Top 5 Ways Electricians Can Boost Efficiency with Digital Tools

Top 5 Ways Electricians Can
Boost Efficiency with Digital Tools

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Staying competitive as an electrician means working efficiently. Whether you’re managing multiple jobsites, coordinating with teams, or dealing with paperwork, finding ways to streamline operations can significantly impact your bottom line. Digital tools like GoCanvas are changing the way electricians work, making it easier to manage tasks, conduct electrical inspections, and speed up payment processes—and now is the time to make the switch. Here are five ways digital tools can help boost efficiency for electricians.

1. Keep Jobsites Running Smoothly

Managing several jobsites can feel overwhelming, especially with paper-based systems. Digital tools like GoCanvas centralize all jobsite information within an electrical management system, making it easier to track work orders, inspections, and maintenance schedules. With real-time data access, every jobsite can stay on track, reducing delays and improving customer satisfaction.

Electricians using GoCanvas have reported a 34% boost in productivity thanks to these centralized management capabilities. Other industries have seen similar benefits, with companies reporting a 15% increase in productive hours after adopting mobile digital tools​ (McKinsey & Company). According to Dave Cramer, project coordinator at Penn Line, “With GoCanvas, we received inspection information instantly, reducing our 14-day turnaround to 72 hours.”

2. Automate Routine Tasks to Save Time

Repetitive tasks like filling out daily reports, timesheets, and RFIs can eat up your time. Digital tools can automate these workflows, letting you focus on critical responsibilities such as electrical testing. GoCanvas’s customizable forms and templates ensure that routine tasks are completed accurately and efficiently, reducing errors and rework.

Digitizing tasks like customer management and billing has cut process costs by 20% for many companies, freeing up time and improving customer satisfaction​ (McKinsey & Company). As noted by Alberto Bernasconi, ICT group manager at RF Celada, “What used to take 10 minutes now takes one minute and has more information, more statistics, and is more accurate.”

3. Improve Communication and Coordination

Clear communication is key to any successful project, so digital tools like GoCanvas help electricians, office staff, and clients stay connected with real-time updates and instant messaging. Whether you’re scheduling an electrical inspection or updating a work order, everyone stays in the loop.

Service Electric reported a significant improvement in coordination after switching to GoCanvas, cutting a 10-minute task down to just one minute. This level of efficiency is increasingly vital as the industry integrates smarter technologies. For instance, smart grids and buildings are transforming how electrical systems are managed, offering better energy efficiency and resource management that facilitates more effective predictive maintenance and electrical testing​ ().

Pa(in)perwork

❌ Slow

❌ Frustrating

❌ Costly

Go Digital

4. Get Paid Faster and Improve Cash Flow

Delays in billing and payments are a common issue in the electrical industry. With this in mind, digital tools have been created to streamline the invoicing process, making it quicker and easier to send out and track payments. GoCanvas helps electricians reduce the time it takes to get paid, ensuring better cash flow and minimizing delays.

Electricians using GoCanvas have saved 845 hours annually on payroll data entry alone, speeding up payment cycles and reducing delays​ (WebFX). In addition to lowering costs, automating back-office tasks like billing improves customer satisfaction by simplifying administrative tasks​ (McKinsey & Company).

5. Ensure Accurate Data and Reporting

Mistakes in data entry can lead to costly issues down the line. That’s why digital tools automate data collection and reporting, providing accurate, real-time information that supports better decision-making. GoCanvas’s reporting tools help ensure that electrical testing and safety inspections are done precisely, preventing issues before they arise.

Smart technologies and the Internet of Things enable real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, further enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of electrical work. This shift toward automated, data-driven processes is improving overall project outcomes and safety compliance during electrical inspections and testing​ (IAEI Magazine)​ (McKinsey & Company).

Conclusion: In today’s market, digital tools are essential for electricians who want to stay competitive. By using tools like GoCanvas to streamline jobsite management, automate routine tasks, improve communication, speed up billing, and ensure data accuracy, electricians can keep their businesses running smoothly and efficiently. Ready to see how GoCanvas can make a difference? Schedule a demo today or explore the Electricians Landing Page for more information.

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

Man inputting digital work order into a tablet from a work site.

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Woman reviewing data via her mobile phone.

