This article has been reviewed by Billy Stevens for accuracy.
Dispatching is an essential function of the HVAC field service business. Dispatchers receive service requests from homeowners and coordinate schedules for HVAC technicians, strategically determining which techs to assign to jobs based on multiple factors.
Manual dispatching can be tedious, impeding productivity and profitability. For this reason, many residential HVAC contractors invest in automated dispatch software. Learn the impact HVAC service software can have on your business.
What Is Automated Dispatch Software?
Cloud-based automated dispatch software enables dispatchers to automatically assign jobs to field technicians. It uses automated intelligence to assign the right tech based on their availability and capability, as well as the job priority. It reduces a significant amount of the workload involved with manual technician scheduling.
Automated dispatch software may be one component of a more comprehensive field service management software. FSM software helps reduce inefficiencies with various field service business operations, including HVAC scheduling, invoicing, and customer management.
Advantages of Automated Dispatch Software
From large HVAC companies serving a range of clients to small residential HVAC contractors, any business in the industry can benefit from automated dispatch software. The following are some ways HVAC dispatch software can help you:
- HVAC scheduling software gathers key data to develop efficient route plans (route optimization)
- Time tracking allows dispatchers to monitor techs and deliver real-time updates to homeowners about arrival times
- Real-time notifications to techs about schedule adjustments reduce service downtime
- Mobile connectivity facilitates stronger communication between dispatchers in the office and techs at job sites
- Updates about tech arrival times, invoices, and similar information better involve homeowners in the service, increasing customer satisfaction
- Automated dispatch software grows as your business grows, allowing for smoother scalability
What Are the Other Features of FSM Software?
What’s the best HVAC business software for residential contractors? The answer will depend on your business’ size and goals. In addition to simplifying the dispatching process, automated dispatch software helps dispatchers with job management. It provides more visibility of job status, tech location, and other aspects critical to day-to-day efficiency. They can manually adjust schedules as new service requests come in. 
Dispatchers can also review job details and customer information and share it with techs to ensure they are fully equipped to handle the service request when they arrive on-site. This includes having the right equipment and parts for maintenance and repairs. The result is an increased first-time fix rate, which boosts customer satisfaction.
As mentioned, automated dispatch software is often included in a broader FSM software solution. The following are other key features to look for in HVAC service software:
Scheduling Automation
Dispatching begins when homeowners schedule appointments. Fielding service calls is one of the most time-consuming tasks for HVAC businesses. Scheduling software reduces the time spent responding to service calls by providing a 24/7 customer portal where homeowners can book appointments at their convenience.
These portals also allow homeowners to review their customer history and past invoices, as well as accept estimates. They connect back to admin portals, and office staff can leverage the data to deliver better customer support.
Software Integrations
Automated dispatch software isn’t the only technology HVAC contractors need to increase efficiency. They utilize several solutions to streamline different tasks. You want FSM software that integrates with existing platforms to consolidate customer data and avoid errors with data entry.
There are several types of software you may consider integrating with FSM software, including CRM and ERP platforms. One of the most common integrations is the accounting software QuickBooks. Contractors use QuickBooks for payment processing and managing other financial tasks.
Accelerated Quote Building
The process of providing homeowners with accurate quotes is significantly impeded when done manually. A tech must contact office staff to gather the right information before delivering an estimate to homeowners. Depending on the volume of calls estimators have, it may be a while before the tech receives a response.
With FSM software, techs have all the information they need to create quotes on mobile versions of the software. They can develop accurate quotes within minutes, enhancing the customer experience in the process.
Quote building is especially beneficial for HVAC contractors that offer memberships. Some software providers enable techs to separate pricing for members and non-members into two columns, showing homeowners what they could save by becoming a member.
Mobile App Compatibility
The key to connecting HVAC techs in the field with dispatchers in the office is software compatible with mobile devices. Techs use their phones to review job details, create invoices, and receive notifications about schedule changes. Automated dispatch software can integrate with customer-facing mobile apps so homeowners can make appointments and review invoices no matter their location. FSM software is typically compatible with IOS and Android devices.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting
Measuring key performance indicators is vital for any strategic objective. What do you hope to achieve with automated dispatch software? Whatever the goal, you can track KPIs and financial metrics using software to evaluate how it helps you realize objectives and areas where you can improve.
Enhance HVAC Field Service Operations with Automated Dispatch Software
Automated dispatch software helps improve dispatching efficiency and deliver a better customer experience, but residential HVAC contractors can maximize efficiency by investing in field service management software. At Sera, we offer FSM software tailored to the needs of small businesses like residential HVAC contractors. Our software is built on the four principles we believe essential for businesses like yours to experience operational efficiency. These include:
- Time management
- Margin management
- Cash flow
- Member management
In addition to supporting the HVAC industry, Sera’s software is used by residential plumbing and electrical contractors. Our goal is to help you identify and remove pricing errors and gaps in efficiency to streamline operations while adding more money to your bottom line.
Find resources to learn more about field service management software.
You can also contact us today to schedule a 15-minute discovery call or 45-minute free demo.