Free Material Schedule Template for Construction

Free Material Schedule Template for Construction

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What Is a Material Schedule in Construction?

A material schedule is a list of all the building materials needed to complete a construction project. It’s usually organized by the different parts of the building, with separate sections for each component. This schedule typically includes details like the quantity, description, unit price, total cost, and any other relevant info for each material.

How to Prepare a Material Schedule in Construction

For complex projects, big software systems can help create material schedules—but if you don’t have the budget for that, there are easier and more affordable options, like the GoCanvas® material schedule template. With our no-code platform, you can build custom mobile forms and apps to help with your project management needs.

Why Avoid Excel Templates for Material Schedules

While Excel templates for material schedules are available, they’re not always the best choice for today’s construction businesses. Here are some reasons why:

  • Human error: Mistakes are easy to make, and with large amounts of data, it’s hard to catch them.
  • Wrong calculations: A single formula error can mess up your pricing, and it’s not always obvious whether or where you went wrong.
  • Lost data: If your document is stored locally, you risk losing the valuable information it contains if your computer crashes or something else goes wrong.
  • Static data: Prices change, and updating them manually in Excel can take forever.

Using Excel can be a hidden cost that drains your business. That’s why more contractors are switching to mobile apps and digital forms to cut down on mistakes and save money.

Pa(in)perwork

❌ Slow

❌ Frustrating

❌ Costly

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Top Reasons to Use GoCanvas for Material Schedule Templates

GoCanvas templates are simple for anyone to use. With our drag-and-drop editor, you can create digital documents for all types of construction forms.

Instead of using paper, Google Sheets, or Excel, why not upgrade to digital forms and apps that elevate your business operations? GoCanvas can help you digitize material schedules, work orders, contracts, safety reports, and any other important documents your business uses throughout all project phases. Some of the top reasons to use GoCanvas templates include:

  • Cloud-based storage: Keep all your data safe and accessible to anyone on your team in real time.
  • Integrations with other apps: Pull in data from other tools automatically, giving you the ability to update pricing and other data in real time.
  • Automatic reports: Generate and share reports instantly with PDF templates.
  • Custom form fields: Tailor forms to your business needs—no coding required—and create different material schedules for different jobs.
  • Mobile access: Track materials and deliveries from anywhere, even when you’re offline. You can rest assured that your data will sync as soon as you’re online again.

Going digital with GoCanvas can save your construction business time and money, increase productivity, and create a competitive advantage.

Download Our Free Material Schedule Template

Managing a construction project can be tough, especially when you’re juggling material orders and schedules. With the GoCanvas template, you can streamline the whole process, save time, and cut costs. Our customers have found that going digital makes it easier to track materials and keep everything on schedule.

Get started with this template or simply request a demo to see how GoCanvas can streamline your business operations.

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Three inspection workers on job site.

The Ultimate Guide to Quality Control Inspections

Managing a construction project is a complex and stressful process. Among other things, you have to coordinate project team members, materials, and equipment and ensure that contractors are not afflicted by the potential risks and hazards present at the construction site. That said, quality means different things to different people which is why you should…

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Constructions Digital Transformation

Your competition is finding faster ways to capture data and get critical insights from the field into their existing systems. In short, they’re not going bigger, they’re getting smarter. In this 15-minute broadcast on the construction industry’s digital transformation, find out why the trend is to modernize workflows – and how you can stay ahead of the curve…

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See how VIP Lighting optimized efficiency with GoCanvas

VIP Lighting is a retail lighting and electrical maintenance business that services over 10,000 retail locations all over Australia and New Zealand. Before GoCanvas, VIP Lighting had two separate systems that were impossible to integrate, leading to inefficiencies. GoCanvas made it easy to integrate their systems into single, centralized platform…

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We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Winterizing Homes: Efficiently Managing Proposals and Change Orders with GoCanvas

Winterizing Homes: Efficiently Managing Proposals and Change Orders with GoCanvas

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As colder weather approaches, homeowners are preparing to winterize their homes. At this time of year, remodeling crews see a spike in requests for tasks like upgrading insulation, sealing drafts, and installing storm doors to improve energy efficiency and comfort. But with winter come challenges like unpredictable weather and last-minute changes, making clear communication and efficient project management more important than ever.

The Importance of Winterizing Homes

Winterizing is a crucial part of many remodeling projects. Whether homeowners are adding insulation, sealing gaps, or upgrading HVAC systems, their goals are the same: They’re looking to stay warm, save on energy costs, and protect their homes from ice, snow, and freezing temperatures.