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Streamline Your Workflow With Job Card Apps

Streamline Your Workflow With Job Card Apps

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Job Card Apps – Examples & Templates

Job cards are used to record all the key details that workers need to know about a job or task to be performed as part of a work order. Companies in many industries leverage job cards, including construction, manufacturing, engineering, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more.

Job cards should include all the important elements needed to complete an assigned job, such as:

  • Client information and project-specific details
  • Time logs that capture the amount of time spent on the job by each worker
  • A clear scope of work and what is being done
  • Sections to record time, materials, stock, and total costs
  • Signature lines for workers, project managers, and clients
  • Space for relevant images and additional notes

Each job card is customized to the specific task and job at hand. While job cards have historically been managed using paper forms, more companies are switching to job card apps to digitize their workflows.

App for job cards are becoming popular because they allow workers to capture and submit information from anywhere on a mobile device or tablet. Instantly having all relevant information digitized is a time-saver for teams, and businesses benefit from eliminating paper forms. Some of the main advantages of using digital forms include:

  • Real-time updates: Keep your construction projects on track with immediate updates and job status tracking, ensuring seamless communication across your team.
  • Accessibility: Empower your field workers and remote teams with access to job cards from anywhere, enhancing mobility and productivity on construction sites.
  • Accuracy and error reduction: Reduce manual entry errors and ensure precise data input with automated job card management, improving overall project accuracy.
  • Efficiency: Speed up the creation, updating, and management of job cards, saving valuable time and resources while increasing your project’s efficiency.
  • Data integration: Integrate with other construction management systems (e.g., inventory management, time tracking, payroll) for a cohesive and streamlined data flow.
  • Reporting and analytics: Generate detailed reports and analytics to monitor performance, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions, driving your construction project’s success.
  • Environmental impact: Contribute to sustainability by reducing your use of paper-based job cards and embracing eco-friendly digital solutions.
  • Document management: Consolidate all construction-related documents, images, and notes in one centralized app, making it easier to manage and retrieve critical information.
  • Compliance and record-keeping: Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations by maintaining the accurate and up-to-date records essential for audits and inspections.

Mobile job card apps simplify processes for everyone involved. Job card apps can be customized to include all the key details, form fields, and automatic calculations for time and material costs, along with digital signatures and image capture for additional context. Once submitted, the information is automatically generated into a report or PDF and sent to everyone who needs it.

Many companies benefit from integrating job card apps with other business processes. Modern app platforms are designed to automate work and fit seamlessly into workflows on jobsites and out in the field.

In addition to integrating job card apps, companies can enhance their job management processes by including features such as quotes, contracts, work orders, dispatching systems, invoicing, and payment processing.

Platforms like GoCanvas can enable your business to streamline all these tasks, creating a smooth end-to-end process for managing jobs. Using our no-code app platform, companies can digitize their operations and enable employees on jobsites and in the field to easily enter data using their mobile devices.

Our tools are designed to be simple, giving businesses of all sizes the ability to save time, reduce risk, and gain a competitive edge by embracing digital technologies. To learn more, visit our website or get started for free using one of the job card templates listed next. By starting with one of our templates, you’ll see how easy it is to build and customize apps for job cards and many other key business processes.

The material and labor job card app helps you keep track of all materials used for a project, and also includes a worksheet for recording all associated labor. The material section covers everything from supplies acquired during the project to offcuts left over after the work is done.

material and labor job card example

This subcontractor job card app is used to collect all relevant information required by a general contractor for an ongoing contract or job, including project requirements, scope of work, estimated cost, estimated completion date, risk analysis, and more. Once the contractor requirements form is filled out, the job card sheet is stored for your records and can be edited as needed, making it easy for general contractors to keep up-to-date records for construction projects and all other jobs that involve subcontractor employees.

subcontractor job card app example

The engineering job card app lets professional engineers record information about excavation and reinstatement work. This mobile application can be customized to meet customer expectations, including those surrounding preventative maintenance and quality assurance.

engineering job card app example

The crew job time card app streamlines labor tracking on construction sites by equipping you to capture essential information such as crew member names, job/project details, and specific dates. Record each worker’s start, end, and break times, document tasks performed, and utilize GPS tagging for location verification. The app also allows for supervisor signoffs, photo uploads, and the addition of notes for comprehensive job documentation. Use real-time updates and cloud storage to access and manage your time cards from anywhere, ensuring precise payroll processing, efficient project management, and compliance with labor regulations. Enhance productivity and keep your projects on track with our user-friendly, all-in-one solution.

