[Plumber Jim]

What do you guys use for keeping track of job scheduling? Paper, software etc. I currently use a big board on my office wall. If you use software which one do you use? I think I need to start keeping track on the computer instead of a big board on my wall hehe.

 

[UnclogNH]

I use a board with post its. This way if it crashes I just hang it back on the wall. :laughing: not like my PC :furious: Not hard to keep track of my customer volume so far when its get bigger I may go to computer program and still use the Borad on the wall.

 

[Plumber Jim]

haha, I like it. when it crashes you hang it back up. lol

 

[Herk]

I use the board on the wall, too. I've tried again and again to use software but it doesn't seem to work as well. Sometimes it's good if I have a lot of work and things to schedule, but there are too many lines or something. A note on the board works fine.

And I use the message pads, too - that way, I have a note for the truck and a copy in case I lose it. Put the call on the board, take it with me on my way to the job.

 

[trick1]

I use a whiteboard on the wall of my office to keep track of what my father and I have scheduled so it doesn't overlap. I use a daily planner to keep track of my calls and appointments. It's easier to write down changes, model and serial numbers, and notes than typing them into my treo. It also can't crash and lose my information:thumbup:

 

[Phat Cat]

Typed up on paper, printed out, and updated as needed. Six column across the top M-F and one column for upcoming. When M is finished, Tuesday becomes the first column and M is the next to last column. The job name, tel. #, and complaint are all I record (more detailed info. is on the inv. I write up). When a job is scheduled, I start a three part invoice and put the ticket in a folder that corresponds with the day. Plumber is given his tickets and the pink copy stays in the office. Pink copy is trashed when I get their paperwork back - it's also my safety for insuring every job is accounted for (payment/billing). (Forgot to add - as the jobs are being completed during the day, I use a highlighter to indicate such).

It's simple and I know what is going on at all times. Bonus, copy goes with me everywhere. If I get an after hours call, I can scedule without having to wait and get to the office. Hand write it on the schedule, update the computer version, and print out another one. I've scheduled calls while grocery shopping, driving, sitting on the beach, and even at a restaurant.

 

[smellslike$tome]

Service order form is filled out with every customer call which contains all of the information that I require. If the call is actually booked the last name and appointment window is written in pencil in a 7" x 10" monthly planner which the call taker keeps. On the morning of service the monthly planner is consulted and the appropriate sof(s) are given to the plumber. In the afternoon the sof(s) along with the invoice(s) and check(s) are returned by the plumber.

 

[stillaround]

So am I to assume the scraps of paper, register receipts, folded paper shoved in the top pocket method is not working for anyone? I worked for someone like that and every time the cellphone rings with the forwarded calls and I scramble for something to write on I have a mental picture of what I could be like.
Call taker has a message book and posts it on the computer calender==the rest is by phone. The blackberry helps but my system is still missing something.

 

[Plumber Jim]

Looks like alot of you are doing it the old fashioned paper way. I guess i am not alone. I am thinking about writing a program to keep track of all that. When i can find the time that is. till then i guess i will still you the paper..

 

[pcplumber]

Here is a free software for tracking & dispatching

This program is worth its weight in gold. I thought we had a thread about this program before. It doesn't matter how small your company is. You should use this software so you don't lose one call. There is a little story that goes with this program in the manual.

We tend to lose calls that are written on paper. This program will keep printing a daily service call report until you tell the program it is completed. Many times, I blew customers off for several weeks because I thought the call had no value. Once, this program printed a call for about three months. Finally, I stopped at the service call and sold a job for over $30,000.

This software is very simple to use.

http://bestlineplumbing.com/ServiceCalls.htm