Some common areas homeowners focus on when winterizing include:

  • Attic insulation: Poor insulation leads to heat loss, which in turn causes higher energy bills. Upgrading attic insulation keeps homes warmer.
  • Sealing drafts: Gaps around windows and doors let cold air in and warm air out—which is the opposite of what homeowners want during winter. Sealing drafts helps improve energy efficiency.
  • HVAC systems: A well-maintained heating system ensures comfort, so homeowners may choose to upgrade their outdated systems before winter hits.
  • Storm doors and windows: Adding storm doors and windows gives homes an extra layer of protection from the cold.
  • Pipe insulation: Insulating pipes prevents freezing and bursting, especially in homes with exposed pipes and areas with harsh winters.

For remodeling or other trade crews, the fall and winter months often come with a surge in business as homeowners rush to complete winterization projects before temperatures drop. Along with this surge comes the need for efficient, flexible project management, particularly when clients’ needs evolve and weather impacts work schedules.

What Challenges Do Remodeling Crews Face During Winter Projects?

The colder months present challenges such as scheduling disruptions due to snowstorms or freezing conditions, weather-related alterations in project scope, and delays receiving materials.

In these situations, clear communication with clients is essential. Homeowners want updates on when crews will arrive, whether work can be completed as planned, and how changes to scope or timeline will impact their budgets. This is where digital tools like GoCanvas® come into play by enabling remodeling or other trade crews to stay organized, update proposals in real time, and manage change orders efficiently—all while keeping the client in the loop.

Streamlining Project Proposals with GoCanvas

Winter projects often require quick adjustments. Creating, sending, and updating proposals is easy and paper-free with GoCanvas, giving you the ability to:

  • Leverage custom digital forms: Use GoCanvas to create professional-looking proposals for insulation, HVAC repairs, and more, ensuring every client detail is captured correctly.
  • Secure instant client approval: Share proposals via email for quick approval or changes, cutting out the paperwork and speeding up the process.
  • Access documents in the cloud: Access and update proposals from anywhere, whether you’re at the jobsite or in the office.

Pa(in)perwork

❌ Slow

❌ Frustrating

❌ Costly

Go Digital

Managing Change Orders with Ease

Winter projects often involve last-minute changes like upgrading materials or adding extra work, and delays due to weather can further impact timelines. Handling these changes smoothly is key to keeping clients happy.

GoCanvas helps remodeling or other trade crews manage change orders without missing a beat, thanks to:

  • Instant updates and notifications: Dispatch change orders directly from the jobsite, then send instant notifications to clients.
  • Clear, accurate documentation: Everything is documented digitally, avoiding the mistakes and miscommunications that often come along with manual processes.
  • Automated record-keeping: During long projects with multiple phases, GoCanvas helps you keep track of all changes without breaking a sweat.

Stay on Track with GoCanvas This Winter

Winter weather can easily throw off project timelines, but GoCanvas helps keep everything on track by allowing you to update clients, reschedule work, and document progress. In addition to equipping you with the ability to build trust even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, GoCanvas’s flexibility lets you handle multiple jobs at once while keeping your team organized and efficient.

Key Winterization Tips to Communicate to Clients

Winterizing projects often come with multiple moving parts. Here are a few tips your crew can offer homeowners looking to make their homes winter-ready:

  • Upgrade to energy-efficient windows: Upgrading to double-pane windows improves insulation and lowers heating costs.
  • Install a programmable thermostat: Help homeowners save energy with a thermostat that can be adjusted to meet their unique schedules.
  • Check roof and gutter condition: Making necessary repairs is crucial to prevent ice dams and leaks.

Embrace Digital Tools for Winter Success

As homeowners rush to winterize their homes before the cold sets in, remodeling or other trade crews need efficient tools to manage surges in both projects and client communications. GoCanvas’s digital forms, real-time updates, and easy-to-use change order management system ensure that your team can deliver high-quality results on time and on budget—even when winter throws challenges your way.

Ready to simplify your winter project management? Try GoCanvas for free and see how our digital tools can help your remodeling crew work smarter this season!

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

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Improving Your Operations with Field Service Management Software

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Should You Connect Field Service Management Software with QuickBooks?

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We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

On-Demand: GoCanvas Like a Pro: Tricks of the Trade

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR

GoCanvas Like a Pro: Tricks of the Trade

In this on-demand webinar, George Shagoury, VP of Revenue Strategy, and Stephen Minus, Director of Sales Solutions at GoCanvas, dive into how GoCanvas is helping businesses overcome common challenges and maximize their results.