We offer hundreds of pre-built forms with a variety of features to meet all your business needs. Discover more in our Form Template Library.

Ready to transform your job management process? Schedule a free demo with GoCanvas today and discover how our job card apps can streamline your workflow.

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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Preparing Roofing Companies for Seasonality and Weather Disasters

Preparing Roofing Companies for Seasonality and Weather Disasters

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Running a roofing company means being prepared for any and every season and weather disaster that comes your way. The roofing industry is naturally tied to the weather, and being unprepared can lead to missed opportunities, unsatisfied clients, and unsafe working conditions. Here’s how you can ensure your roofing business is always ready to respond swiftly, maintain safety, keep your crew happy, and meet deadlines—even during peak seasons and unexpected weather events.

Being Prepared for Seasonality and Weather Disasters

Weather plays a crucial role in the roofing business. From harsh winters to stormy springs, each season brings its own challenges, and preparing for these changes ahead of time can save your business time and money. Equip your team with the right tools and technology to predict weather patterns and plan your projects accordingly.

By helping you make the switch from manual to digital, GoCanvas makes it easier to access and update information on the go, keeping your team ready for any weather conditions. This proactive approach helps you stay on top of planning and workflow, no matter the season.

Responding Quickly to an Influx of Job Requests

During peak seasons, the flood of job requests can be overwhelming, And a strong system for managing roofing dispatch is essential to handling this surge efficiently. Digitizing your dispatch process with GoCanvas allows you to assign jobs quickly, track progress, and communicate with your team in real time. This not only improves response times but also enhances customer satisfaction by ensuring timely service.

Ensuring Safety and Satisfaction

Safety should always be the top priority on any roofing job. With drones becoming more commonly used for roof inspection and leak detection, it’s important to ensure your crew is trained and comfortable with this technology. At GoCanvas, we know that implementing regular safety training and using digital checklists can help maintain high safety standards, so we provide customizable safety checklists and inspection forms that you can easily access and complete on site, ensuring no safety measure is missed.

A happy crew is a productive crew. Keeping your team satisfied requires providing them with the right tools and a safe working environment. GoCanvas reduces the manual workload by digitizing paperwork, allowing your crew to focus more on their tasks and less on administrative duties. Additionally, real-time communication through the platform helps you address any concerns promptly, fostering a positive work environment.

Pa(in)perwork

❌ Slow

❌ Frustrating

❌ Costly

Go Digital

Meeting Deadlines and Managing Workload

Meeting deadlines is important for maintaining a good reputation in the roofing industry, as delays can lead to unhappy customers and lost business. With GoCanvas, you can streamline your project management process, ensuring all tasks are completed on time. The platform lets you monitor progress, manage resources efficiently, and adjust schedules as needed to meet your deadlines.


Seasonal changes often bring more work, and being prepared for this surge is essential to keeping your business running smoothly. Using GoCanvas, you can easily scale your operations by adding more users to the platform, ensuring that everyone has access to the necessary tools and information. This scalability helps you handle increased workloads without compromising on quality or efficiency.

Real-World Application: Roofing Industry and Data Insights

In the roofing industry, staying ahead of the game means using key technologies and processes to improve efficiency. For instance, using GoCanvas for roofing dispatch ensures that job assignments are managed efficiently. With GoCanvas, you can digitize processes like drone roof inspections and leak detection for faster and more accurate assessments, allowing you to improve response times, enhance safety, and increase customer satisfaction.

According to a study by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), digital tools can increase productivity by up to 20% in the roofing industry. Furthermore, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that companies with robust safety programs see a 52% reduction in workplace injuries. Leveraging digital solutions like GoCanvas not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to a safer work environment.

Conclusion

Prepare your roofing business for any season and weather disaster with GoCanvas. Digitize your processes, enhance safety, and keep your crew happy while meeting all your deadlines. Visit the GoCanvas Roofing landing page today to learn more and request a demo to see how our solutions can transform your business.


By using these strategies and GoCanvas’s digital solutions, your roofing business can stay ahead of the game, no matter what the weather brings.

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

Man inputting digital work order into a tablet from a work site.

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Woman reviewing data via her mobile phone.

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Connect with an Expert Today.

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

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.

GoCanvas and Device Magic logo

Check out even more resources

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Woman reviewing data via her mobile phone.

