For example, pool and spa professionals often realize their service departments offer many untapped revenue streams. These departments are a good place to start considering new software options. There are a variety of apps for service technicians depending on the size and scope of the business. Some solutions allow them to accept payment on the job, plan their schedule for the day, review notes, look at the customer’s equipment profile, send before-and-after pictures, and much more.
There are also several apps on the market to meet the needs of professionals working in the field—from entry-level global positioning systems (GPS) to monitor service vehicle mileage, speed, and location, to testing apps that check pool water and instruct technicians on which chemicals to add.
It is also common for businesses not to fully use all the features their pool and spa software has to offer. However, slower months are the best time to learn something new within the software, reinvent existing processes, and retool the business.
Improving these areas will take additional time, so this winter should be used to ensure staff can take full advantage of the functionality built into pool and spa management. With only a few precious months, it is crucial to ramp up staff training, do an in-depth analysis of inventory, and re-evaluate if current software is supporting business needs. Prioritizing company needs and taking action to help the business run smoothly will be crucial when sales pick up. Businesses should make the most of the slow season, before it is too late.
Rachael Pritz is vice-president of RB Retail & Service Solutions. She has been active in the pool industry for more than 20 years, which has provided her with an all-encompassing expertise in the trade. Pritz worked at a local pool store while pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh, Pa. With her technical skills and industry knowledge, she joined the launch of RB Retail & Service Solutions in Pittsburgh in 2003. She can be reached via email at rachael@rbcontrolsystems.com.