They walk through proven methods our customers use for inspections, work orders, and reporting while showcasing advanced features that take your operations to the next level.

This recorded webinar addresses:

  • Top features customers rely on: Discover how businesses are using GoCanvas for inspection, work orders, and daily or weekly reports to streamline operations and save time.
  • Achieving real results: Hear how GoCanvas users have reduced errors, saved time, and cut costs fully utilizing the above features and tools.
  • Taking it to the next level: Learn about advanced features like Dynamic Reference data (DRD), Video Capture, Attachments, and upcoming integrations with Bluebeam and Paycor, to unlock even more potential.

Elevate your business to the next level — fill out the form to access the recording now and start turning your pain points into profits.

Check out even more resources

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The Future of Construction Project Management

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Advanced Project Management for Construction & Trades

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Case Design Accelerates Sales Cycles with GoCanvas

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Scaling Small Businesses with GoCanvas: Effective Field Service Management

Scaling Small Businesses with GoCanvas: Effective Field Service Management

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Running a small construction or trades team comes with its own challenges. Managing a crew of 5 to 20 people while staying on time, observing your budget, and keeping things running smoothly isn’t easy. If you’re dealing with paperwork piling up, communication breakdowns, and costly delays, GoCanvas® is here to help.

GoCanvas can support your field service management and help your small business grow by allowing you to:

1. Cut down on paperwork and mistakes

Struggling with paperwork and errors? GoCanvas offers digital forms and custom PDFs that cut out the need for duplicate work and make sure your data is accurate. Say goodbye to paperwork clutter and minimize the potential for mistakes to occur between the field and the office.

2. Stay on time and on budget

Delays and going over budget can hurt your business. With GoCanvas, you can easily assign tasks, track real-time updates, and even monitor your team’s location with GPS. Our tools help you complete jobs on time and within budget.

3. Keep customers happy

Happy customers lead to repeat business. With GoCanvas, you can send real-time updates and photo progress reports to your clients. Keeping customers informed builds trust and leads to positive referrals.

4. Tackle staffing challenges

Hiring and keeping skilled workers is tough, but GoCanvas makes field service management easier by reducing administrative work. Streamlining your processes keeps your team productive and helps attract new talent.

5. Improve communication and cut costs

Good communication between the office and the field prevents delays and errors. GoCanvas provides real-time updates and instant access to critical information, which cuts down on costly mistakes and rework.

Pa(in)perwork

❌ Slow

❌ Frustrating

❌ Costly

Go Digital

How GoCanvas Grows with You

One of the key benefits of GoCanvas is that it grows with your business. Start with basic digital forms and add advanced features like workflows, real-time tracking, and detailed analytics as your business scales.

Here’s how GoCanvas can support your field service management needs at different stages:

  • Start simple: Begin by converting frequently used forms into digital versions to reduce paperwork and errors.
  • Expand gradually: Once you’re comfortable, try custom workflows, real-time updates, and GPS tracking to boost efficiency.
  • Leverage advanced analytics: When you’re ready, tap into GoCanvas’s analytics to track performance and make smarter decisions.
  • Integrate seamlessly: Connect GoCanvas with the tools you already use to build a powerful digital system that supports your growth.

Customer Testimonial

“GoCanvas has truly transformed the way we handle our operations. The ability to move from paper to digital forms has not only saved us time but also significantly improved our accuracy and efficiency. We’ve seen a substantial reduction in paperwork and an increase in our overall productivity.” –Pro Techs Surfacing

Ready to see how GoCanvas can transform your field service management? Request a demo or start your free trial today. Discover how GoCanvas can help your small business grow from handling a few forms to managing a complete digital workflow with advanced analytics and integrations.

Explore our latest customer success stories:

Let GoCanvas be your partner in achieving effective field service management and scaling your business. Your team—and your bottom line—will thank you!

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

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We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

The Future of Fire Safety: How Technology Is Changing Fire Inspections

The Future of Fire Safety: How Technology Is Changing Fire Inspections

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Fire safety is changing, and technology is leading the way. Fire inspections that help prevent fires and keep people safe are now faster, more accurate, and easier to conduct thanks to new digital tools and innovations. As we celebrate Fire Safety Week, let’s take a look at how technology is making fire inspections better and improving fire protection overall.