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Connect with an Expert Today.

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

Transform Your Roofing Business: The Power of Digital Work Orders

Transform Your Roofing Business: The Power of Digital Work Orders

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In the hustle of daily operations, managing a roofing business can sometimes feel like navigating through a storm. Administrative tasks pile up like clouds, communication issues thunder in, and paperwork rains like a torrential downpour. But fear not, for amidst this chaos, a digital umbrella exists: digital work orders. These virtual saviors offer a clear view above the storm, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in roofing endeavors.

Unleashing the Efficiency of Digital Work Orders in Roofing

Digital work orders serve as virtual counterparts to traditional paper-based orders, changing roofing project management. They contain essential job details like descriptions, deadlines, and required materials, all accessible on electronic devices like phones, tablets, laptops, and computers.

Digital work orders elevate efficiency by automating manual tasks like data entry and material ordering. This reduces errors and frees time for core roofing activities. They also enable real-time updates and tracking, ensuring smooth project progress.

Streamlining Operations with Roofing Software: A Game Changer

Roofing software acts as a digital powerhouse, consolidating tasks like scheduling, tracking, and communication into one seamless platform. By automating manual processes, it enhances efficiency and reduces errors. Additionally, it provides valuable insights through analytics, enabling better decision-making.

Features like real-time project management, centralized databases, and integrated communication tools are instrumental in streamlining operations and improving overall efficiency. Real-time project management, for instance, allows project managers to monitor progress and allocate resources effectively, leading to smoother operations.

Optimized Workflows in Roofing: The Digital Advantage

Digital work orders eliminate paper-based inefficiencies, providing a better approach to task management and communication, leading to optimized workflows. They also facilitate better collaboration between field workers and office staff, resulting in faster decision-making with improved and quicker project outcomes.

Efficient workflows directly contribute to improved customer satisfaction, reduced errors, and increased productivity, ultimately giving roofing businesses a competitive edge. By improving processes and reducing manual interventions, roofing companies can deliver projects on time and within budget, leading to higher customer satisfaction rates and repeat business.

Pa(in)perwork

❌ Slow

❌ Frustrating

❌ Costly

Go Digital

Roofing Business Management Software: A Must-Have Tool

Business management software is essential for modern roofing businesses. It offers centralized data management, streamlined processes, and scalability as operations grow. It allows companies to manage projects more effectively, track expenses, and generate reports for better decision-making.

Features like job scheduling, real-time updates, automated invoicing, and comprehensive analytics empower roofing businesses to operate more efficiently and provide superior customer service. Job scheduling, for instance, allows companies to optimize resources and minimize downtime, resulting in higher productivity and profitability.

Digital Forms for Roofing Contractors: The Future is Here

Digital forms revolutionize roofing operations by securely storing critical data, reducing errors, and promoting environmental sustainability. They also enable faster data collection and processing, improving decision-making and project outcomes.

Digital forms facilitate swift data transfer, enhance communication, and improve accuracy, ultimately leading to increased efficiency and productivity. By streamlining data collection processes, roofing companies can reduce administrative overhead and focus on delivering high-quality client services.

Switching to digital work orders streamlines processes, reduces paperwork, and improves efficiency, ultimately leading to satisfied clients and better business outcomes. Embrace the digital edge and propel your roofing business into the future.

Ready to make the leap? Research different digital work order platforms, consider your needs and budget and start your journey toward enhanced efficiency today. Say goodbye to paperwork and hello to a brighter, digitally-powered future for your roofing business.

Connect with a GoCanvas expert to start your journey.

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

Man inputting digital work order into a tablet from a work site.

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Woman reviewing data via her mobile phone.

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Companies rely on collecting data in order to operate. In a fast-changing world, companies that focus on streamlining and improving their data collection processes will be able to do more. The good news is that it’s become easier than ever for businesses of all… 

Connect with an Expert Today.

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

Improving Your Operations with Field Service Management Software

field service software

Improving Your Operations with Field Service Management Software

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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 surviving and thriving. But in field service, your employees are often far from the office. So how do you know which employees are carrying their weight? 

Time cards and field reports can be one way of trying to find out. But paper forms take time to get back, and are limited in information. Field Service Management software with mobile apps can improve your internal visibility and ability to make strategic decisions faster. Continue reading this article to learn how mobile apps built for the field can help with features designed to improve your operations and workflows.

