What’s in stock?
Mobile apps also make controlling inventory easier and more accurate. They allow technicians to access product information and features, check pricing and availability, as well as reference crossover part numbers from the company’s POS system.
Smartphone cameras, along with a universal product code (UPC) app, make it possible for service professionals to perform a physical inventory of products on their truck to keep records up to date. Parts can also be applied to service orders by utilizing the UPC on the products in the service vehicle to help eliminate lost customer orders. This puts the service order in front of the purchasing agent immediately. The quicker the order can be placed, the sooner the customer’s pool or spa can be serviced.
In some cases, business owners and managers can even utilize their smartphones to view open work shifts and sales totals from anywhere at any time. A smartphone that is connected to the company’s POS system offers executives a means to stay connected and informed without having to call the store, the service technicians or the office.
Getting started
With the number of apps available to the pool and spa industry, it can be difficult to know where to start. Before upgrading every technician’s cell phone, first perform some research to determine which apps best meet the company’s needs. For instance, not all apps are available for every mobile operating system. Sometimes abbreviated as mobile OS, an operating system for a mobile device is the software platform on top of which the app runs. The three main application platforms include Android, iOS and Blackberry.
To ensure compatibility, companies that are interested in using a mobile app to improve efficiencies, but already employ a particular fleet of smartphones, should contact their POS software provider, as well as some of the manufacturers they regularly deal with to determine which app is better suited to meet the company’s needs.
Although most apps are available for each platform, companies that are not using smartphones but are interested in doing so may find it easier to select a smartphone by determining what apps are available first.
If there are no current plans to upgrade the company’s mobile phones, consider incurring the costs to make the change necessary to benefit the company’s bottom line. Having the wrong type of mobile phones or tablets should not prevent a business from using tools that can increase efficiency and provide better customer service.
Today, most pool and spa industry POS systems have mobile applications available. There is no better time than now to begin utilizing new technology that can help increase profits by maximizing efficiency. In addition to keeping service and repair technicians trained on the latest pool equipment and chemical information, business owners should also consider moving to new technologies to streamline their business, improve productivity and cut costs.
Corinne Kraft is the original designer of RB Control Systems’ point-of-sale (POS) and business management software. She is co-founder and COO of RBCK Enterprises, Inc., and CEO of Valley Pool and Spa in North Versailles, Pa. She can be reached via e-mail at corie@rbcontrolsystems.com or by visiting www.rbcontrolsystems.com.