The Rise of Digital Fire Inspections

Fire inspections used to rely on paper forms, manual data entry, and long follow-ups to make sure everything was up to code. Needless to say, this took a lot of time and often led to mistakes. Now, inspectors can do everything digitally by using mobile apps and digital tools like the GoCanvas® fire protection app, which allows them to fill out reports on the spot, take photos of hazards, and ultimately work faster and more accurately.

Benefits of Technology in Fire Inspections

  • Real-time data collection and access: With digital forms, inspectors can gather data on the spot, check past records while on site, and make quick decisions. In addition to expediting the inspection process, digital forms help inspectors ensure all information is correct and up to date.
  • Automated compliance reporting: Fire safety rules are complex and always changing, but technology automates the process of following the latest standards. Once an inspection is done, reports can be created and sent out automatically, cutting out the delays of manual paperwork.
  • Improved communication: Fire safety involves many teams working together, and digital tools make it possible to instantly share reports, updates, and photos to make sure everyone stays in the loop.
  • Data-driven insights: Using technology, organizations can look at data from inspections to spot patterns and recurring safety issues, then fix problems before they lead to fires.
  • Remote monitoring and IoT integration: With Internet of Things (IoT) devices, fire inspections can now include remote monitoring. Specifically, IoT sensors can alert inspectors as soon as they detect smoke, heat, or other signs of fire, allowing for preventive action before small issues turn into big fire risks.

Fire Protection:

Save 18+ Hours a Week
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Case Study: Sweeps & Ladders Sees Big Gains with Digital Tools

For Sweeps & Ladders, a company specializing in chimney and fire safety inspections, switching to GoCanvas’s fire protection app was transformative. By digitizing its inspection process, the company saw immediate improvements in efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Key results:

  • 35% less time spent collecting data
  • 40% increase in close rates
  • Over 500 hours saved annually by eliminating paperwork

GoCanvas enabled Sweeps & Ladders to streamline inspections, reduce errors, and deliver more detailed and accurate reports to clients, leading to faster turnaround times and higher customer retention.

The Future of Fire Inspections

Looking ahead, fire safety is set to see even more tech upgrades. Augmented reality could soon help inspectors spot hazards and use drones with thermal cameras to check hard-to-reach areas, while artificial intelligence could analyze inspection data to predict and prevent fires.

As fire risks change, our inspection methods need to keep up. By using digital tools and new technologies, we can make fire inspections faster, more accurate, and better at preventing fires, ultimately saving lives and protecting property.

Conclusion

The future of fire safety is digital. By using modern technology, fire inspectors can not only meet the rules but stay ahead of potential fire risks. GoCanvas’s fire inspection app is one example of how technology is changing the industry for the better by making inspections faster, more reliable, and more effective.

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

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The Ultimate Guide to Managing Work Orders in Field Service Management

The Ultimate Guide to Managing Work Orders in Field Service Management

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Picture this: You’re in the middle of a hectic day. The phone’s ringing off the hook, your techs are scattered across town, and somehow you’ve got to make sure every job gets done on time and to the client’s satisfaction. It’s a tough gig—and without solid work order management, it can quickly spiral into chaos. Whether you’re in construction, HVAC, plumbing, or any other field service industry, managing work orders effectively is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make that process smoother, with a particular focus on how GoCanvas can be your go-to tool.

What Is Work Order Management in Field Service?

Let’s start with the basics: Work order management is about organizing and tracking every task that needs to be done in the field. It’s not just making sure your technicians are in the right place at the right time, it’s ensuring that every job is done right and nothing falls through the cracks.

Each job starts with a work order detailing what needs to be fixed and where, along with any special instructions your technicians need to get the job done efficiently. Good work order management makes sure tasks are tracked from start to finish, minimizing errors and maximizing productivity.

The Key Challenges in Work Order Management

While work orders are critical to field service management, they also come with several challenges, including:

Scheduling Conflicts

Ever had two jobs overlap because of scheduling errors? It’s a frustrating situation, especially when it could have been avoided with better coordination. Manual scheduling can lead to double bookings or underutilized techs, creating a domino effect of delays and missed deadlines.

Lack of Real-Time Visibility

Without real-time updates, you’re flying blind—meaning you might not know if a job is running long or a technician is having trouble until it’s too late. This lack of visibility can lead to miscommunications and inefficiencies that impact your bottom line.

Manual Processes and Paperwork

From requiring you to track down a lost work order to making you decode illegible handwriting, paperwork and manual processes can slow you down. The resulting headaches leave you with more administrative work and less time to focus on the tasks that matter.