Field service management software has many applications and use cases. One important reason for many companies to implement the technology is to improve the data they collect from the field. The idea is to enrich the information collected in the field and make it accessible to view from anywhere, in real-time. Here are three key features that help you gain more visibility into your field operations with software:

Let’s say your paper work order says the work took three hours, but what if the customer only remembers the work taking two hours? This puts you in an awkward position with your customer and employee. By going mobile you can create more accurate records of hours worked. Simply open up a work order or service report, and the time is automatically entered. The app can even calculate time worked based on clocking in and clocking out. Time and date stamps ensure better accuracy and fewer issues for both invoices and payroll. Mobile time cards help businesses spend less on tracking employees and more on their actual work.

Sometimes, the work you need to do is obvious. You need to fix a major water leak or install a heating system. But for some businesses, like pest control, the work can be less obvious. Or if your work is technical, like pool maintenance, text can be confusing to customers. For the office, text isn’t verifiable. Adding pictures can be incredibly helpful for your business and customers. With one click, a mobile app gives you a great visual. It’s easier to show termite damage with a photo than with words. Visuals makes it easy for both your office and customers to understand. Photos educate clients and build trust in your work and analysis. Your business enjoys visual confirmation that work is either needed or was performed.

Sending out job information to field employees can be a hassle. Either they have to drive to and from the office between jobs, wasting time and gas. Or, they have to constantly check their email or phone for job information. How can you be sure that they get it, and follow through on the work? A dispatch system improves communication and provides more oversight. Dispatch with GoCanvas for Field Service Management can also track the progress of these appointments. The dispatch feature will show when employees opened the dispatch, when they started filling out the work order, and when it was completed. Sharing job information becomes easier, and you know when the job is done in real time. 

Oversight is never perfect. However, mobile apps allow you to have a better understanding of field employees’ work — not only when and where employees work, but also what they did. Being available in real time also helps you make strategic decisions about your workforce and ensure you have the strongest and most effective team.

Contact GoCanvas if you are ready to see how field service management software can help you save time and money (both in the field and in the office). We can share more of the features that make GoCanvas both easy to use and customizable to fit your unique business needs.

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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Should You Connect Field Service Management Software with QuickBooks?

field service software

Should You Connect Field Service Management Software with QuickBooks?

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Field service management software has shown to increase productivity both for employees in the field and operations teams in the office. You may be wondering how field service management software works with your existing tools, for things like your accounting system. This article explains how field service management software can work in sync with an accounting system, like QuickBooks.

Accounting software is one of the most popular tools in place, ensuring that businesses maintain a proper balance sheet and process payroll on time. Tools like Quickbooks are widely used by organizations to serve all of their accounting needs with software.

Field service management software is another popular category of software, often used to replace the paper forms, documents, or spreadsheets that are used in the field to capture data. By digitizing information using mobile forms and apps, field service organizations are able to streamline their operations and boost productivity by automating how data is collected and shared. 

Field service management software, like GoCanvas, and accounting software like QuickBooks, offer businesses of all sizes powerful tools to enable their operations. Cloud-based technology has become easier than ever to connect using APIs and integrations to sync data in real-time between systems. This means that field service management software can fit neatly into your company’s existing processes and share data instantly from the field, to the office, and to any other stakeholders that need the information.

As a leader in field service management software tools, GoCanvas provides an easy-to-use platform for mobile data collection and reporting. Our platform is designed to integrate with many of the tools your business already has in place, including QuickBooks. 

  • For QuickBooks Desktop: Our out-of-the-box solution, the GoCanvas Quickbooks Connector, integrates with the desktop version of Quickbooks.
  • For QuickBooks Online: Our professional services team can help you integrate your GoCanvas apps with Quickbooks Online.
  • For Zapier Customers: You may also be able to integrate GoCanvas with Quickbooks online through Zapier. Zapier is a third party service that allows their customers to connect different cloud-based services to one another to automate more of the tedious day-to-day tasks that they might be doing manually. 

You may be wondering if it makes sense for your business to connect accounting software data with data from a field service management tool like GoCanvas. Here are the top reasons for leveraging an integration:

Field service management software empowers your workers in the field to do their jobs easily from a mobile device or tablet. An integration makes this even more powerful by enriching forms with existing information that you already have in your accounting system.

