Hello again,
Over the last year we have been moving Waterwell to "The Cloud".
We set out on this course with a view to providing a better level of service to our customers whilst saving the business money and time.
I had previously researched the idea about 4 years ago but at that time the choice of software was limited and the risk was too great. Since then though, things have moved on rapidly and when I revisited the options in the second half of 2010, I was delighted to see the possibilities unfold.
We set ourselves a challenge of introducing, testing and refining our Cloud within a 12 month period with a view to getting rid of our server before the end of 2011 if the project proved to be a success.
Initially, we introduced the iPads and our choice of CRM software to just the Maintenance Engineers who, in their work, have to visit over 500 customers in a short period of time in the Spring. We developed a simple Job Sheet app that the Engineers populated when they visited a client and was then automatically stored directly in the client's account, on the cloud. Buoyed by this success, we have now broadened the use to everyone in the business, everyone uses and Ipad (with iMacs in the office) and we have now introduced an accounting package to work in harmony with the CRM package.
The reality is that when a new customer calls the business, their details are securely keyed directly into the CRM package, emailed plans are also stored along with the estimate, acceptance form, details of any customer contact, photos and anything else that relates to the client or the site. Product can be ordered via the iPad and sent to site and then, when the job is complete, the invoicing completes the cycle.
In terms of results. From a customer point of view, the Engineers have all the information at their finger tips and can answer any questions immediately. From a business point of view, because the Engineers don't now have to come into the office in the morning we have gained about 15% productivity and the guys are happy that they don't have to sit in traffic all day long.
We are now completely committed to working with iPads and on the Cloud and we won't be turning back. For us, this has been a win:win and if you were wondering, we got rid of the server just before Christmas.
Until next time...