How GoCanvas Transforms Work Order Management

Here’s where GoCanvas comes into play. Think of it as a tool designed to make your job easier from the office to the field. With GoCanvas, you get a solution that provides the following benefits:

Real-Time Job Tracking

GoCanvas gives you and your team the power of real-time tracking. No more guessing or waiting for updates—you can see exactly where your techs are and what’s happening with each job, helping you avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Mobile Access

Your techs are always on the move, so your work orders should be too. GoCanvas allows your team to access and complete work orders on their mobile devices, equipping them with the ability to update job statuses, capture photos, and even get customer signatures while in the field. This equates to less paperwork and more efficiency.

Automation and Integration

GoCanvas automates routine tasks and integrates with your existing systems, reducing manual entry and the resulting errors. You can automate job assignments, update statuses automatically, and ensure that your data flows seamlessly across platforms.

Pa(in)perwork

❌ Slow

❌ Frustrating

❌ Costly

Go Digital

Benefits of Using GoCanvas for Work Orders

Here’s why GoCanvas could be a game-changer for your business:

Increased Productivity

By automating tasks and providing real-time updates, GoCanvas helps your team work smarter, not harder. The result: Jobs get done faster and with fewer hiccups, giving your techs more time to focus on their work.

Enhanced Customer Satisfaction

Timely and efficient service leads to happier customers. With GoCanvas, your techs are better prepared and more organized, which translates to fewer delays and higher-quality work. Happy customers are repeat customers.

Cost Savings

Less paperwork and fewer errors mean lower operational costs. By optimizing your processes and reducing downtime, GoCanvas helps you get more done with fewer resources, ultimately boosting your profitability.

GoCanvas Features for Work Order Optimization

GoCanvas offers several features specifically designed to optimize work order management in field service businesses, including:

Real-Time Job Tracking

GoCanvas gives you and your team the power of real-time tracking. No more guessing or waiting for updates—you can see exactly where your techs are and what’s happening with each job, helping you avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Digital Forms

Replace paper-based forms with digital versions that can be completed on site by technicians. These forms can be customized to capture specific job details, customer signatures, and photos, ensuring accuracy and reducing errors.

Workflow Automation

GoCanvas allows you to automate the work order process from creation to completion. Set up automated triggers that assign work orders based on technician availability or job location, ensuring that no task is overlooked.

Real-Time Reporting

Generate real-time reports on job progress, technician performance, and customer satisfaction—then use this data to identify areas for improvement and make more informed decisions about your operations.

GPS and Time-Tracking

Track your technicians’ locations and monitor how long workers spend on each job to improve accountability and ensure they’re using their time efficiently.

Integration Capabilities

GoCanvas integrates with popular field service management platforms, accounting software, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, allowing for seamless data flow across departments.

The Bottom Line: Why GoCanvas Makes Sense

Managing work orders doesn’t have to be a juggling act. With GoCanvas, you get a tool that simplifies the field service management process, reduces errors, and helps you stay on top of every job. By streamlining your work order management, you can focus on what you do best—delivering top-notch service.

Ready to see how GoCanvas can transform your work order management? Connect with a GoCanvas expert to start your journey to a more efficient, streamlined operation today.

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Two people in an office looking at a tablet.

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Whether you have two or 200 employees, your business’ success depends on their hard work. Passionate, motivated team players are the difference between…

Two people in hard hats looking off camera.

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Person in safety vest smiling.

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How Deploying Digital Purchase Orders Increased Close Rates by Nearly 40%

How Deploying Digital Purchase Orders Increased Close Rates by Nearly 40%

Image of Sweeps and Ladders logo.

Industry: Chimney & Fire Prevention Services

HQ Location: Franklin, TN

Website: Visit Here

Icon of magnifying glass.

Background

Icon of magnifying glass.

Background

Tommy Nelms, owner and founder of Sweeps and Ladders, started out with the mission of providing his customers with top-of-the-line service and expert care. As he began to acquire new customers, Tommy realized that his business needed to run more smoothly.

The Problem

The Problem

Tommy’s CSIA-certified technicians spent tens of hours every week creating paper records for service inspections and purchase orders that would routinely be lost or delayed getting back to the office, costing the business time and money. Eventually, Tommy decided to look at digital solutions to replace his paperwork-heavy processes.

The Solution

The Solution

Despite evaluating solutions such as GoFormz, mHelpDesk, and fillable PDFs, Tommy couldn’t find a dynamic platform that was both easy to use and customizable to meet the needs of his growing business.