For example, you may need accurate pricing information available to technicians in the field in real-time. Instead of relying on out-dated pricing information or manually jumping between different tools to find what’s needed, all of this information can be synced using an integration.

In this example, you can use real price data from QuickBooks for parts and materials inside your GoCanvas forms to create the proper totals on your customer charge documents. By connecting these systems, data is automatically synced in real-time, meaning you always have accurating pricing information available directly in your FSM solution.

There are many ways to enrich information in the field, including things like pre-populating forms with known information like customer records and project data, helping to cut down on the time it takes to fill out forms in the field. Consider the time-savings and productivity gains, and you can see how it makes sense to enrich information in the field, whenever possible.

One of the main benefits of field service management software is the ability to rapidly collect data from the field and have it sync back to the office for more streamlined operations. Taking this a step further, a data integration can help to ensure that data from the field is automatically connected to the other tools that are used. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and cuts down on the time it takes to process information.

For example, you may need to accurately track inventory based on what has been used by your employees in the field and on job sites. With GoCanvas for FSM, you can track inventory based on real submission data and have it automatically update the inventory quantities in QuickBooks. This will simplify workflows and ensure that data is up to date and consistent across systems.

Cloud-based tools are designed to increase productivity for businesses, meaning that automation is a key reason for implementing these tools in the first place. One way to scale your business is by creating automated workflows that kick off one task, once another task has been completed. This involves no extra work from your team, meaning they can spend less time on busy work and more time on high value tasks.

For example, you may need to create an invoice once work has been completed in the field. With GoCanvas for FSM, you can set up an automatic invoice creation workflow that will save your accountant the hassle of manually entering invoices into QuickBooks. While these digital processes may take some time upfront to set up, there is significant benefit to your business. We have covered how it benefits your employees’ productivity, but the other key benefit is to your customers and their experience. By moving the customer experience to digital interactions that are connected, you provide a seamless digital experience for your customers that makes it easy for them to do business with you. 

To learn more about GoCanvas for field service management and how we can integrate with QuickBooks, contact our team here and we can set up a time to answer any questions you may have about technology to scale your business. If you already have GoCanvas or want to learn more about our integrations, check out this resource on our website and additional documentation here.

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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5 Tips to Improve How Your Business Collects Data

person using mobile device for data collection

5 Tips to Improve How Your Business Collects Data

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Companies rely on collecting data in order to operate. In a fast-changing world, companies that focus on streamlining and improving their data collection processes will be able to do more. The good news is that it’s become easier than ever for businesses of all sizes to convert their workflows to digital processes, streamline tasks through automation, and take advantage of real-time analytics. 

Focusing on your business practices for data collection will help you scale your business growth and productivity. Here are some best practices tips to improve how your business collects data from the field and how to make the most of it in the office and anywhere else you need it.

A great first place to start with data collection is to audit where your business uses paper forms. If you have a high volume of paper forms being used for operational tasks, this can be an opportunity to convert these processes over to digital forms instead. When thinking about data collection, it’s important to make sure that information collected is easily accessible by the teams that need it. Paper forms can be a lost opportunity, with data that is siloed and difficult to roll up for analysis. 

The takeaway: Consider moving to digital forms instead of paper to capture data from anywhere on a mobile device and instantly have the information available online to utilize.

Once you decide to bring your processes online, the next important step is to make sure you select the right software to power your business. One common challenge for companies is when they adopt tools like excel sheets, google sheets, word documents, and other similar types of basic online tools. While these applications are great for certain tasks, they aren’t always the right tool for collecting data on a large scale, across multiple people and teams. So while the information technically lives online in a spreadsheet, it’s still limited in your ability to report on that information or it requires you to wrangle information together. 

There are many tools available to help with field data collection and analysis. For example, work process software is designed to rapidly collect information from the field and automatically roll the information up for reporting purposes. 

The takeaway: Not all software tools are created equal. Consider investing in software that supports productivity and avoid tools that rely on manual workflows.

