Fieldmotion (www.fieldmotion.com) is a cloud-based workflow management solution for managing field-based operations, with data capture in real time. The software, which works on a PC and tablet and on all mobile devices through the compatible Android and iOS field apps, addresses scheduling of one-time and recurring appointments, manages service agreements, and monitors stock/inventory allocation.
Users can create jobs on their mobile devices and, in real time, receive job updates for on route, in progress, or completed jobs. A color-coded weekly calendar enables administrators to schedule jobs and keep track of jobs currently on route, in progress, and completed.
CRM capabilities include detailed tracking of each customer’s complete job history, along with job reports and invoices. Management can send customer files to field personnel. A customer can, through the customer portal, gain access to a calendar view of scheduled jobs, completed job reports, all job histories, and invoices.
A user can take photos through the app and attach them to a job report. Customers can, through the app, input a signature on the mobile device, with that signature saved and viewable on the completed digitized job report. The software works offline when there is no internet connection, with sync’ing when the connection resumes, allowing jobs to be completed offline.
Upon completion of a job, the software can automatically generate an invoice and send it to the customer. The invoices can be integrated with Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage.
Fieldmotion also offers asset management. Users can assign assets to locations, track maintenance and service history, manage warranty records, and utilize QR codes and barcoding of assets and inventory. The inventory system records all stock items utilized by user/vehicle/location, allows allocation of stock items against completed jobs, and can be set up to create low inventory warnings.
The solution, available on Google Play and the App Store, carries a set-up fee and cost per month/per license.
HydroSketch (https:hydrosketch.com) is a browser based software tool for creating full color piping and electrical schematics for hydronic heating and cooling systems. It is designed for users with no previous computer drawing experience. The drawings it creates can be used in proposals, during sales calls, or as an aid for installers.
HydroSketch carries a three-year licensing fee good for up to three users and operates on a desktop or laptop that runs Google Chrome browser software, which is downloadable for free. (Screens on tablets or smartphones have insufficient screen space to create and work with the schematics.)
The software includes an online manual which explains how to create a drawing and use the included pull-down menus and toolboxes.
Drawing files can be printed, exported for emailing, or put on a storage device for transfer to other HydroSketch users.
The software comes pre-loaded with symbols libraries for piping and electrical which are based on the textbook “Modern Hydronic Heating, 3rd edition” by John Siegenthaler. Plus, according to the developers, template files that serve as drawing “starting points will be added to the software’s library. These files will be accessible to all users. Users can also create custom component symbols. A free 30-day trial is available.
Here are two solutions from Milwaukee Tools, one for keeping inventory of, and tracking, tools and equipment from a smart device or computer, the other for charging batteries on the go or on a jobsite.
Pairing hardware and software, Milwaukee’s One-Key™ cloud-based digital platform (https://www.milwaukeetool.com/OneKey) keeps track of associated cordless power tools and other jobsite equipment within 100 feet of a smart device or computer.
The inventory management portion of One-Key is free and usable by anyone. The platform also allows users to track Milwaukee M18™ tools embedded with Bluetooth chips as well as track other tools and equipment that have a proprietary Bluetooth® inventory tag (referred to as The Tick™) attached to it. The app uses a smart device’s built-in GPS to keep track of the location and status of any associated tool within 100 feet of access to the app.
How the tracking works: One-Key enabled tools have the One-Key chip embedded in them. Tools that do not have One-Key embedded need to have a Milwaukee TICK Tool and Equipment Tracker attached (by screw, rivet, glue or strap). The TICK (available online, with cost based on # of units) is ruggedized and carries weather, water, and dust proof ratings, and provides last seen date, time, and location. It runs on a replaceable coin cell battery.
The app will report the exact tool, type of tool, model number, serial number, category and trade, the person who last had it (if specified), last time it was used, and where it needs to go next. Tools not detected by the system are flagged as missing and the user can be notified when the tool comes into range. Any associated tool can be locked remotely to disable use. The One-Key system can also be used to customize digital control of torque, speed, and other settings on a growing range of nearly 15 One-Key enabled tools.
The M12™ Compact Charger and Power Source (www.milwaukeetool.com) for M12™ batteries comes with a Jobsite Tough Micro-USB cable and 2.1A wall plug enabling charging through any USB output, including in-vehicle USB ports, or through an outlet. It can also combine with any M12 battery for portable charging of electronic devices and M12™ heated workgear.
Patti Feldman writes articles and web content for trade magazines and manufacturers of building products. She can be reached at [email protected].