Then he found GoCanvas. Within a few short days of signing up, Tommy was already building out digital forms and dispatching tasks to his field technicians. He had finally found a platform that was quick to implement, easy to manage, and contained all the advanced functionality he needed for his service-based business.

The Outcomes

The Outcomes

Within its first year of deploying GoCanvas, Sweeps and Ladders has already seen the benefits of eliminating paperwork.

Previously, technicians weren’t able to create onsite estimates when they visited with clients. Today, GoCanvas allows them to instantly generate customer quotes, review the quotes on their mobile devices, and email copies to customers before even leaving the driveway.

This new process led to improved client interactions and quicker sale cycles, which has accounted for a 40% increase in the company’s overall close rate!

Another major benefit of GoCanvas is service forms. Now, technicians can digitally capture photos whenever they perform jobs, which—in addition to all other information about the job—are auto-generated into a professionally designed PDF for both customer and office staff use.

Now, all Sweeps and Ladders records are automatically stored in a secure cloud database that can be conveniently searched by client name or date… and aren’t buried somewhere in a technician’s truck. Since the company began using GoCanvas for collecting and storing records, it has enjoyed a 35% increase in productivity!

Ready to Rethink How You Work?

GoCanvas has helped various Fire & Life Safety businesses transform their workflows and rethink their project management, ultimately saving them money. Why not do the same? Reach out to one of our experts today to kickstart your process revolution.

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Tips for Skilled Trades: Preparing for Seasonal Changes and Weather

Tips for Skilled Trades: Preparing for Seasonal Changes and Weather

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In the world of skilled trades, being ready for anything is a must. Whether you’re in construction, plumbing, electrical work, or HVAC, each trade has its own set of challenges when it comes to changing seasons and weather disasters. Being unprepared can lead to major delays, including missed deadlines, increased safety risks, and unhappy clients. Here’s how to keep your skilled trade business ready for whatever the seasons and weather throw your way.

The Risks of Unpreparedness

Failing to prepare for seasonal changes and weather disasters can have severe consequences. Without proper preparation, your business might face:

  • Project delays: Unanticipated weather conditions can halt progress, leading to missed deadlines and unhappy clients.
  • Increased safety hazards: Working in unsafe conditions without adequate preparation can lead to accidents and injuries.
  • Financial losses: Delays and accidents can result in financial penalties, increased costs, and lost revenue.
  • Reputational damage: Ongoing delays and safety issues can harm your business’s reputation, making it harder to secure future contracts.

Strategies for Staying Prepared

1. Monitor Weather Forecasts and Plan Ahead

Keeping a close eye on weather forecasts can help you plan your projects more effectively. Use reliable weather prediction tools and apps to stay informed about upcoming weather changes, then adjust your schedules and resources to minimize disruptions.

2. Equip Your Team with the Right Tools

Investing in the right tools and technology is essential for managing seasonal challenges. Use weather-resistant materials for construction projects and ensure your tools are suitable for cold or wet conditions.

3. Implement Digital Solutions

Digital solutions like GoCanvas can revolutionize how you manage your projects and workforce. By digitizing paperwork and processes, you can streamline operations and ensure your team has access to real-time information—regardless of location. This flexibility is crucial for adapting to sudden weather changes and keeping projects on track.

4. Conduct Regular Safety Training

Safety should always be a top priority. Regular safety training ensures your crew is prepared to handle adverse weather conditions, so it’s important to use digital checklists and training modules to keep your team informed and compliant with safety standards. GoCanvas offers customizable safety checklists that can be accessed on site, ensuring no safety measure is overlooked.

5. Maintain Clear Communication

Clear communication is important for managing seasonal and weather-related challenges. Keep your team connected with real-time communication tools that will help them share important information and coordinate efforts during emergencies.

6. Develop a Contingency Plan

Having a backup plan in place is crucial for dealing with unexpected weather disasters. Outline clear procedures for your team to follow, including emergency contact information, evacuation routes, and protocols for securing equipment and materials.

Protect people, assets, quality, and compliance ― all in one solution.

The Importance of Flexibility

Flexibility is key when dealing with seasonal changes and weather disasters, as being able to quickly adjust your plans and resources can make a significant difference in maintaining project timelines and ensuring safety. Embrace digital tools that offer the flexibility to adapt to changing conditions without disrupting your workflow.

Conclusion

In the unpredictable world of skilled trades, preparation is not just a strategy; it’s a necessity. Trades across various industries can benefit from being prepared for weather changes, natural disasters, and unusual increases in project requests due to unforeseen circumstances. In fact, a study by McKinsey & Company found that companies using digital tools and predictive analytics saw a 30% improvement in project delivery times, while an American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) report noted that businesses with comprehensive safety training programs experienced a 48% reduction in workplace injuries.