Once you decide on digital tools to help increase your productivity, make sure to consider how you are collecting information. Standardized data is an important concept and the basic idea is to ensure you are collecting data that is consistent and accurate. Luckily, there are many features built into data collection software tools that help ensure your data is standardized. Features like drop down lists, required fields, and auto populated fields are some of the ways to ensure that forms are filled out correctly. Here’s an example of how these features help with data consistency:

  • Drop down lists. In this example, you would give a pre-set list of options for people to choose from when filling out a digital form. Leaving an open-ended field leaves room for interpretation, but features like drop-down lists help to promote consistent answers to form fills.
  • Required fields. The option to require data ensures that information is not skipped over on the form. If information is missing from the form, it creates blind spots in your data and the information collected becomes less useful for reporting. Digital forms that require fields help promote complete data.
  • Auto-populated fields. Many times when people are filling out forms, information is already known or exists in another database. The ability to pre-populate known information in digital forms allows you to shorten the time it takes to fill out forms and ensures data is pulled directly from your customer database or similar system.

Disparate data is one of the greatest challenges for companies. You have gone through all of the trouble to bring processes online, but now data lives off in different systems and there’s no way to easily connect information. When selecting software to help your business, consider how you need to integrate data that is captured from digital forms. For example, you may want to connect to an accounting system for billing or payroll purposes, or you may want to integrate with customer relationship management (CRM) tools to update customer records. 

The takeaway: Instead of manually pulling together disparate data sources at the end of the week or month, consider the possibility of integrating your data collected. This will help you avoid data entry tasks and other manual processes that are easy enough to automate with the help of software tools.

The final best practice to consider is how you think about analytics and reporting. You want to make sure that the information you capture is easily accessible for analytics and reporting purposes. Analytics tools have become widely available for businesses to use and getting to useful reporting is easier than ever with modern software. Consider not just the collection of data, but how this ties into your goals for reporting on information. 

The takeaway: Improving data analytics capabilities can help you uncover trends and make data-driven decisions that result in improved productivity, cost savings and increased revenue.

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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GoCanvas + Salesforce: A Top Tier Field Services Management Team

GoCanvas + Salesforce: A Top Tier Field Services Management Team

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Salesforce and GoCanvas are two of the top players in their respective fields. Salesforce is a leading CRM platform, while GoCanvas is a premier provider of mobile apps for business. Now, the two have teamed up to create an unrivaled field services management system. This system combines the power of Salesforce with the mobility of GoCanvas to create a solution perfect for businesses of all sizes.

GoCanvas offers several features that make it the perfect partner for Salesforce in a field services management system. First and foremost, GoCanvas is mobile. This means that your field workers will always have access to the latest information and tools, even on the go.

Additionally, GoCanvas is highly customizable. This means that you can tailor the templates you use to fit the specific needs of your business. Whether you need to optimize inventory levels and update work orders, customer information, or service appointment records, GoCanvas has an app for it.

Finally, GoCanvas complies with all major field service industry regulations. This means you can rest assured that your field workers are always updated on the latest compliance requirements in real-time through the service cloud. GoCanvas helps streamline the functionality of your business.

Salesforce is the leading CRM platform for a reason. It offers several features that make it perfect for field service management. First, Salesforce gives you complete visibility into your customer data so you can enhance the customer experience and increase customer satisfaction.

Second, Salesforce provides powerful automation tools. This means you can automate repetitive tasks, such as sending appointment reminders and appointment scheduling notifications, logging travel time, or generating service reports.

Third, Salesforce offers a wealth of third-party integrations. This means you can add your Salesforce platform to your existing business systems, such as your management software, accounting software, or customer relationship management (CRM) system.

The Salesforce + GoCanvas integration provides several benefits for businesses of all sizes.

  • Visibility into Field Service Operations
    You can see where each field worker is in your service territory, what they’re doing, and how they perform.
  • Automation Capabilities
    Your team can automate dispatch, schedule, and invoice tasks.
  • Compliance Features
    The integration ensures your field workers are always up to date on the latest compliance requirements.
  • Access to Customer Data
    Allows field service teams to see who your customers are, what they need, and how you can provide the best customer support to serve them.
  • Troubleshooting Workflow
    Field service management can quickly identify and resolve issues in your field service operations.

