Learn more about what features you should look for when comparing service management software to increase functionality, acquire new customers, and achieve growth.
What Is Electrical Business Software?
Electrical business software, also known as electrical contracting software, is a digital solution aimed at helping electricians save time to operate more efficiently. It helps them manage many aspects of their operations like a pro, including:
- Job scheduling: Can schedule jobs and dispatch them to the field in real-time
- Invoicing and pricing: Allows for paperless invoicing, which can help businesses get paid faster
- Reporting: Helps create reports based on job details and job costs
- Customer management: Keeps track of customer information and manages customer service
- Project management: Manages work orders and projects
- Fleet tracking: Tracks equipment and vehicles
- Estimating: Helps create estimates and quotes to secure contracts while at the jobsite
- Follow-up: Helps follow up on invoice payments
Integrating electrical business software can lead to a wide range of benefits, such as:
- Improved customer satisfaction and customer experience
- Elevated employee experience for the entire team
- Better insight into business metrics
- Enhanced payment processing
- More efficient time tracking
- Improved inventory management
- Increased accessibility for bigger contracts
- Improved customer communications
Features to Look For
Not all electrical job management software is the same. Some are better than others. When shopping for electrical business software, keep these features in mind:
Service Reminders
Service reminders are a vital business tactic that provide a host of benefits for the customer and service provider. They benefit customers by reminding them to schedule service appointments to ensure their electrical systems are operating properly. For the electrical company, service reminders are an opportunity to secure more repeat jobs and boost recurring revenue. This can be vital during slow times.
Furthermore, reminders are a great way to stay in touch with clients and establish long-term customer relationships. Service reminders can include sending newsletters to your clientele or occasional discounts to influence purchasing decisions. Businesses should also get in the habit of sending appointment reminders for upcoming electrical services.
When it comes to service reminders, timing is imperative. Your electrician software should automate service notifications based on the date of the initial installation or the last service date. Business owners can choose how often the software sends customers reminders (yearly, monthly, or the required service period).
Invoicing Software
Getting paid on time is essential for any contractor business. Being compensated for the electrical services you provide customers is vital. Electrical contractor software with powerful invoicing features and manageable customer portals offers a convenient way for customers to pay for services. This feature eliminates the need to chase down customers for payment, allowing contractors to spend more time on other aspects of the company.
Invoices created by electrical business software are professional-looking. Most come with pre-designed templates from which business owners can choose. You will want to choose a software solution that includes the ability to customize line items and create different invoice types.
Additionally, invoices are a great way for electrical businesses to promote their branding and remain memorable. Choose an electrical business software tool with an invoice feature that allows you to include your company’s logo, slogan, colors, and any other elements that help you stand out.
Accounting Software
A dedicated accounting tool is a crucial component of electrical business software. In many cases, an accounting solution is the first digital investment small businesses make. Regardless of whether it’s invoices or payroll, staying on top of your numbers is a must.
Electrical business owners should opt for accounting features that communicate with their management solution. This eliminates the need for double data entry, saving time and reducing the threat of errors.
Accounting software integrations make the lives of your team easier. With the ability to streamline time-consuming tasks, it increases productivity, meaning your company can accomplish more each day.
Parts Management
Electricians require a large assortment of parts to perform various services. The parts an electrical business orders can include rolls of wiring, custom light fixtures, electrical boxes, and other electrical components. Contractors and office workers should know whether parts are in stock. A parts management system ensures companies have the supplies they need to complete a job and stay on track.
In addition, electrical business owners will want an inventory management system that offers a parts database. With relevant information in one place, your business can keep track of expenses and performance.
User-Friendly
Electrical business software is intended to benefit your entire team, from service techs to admins. Therefore, the usability of the software is crucial to successful implementation and onboarding. Business owners want to choose a software solution with an intuitive interface and user-friendly design.
Additionally, it’s wise to consider the availability of training resources, tutorials, and customer support. These tools, combined with sufficient training, can significantly reduce the learning curve and maximize the benefits of the software.
Scalability
The electrical industry has seen many changes recently. This trend is likely to continue, meaning your business must be able to adapt. Selecting an electrical business software that can maneuver around changing business landscapes and adjust to evolving requirements is crucial. You want an option that can be customized to meet your specific business needs. Scalable software means your software grows with your business.
Expand Your Electrical Business with Sera
Choosing the right electrical business software solution is a crucial step in optimizing your business processes and reaching company goals. At Sera, we aim to provide management tools to electrical contractors with one of the best software available. Our innovative software provides electrical businesses with an all-in-one solution, combining several desirable features into one centralized interface. Additionally, our software empowers your field service technicians to complete tasks while on-site, making your business’s process more efficient and profitable. Electrical business owners interested in learning more can Contact Us today to schedule a demo.