By planning effectively, equipping your team with the right tools, and using digital solutions like GoCanvas, you can transform potential challenges into opportunities for growth. The data speaks for itself: Businesses that adopt digital tools and prioritize safety see significant improvements in productivity and fewer workplace injuries. Don’t wait for the next seasonal change or weather disaster to disrupt your operations—prepare now with GoCanvas. Our digital solutions help you stay organized, ensure safety, and keep your projects on track, no matter the weather. Visit GoCanvas today to learn more and request a demo to see how we can help you stay ahead of the game.

By embracing digital transformation with GoCanvas, your trade business can confidently navigate seasonal challenges and weather disasters, helping you secure a more prosperous professional future.

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

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On-Demand: Reimagining Project Management: Transitioning from just Mobile Forms with GoCanvas

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ON-DEMAND WEBINAR

Reimagining Project Management: Transitioning from just Mobile Forms with GoCanvas

GoCanvas has evolved from just mobile forms into a comprehensive project management solution, designed to simplify and enhance your jobsite. With the recent acquisition by the Nemetschek Group, the product pivot couldn’t have come at a better time.

Watch this on-demand webinar to learn about this pivotal product evolution and how the acquisition will further bolster its capabilities.

This recorded webinar addresses:

  • Market Challenges: Understand how the market has changed with the tightening labor market, increased costs, and the rise of AI at the jobsite.
  • Solutions for Jobsite Management: Learn how to solve and adapt to three main problems at the jobsite: operational chaos, risk mitigation, and costs.
  • Product Walkthrough: See the project management platform in action and discover how it can help you deliver work on time, on budget, and at a quality you’re proud to put your name on.
  • The Future Roadmap: Discover the future updates coming to GoCanvas and how the acquisition will enhance its capabilities in the coming years.

Elevate your business to the next level — fill out the form to access the recording.

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Igniting Growth: How Technology Powers Fire Safety Inspections and Business Expansion

Igniting Growth: How Technology Powers Fire Safety Inspections and Business Expansion

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Fire safety inspections are getting a major upgrade, with modern technology helping to save lives, slash costs, and drive business growth. The old ways of doing things just aren’t keeping up, with fires in nonresidential buildings skyrocketing by 20% in the past decade. Clearly, outdated inspections are too slow, error-prone, and can’t scale. This failure to evolve has led to:

  • $3.7 billion in annual losses from nonresidential building fires.
  • A shocking 70% increase in fire-related deaths over the past 10 years.
  • Stunted company growth due to wasted time, money, and resources.

The evidence is clear: Embracing modern fire safety technology isn’t just beneficial, it’s absolutely necessary.

The Evolution of Fire Safety Inspections

Fire safety inspections are essential to ensuring safety, but traditional methods no longer suffice in today’s competitive market. Integrating digital tools into fire safety practices leads to higher precision and tighter efficiency. With technology, inspections become more accurate and compliant without the administrative burden of manual processes. Digital tools cut costs and allow companies to handle more clients without adding extra staff, streamline operations, and open up new opportunities for business growth.

One of the most significant benefits of modern technology in fire safety inspections is the technology’s predictive capabilities. With access to comprehensive data and analytics, fire safety professionals can predict potential issues before they become emergencies. This shift from cumbersome, error-prone manual inspections to streamlined, technology-enhanced processes allows operations to be proactive rather than reactive.

From Paper to Digital: Streamlining Inspection Processes

Replacing manual collection with real-time data collection, storage, and analysis significantly reduces margin for error and sets a new benchmark for compliance and reliability. Digital records are instantly accessible from anywhere and at any time, which helps inspectors retrieve past inspection data, track trends, and ensure consistent compliance without sifting through piles of paperwork. The ability to share digital records instantly across teams and departments makes communication and coordination streamlined and easy.

Revolutionizing Fire Inspections with Advanced Tools

Who would have thought we’d reach a point where the tech in our hands could see through smoke or evaluate risks from the sky? It’s incredible how far we’ve come. From thermal imaging cameras to drones, innovative technologies have permanently changed how fire hazards are identified and managed. In addition to shifting the industry toward proactive prevention and away from reactive emergency responses, technology also opens up new markets to grow your business. Now, we can safely and effectively inspect high-risk or hard-to-reach areas that were previously not serviceable, such as remote locations and complex industrial environments. This capability significantly expands the scope of services fire safety professionals can offer.