The Salesforce and GoCanvas integration is the perfect solution for businesses of all sizes. If you’re looking for a way to improve your field service management, contact us today to learn more about how we can help you optimize your field service 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

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Enabling Connectivity in Agriculture With Digital Forms

Enabling Connectivity in Agriculture With Digital Forms

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Farmers have been using data for centuries, gathered by walking the fields. Sometimes, the information was shared over an early-morning cup of coffee. It’s not that the agricultural industry didn’t see the value of data — the problem for many was the return on investment. Few farmers could afford the upfront costs of high-tech equipment and remote monitoring solutions. They needed a cost-effective way to connect the field with the business. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, family farms reported a gross cash farm income of less than $350,000, while the large-scale farms averaged over $1 million. Smallholder farmers make up 89% of all US farms, with an average size of 445 acres. Only 3% of U.S. farms are classified as large-scale enterprises. Worldwide, the average farm is less than two hectares or the size of three soccer fields. So, how can farmers cost-effectively use digital agriculture technology, data analytics, and algorithms to collect and analyze data to improve their bottom line?

Whether you’re managing a large-scale enterprise or a small farm, walking the fields daily or even weekly, basis may not be feasible. The farm size may make it time-prohibitive and the field locations may require travel to and from different sites. Then, there’s the need to talk to the bank, pick up a part, or pay bills. Whatever the reason, you haven’t the time.

What if you could operate more efficiently and collect critical data for better decision-making initiatives at the same time?

GoCanvas can help farmers automate workflows and business models. Suppose you have 500 acres divided among three separate locations. As it gets closer to harvesting the crops, you need accurate information on which field will be ready first. You have equipment that needs to move from location to location, and disruptions can mean a loss in profit. Automating workflows using customized forms and digital tools can decrease downtime. 

With GoCanvas, you can have employees in each location complete a form on their smartphones and relay the precision agriculture data to a central location for analysis. As people are checking irrigation systems or determining storm damage, they can supply specific information about crop conditions. Analyzing the data and looking at weather conditions can help determine when to begin harvesting for maximum yield. Using the same application, you can let maintenance know to check the equipment a week out and make any repairs, so there’s no delay when harvesting begins. As the first field nears completion, you can notify the second field’s personnel of their scheduled start date based on data supplied with a progress app. Communicating in real-time makes it possible to improve productivity through reduced downtime.

Today’s farmers have access to a wealth of information: FAOSTAT has global agricultural data, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has its databases.  Local or regional databases may be available depending on location. With a computer and an internet connection, farms of all sizes can check climate conditions, economic shifts, and market disruptions. What farmers can’t get are the details on what is happening on their farms. That’s where GoCanvas can help.

Suppose you own a vineyard and want to harvest grapes at their optimum harvest. To ensure grape quality, you need to test the grapes to determine the sugar content and pH levels. By recording the data after each test, you can determine the perfect harvest window.

Recording the data on a GoCanvas digital form means the information can be uploaded to a central location and monitored. When the test results reach the vintner’s acceptable level, the grapes can be harvested. Reporting the test results ensures the quality of the grape at harvest. For vineyards selling to multiple wineries maximizing quality is crucial to retaining customers.

Farmers are well aware of the value chain of data. They understand the importance of collective knowledge but collecting it remains an obstacle. There is no easy way to acquire the information without increasing the burden on agricultural production and personnel or spending financial resources that strain a budget. The industry needs a way to enable connectivity across the agricultural enterprise. 

With GoCanvas, organizations can improve workflows and increase productivity while acquiring data for better decision-making. Checklists can ensure that actions are completed on time. They can also serve as data points for determining how frequently equipment has been repaired or crops tested. By having the forms available on a smartphone, employees can provide data while in the field or transit. The data collection is integrated into their workflow instead of an extra step in an already full day.

Having end-to-end connectivity across an agricultural enterprise allows farmers to make informed decisions. The same connections can increase productivity, reduce friction, and improve operations. With digital forms in place, mobile workforces can add data to the pipeline with minimal disruption to their workday. 

A 2020 report by McKinsey painted a grim landscape where farmers face challenges such as:

  • Constrained supply chains
  • Higher input costs
  • Declining water supplies
  • Degrading soil conditions
  • Added environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulations

In the same report, McKinsey’s researchers suggested that connectivity is the path toward data-driven decisions that address these issues. Farmers need to collect, aggregate, and analyze data in cost-effective ways to improve operations.

Our integration and analytic capabilities let clients share data with other applications for more in-depth analysis, and our reporting helps visualize the data, leading to more insights.

The digitalization of on-farm technology and digital solutions will help farmers collect the big data they need to improve food production, operations, and more. GoCanvas provides the digital tools they need to keep their farm and livelihood intact. To learn more about the connectivity capabilities of digital forms, contact us to request a demo.

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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