One of the most common issues we’ve faced in the contractor and software sphere has been the underutilisation of tools, features and add-ons.

In fact, it’s one of the reasons why I started MO in the first place! I could not believe how many businesses were not using these amazing systems they’d implemented to their fullest extent.

The longer I worked as a part of MO, the more I began to understand that, for a lot of business owners and operators, the issue was a lack of time and money to get the learning they needed.

So that’s why, in addition to the training packages my team offers, I regularly share insights about the lesser known features and tools of popular systems here on the MO blog.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at one of the most popular systems for job management out there, simPRO!

I’ve put together a list of five features that I think every simPRO user should have on their radar, check them out below!

       

       1. Data Feed

This has got to be one of my all-time favourite features. It does require some strategy to get it set up and implemented (which we can help with!), but it offers some truly amazing efficiency.

simPRO’s Data Feed feature is exactly what it sounds like: a system you feed data into.

If we want to get a bit more technical, here’s how it works according to simPRO’s Help Guide:

Data Feed extracts data from emails forwarded into the system. It then processes email content, as well as any attachments, and uses it to update relevant/related data stored in a simPRO build.

What does this look like for tradies and contractors? Well, use cases have shown that Data Feed can update customer info, as well as job data like costs, parts used, etc.

The complexity of Data Feed’s set-up often stands in the way when it comes to seeing the benefits of a system like this, which is why many aren’t quick to jump on it.

However, the truth is this system can offer a lot in the way of saving time and money spent on admin and data entry. It can be a powerful, 24/7 asset for any business, when used correctly.

 

       2. Lead Storing

 I know a lot of contractors who understand the value of leads, but struggle with the follow-up/funnel process that’s needed to convert them to customers.

Believe it or not, simPRO actually has a number of functions that can assist with lead storing and helping businesses better manage the status of their leads.

First, there’s the ability to store contact information as a lead in simPRO. This is an important feature to use because it helps you segment information and better manage your sales funnels.

Next, there are the lead reports that enable you to monitor the activity and status of your leads. You can view a list of all your leads, see when they were converted or lost, and more.

Finally, there is the convert to quote (a.k.a customer!) function - a valuable one for businesses who take the time to track and monitor their leads as they come through their sales funnels.

All up, these features make for a simple, but effective lead capture, storing and management process for those businesses looking to create better conversion rates.

 

       3. Pre-Builds

 This has got to be one of the best features in simPRO, in my opinion. Especially if you’re a commercial trade business or use subcontractors for certain services!

Pre-builds, according to simPRO’s Help Guide, are an assembly of materials and/or labour that can be added to a quote or job as a single, billable item.

You can create standard price pre-builds, or flat-rate pre-builds, which differ depending on whether their price is pre-determined or calculated based on what is used.

They can then be used as templates for contractors when invoicing, and can easily be added to final costs and edited where necessary if there are one-off variations for a job.

Pre-builds can even be applied to purchase orders or work orders for contractors - they can be used almost anywhere and are a great time-saver for employees both on and off site!

 

       4. Zapier Integration

 I know I keep saying that one tool is better than the next, but I just can’t help it. There are heaps of hidden goodies in simPRO, and their Zapier integration is definitely one of them!

This feature enables simPRO users to integrate their build with hundreds of other software applications! Their long list includes (but is by no means limited to!):

• Google Sheets
• Slack
• Google Drive
• Social Media
• Gmail
• Outlook
• Stripe
• DropBox
• Salesforce

Not only is this integration convenient because it means you can move even more data in and around your business’ central job management system, but it is also faster!

Zapier’s triggers are instant and can help you manage customer, contact, job and any other data effectively and quickly!

 

       5. simPRO SMS

 I often see my clients and other trade contracting businesses struggling with their communication with customers and employees.

Keeping up with your customers, and your team, is critical before, during and after a job is done.

Not only is it important to update customers on any service delays or cancellations, it’s also vital you have processes in place to follow-up with them on invoices and payments.

Staying in touch with your staff while they’re out and about is also critical because it enables quick updates on any issues or complications they may be facing.

SMS is a great way to do this, especially considering the fact that data has shown us 90% of SMS messages are read within 3 minutes!

simPRO knows the value of SMS, which is why it has a built-in function that enables you to send SMS updates to your customer directly from your build!

It is easy to set up and a brilliant feature to incorporate into your simPRO workflows so you can improve your communication for both customers and staff.

There are plenty more tools you can use in simPRO for more effective workflows

 

While these tools are some of my favourites, we’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to features in simPRO that can be used to make your experience better.

Your initial implementation of simPRO into your business is really just the beginning when it comes to how job management software can improve and optimise your workflows.

With a little help from my team, you can use simPRO as effectively as possible, and enable your system to grow with your operations.

Want to learn more about incorporating these tools into your simPRO workflows? Or strategise how you’re currently using your system?

 

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