Enhancing Visibility with Thermal Imaging Cameras

Thermal imaging cameras have emerged as indispensable tools for fire inspectors, providing a level of enhanced visibility in smoke-filled environments that a human could never achieve. By detecting excessive heat through barriers or smoke, these cameras pinpoint potential fire hazards that would otherwise remain hidden, allowing for more thorough and accurate safety assessments.

Expanding Reach with Drone Technology

Drones enable inspectors to assess areas that were previously inaccessible or hazardous. From rooftops to remote structures, drones provide a bird’s-eye view of potential risks, allowing inspectors to identify combustible materials and structural weaknesses with unprecedented precision. By reducing the need for expensive scaffolding, cherry pickers, or other access equipment, drones offer a cost-effective alternative for conducting thorough and comprehensive inspections.

Integrating Data with Advanced Software Solutions

The role of fire and life safety inspection software cannot be overstated in modern safety assessments. These software solutions automate processes, ensuring critical inspection points are never missed and providing immediate access to actionable data. By integrating data from advanced tools such as thermal imaging cameras and drones, inspectors can streamline workflows, enhance safety outcomes, and drive continuous improvement in fire safety practices.

Fire Protection & Inspection Software made simple

― saving you time & money.

Driving Safety, Compliance, and Business Growth with Digital Solutions

The adoption of fire and life safety inspection software represents a monumental shift in how fire safety inspections are conducted and managed. By enabling more precise and effective inspections, these digital solutions are crucial in identifying potential fire hazards before they escalate into emergencies. Data collected and analyzed by these systems offers invaluable insights into fire safety trends, potential risk factors, and areas for improvement, supporting long-term strategic planning and policy development. Here’s how:

Precision and Efficiency in Inspections

Fire and life safety inspection software empowers inspectors with the tools they need to conduct more precise and efficient inspections. By digitizing inspection processes, these solutions streamline workflows, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure that critical inspection points are never overlooked. Inspectors can easily access and update inspection checklists in real time, capturing accurate data and observations with unmatched efficiency. This precision in inspections enhances compliance with safety regulations while also improving the overall quality and reliability of inspection reports.

Predictive Insights for Proactive Safety Measures

One of the most significant advantages of fire and life safety inspection software is the software’s ability to provide predictive insights that inform proactive safety measures. By analyzing historical inspection data and trends, these solutions can identify potential fire hazards before they escalate into emergencies. This proactive approach allows organizations to implement targeted interventions and preventive measures, reducing the likelihood of fire incidents and minimizing risk to lives and property. With the power of predictive analytics at their fingertips, fire safety professionals can anticipate challenges, allocate resources more effectively, and stay one step ahead of potential threats.

Enhancing Collaboration and Communication

Fire and life safety inspection software facilitates clear collaboration and communication among stakeholders involved in the inspection process. Through centralized platforms and cloud-based data management systems, inspectors can easily share inspection reports, findings, and recommendations with building owners, facility managers, regulatory authorities, and other relevant parties. This transparent and efficient exchange of information fosters greater accountability, enhances decision-making processes, and ensures that corrective actions are promptly addressed. By promoting collaboration and communication, digital solutions strengthen stakeholder relationships and foster a culture of safety and compliance.

Continuous Improvement through Data Analysis

Data collected and analyzed by fire and life safety inspection software offers invaluable insights into fire safety trends, potential risk factors, and areas for improvement. By leveraging advanced analytics capabilities, organizations can identify patterns, outliers, and emerging threats to make data-driven decisions and prioritize resources effectively. This continuous improvement cycle enables organizations to refine their fire safety strategies, optimize preventive measures, and adapt to evolving regulatory requirements. By harnessing the power of data analysis, organizations can create safer environments, protect more lives, and mitigate the impact of fire emergencies.

Grow Your Fire Safety Inspection Business with GoCanvas

Fire has been around forever, but today’s fire safety needs demand the latest technology. Use GoCanvas for your fire safety inspections to ensure efficiency, enhance safety, and expand your operations. Contact us for a demo to learn how we can help you innovate and grow.

  • Double your output: Complete inspections up to 50% faster and with improved data accuracy.
  • Reduce costs and errors: Streamline workflows, minimize administrative tasks, and decrease losses from equipment fires.
  • Minimize fines and stay compliant: Simplify regulations and ensure easy access to inspection records.
  • Unlock new markets: Expand your service offerings and reach new customers within growing markets.

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

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