Imagine if your field staff could purchase material and have the items automatically booked out to a purchase order and job without them entering the items in!
It's on its way!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
EasyParts - Coming Soon to IMS
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Using Custom Reports to get the most out of IMS
Flexibility to capture data in the field is one of the biggest advantages with IMS. Time stamped task notes, custom fields and simple checklists that can record the name, time, date and even GPS coordinates all provide a real time audit trail that gives you total visibility of what happens in the field.
This is a huge advantage for companies that need to capture specific information to meet customer requirements or contract KPI’s or want a means of measuring performance / productivity of field staff. The custom reporting interface can save even more time by enabling you to extract reports in a format you desire, saving time in collating the data captured in the field.
The reporting interface has been in a stage of ongoing development and improved with the helpful input of our clients.Recently one of our Melbourne customers contacted us and raised an issue they were having in extracting data in the format they wanted. Complete Communications needed to provide daily reportsacross all their projects for one of their customers. General Manager, Steve Edmonds said that extracting the current day’s notes from every task was costing them over 8 hours a week in admin time.
The IMS team prioritised the request and within a day added the ability to generate a task report,display task notes filtered by date and therefore enabled them to generate a daily report providing on all activity during the current day.
We were delighted to be able to provide Steve with a solution and in doing so, added to the flexibility of the reporting tool that all our customers could use.
Steve's Testimonial
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Going Paperless
Going Paperless By Andrew Pride
As a consultant who has specialised in Trade and Service Business Improvement for over 10 years, I can tell you that the ultimate success of any Business Improvement Program or Strategy will be determined by how well you can gain the support and participation of the staff members involved in its implementation and daily use.
Nothing is truer when implementing a Computer Based System such as IMS. As far as Business Management Software for Trades goes IMS is one of the most simple and effective systems I have seen; however as with any such system it can only ever be as good as the people who use it. The old saying of “Garbage In = Garbage Out” holds very true, so if your people don’t fully embrace the system it can’t possibly function at anywhere near its full potential...
Solid Foundations
A number of my Trade Clients are currently working with me toward implementing IMS to it’s FULL POTENTIAL within their businesses, so I thought I might share with you some of the basic changes we are implementing to ensure we achieve complete success. While each of these changes obviously play a key role in providing a solid foundation for IMS they also play the dual role of involving staff members in gradually increasing levels of change within the business so they become comfortable with participating in the process before they get to critical strategies like implementing IMS.
Time Management and Business Priorities for the owners of the business are reviewed and improved to ensure that they are able to offer sufficient time and attention to the overall Development and Implementation of Business Improvement Strategies within the business.
Logical Product Code Systems are implemented to ensure that everyone in the business understands what products have been used on every job. This minimises mistakes and avoids any confusion. Tradesmen in the field use a simple process to account for everything that needs to be billed out for each job they do.
Structured Regular Team Meetings are implemented in the business to involve all team members in the overall Business Improvement Program so that they understand why the changes are needed in the business, and what is expected of them and how well progress is being achieved.
Simple Stock Control Systems are implemented in Warehouse and Mobile Units to identify “Core Stock Products” and ensure that appropriate stock holding levels are continually maintained. This saves significant money by enabling bulk buy purchases of stock and avoiding unnecessary and costly visits to wholesalers by employees.
Logical Office Workflow Systems are implemented in office areas by admin staff to streamline the flow of information and clear any bottlenecks identified. We also look at areas such as Customer Service Systems, File Management, system backups, stock reconciliation and invoicing processes to identify and address any inefficient problem areas.
If you already have IMS up and running in your business but feel that you can achieve more with it, these are a few of the areas I would suggest you look at in your business to ensure that you achieve maximum return from your IMS System and also achieve maximum profitability and minimum stress from your business.
Andrew Pride
SmartBiz Consulting
www.business-advice.com
Ph 0412 895 599
As a consultant who has specialised in Trade and Service Business Improvement for over 10 years, I can tell you that the ultimate success of any Business Improvement Program or Strategy will be determined by how well you can gain the support and participation of the staff members involved in its implementation and daily use.
Nothing is truer when implementing a Computer Based System such as IMS. As far as Business Management Software for Trades goes IMS is one of the most simple and effective systems I have seen; however as with any such system it can only ever be as good as the people who use it. The old saying of “Garbage In = Garbage Out” holds very true, so if your people don’t fully embrace the system it can’t possibly function at anywhere near its full potential...
Solid Foundations
A number of my Trade Clients are currently working with me toward implementing IMS to it’s FULL POTENTIAL within their businesses, so I thought I might share with you some of the basic changes we are implementing to ensure we achieve complete success. While each of these changes obviously play a key role in providing a solid foundation for IMS they also play the dual role of involving staff members in gradually increasing levels of change within the business so they become comfortable with participating in the process before they get to critical strategies like implementing IMS.
Time Management and Business Priorities for the owners of the business are reviewed and improved to ensure that they are able to offer sufficient time and attention to the overall Development and Implementation of Business Improvement Strategies within the business.
Logical Product Code Systems are implemented to ensure that everyone in the business understands what products have been used on every job. This minimises mistakes and avoids any confusion. Tradesmen in the field use a simple process to account for everything that needs to be billed out for each job they do.
Structured Regular Team Meetings are implemented in the business to involve all team members in the overall Business Improvement Program so that they understand why the changes are needed in the business, and what is expected of them and how well progress is being achieved.
Simple Stock Control Systems are implemented in Warehouse and Mobile Units to identify “Core Stock Products” and ensure that appropriate stock holding levels are continually maintained. This saves significant money by enabling bulk buy purchases of stock and avoiding unnecessary and costly visits to wholesalers by employees.
Logical Office Workflow Systems are implemented in office areas by admin staff to streamline the flow of information and clear any bottlenecks identified. We also look at areas such as Customer Service Systems, File Management, system backups, stock reconciliation and invoicing processes to identify and address any inefficient problem areas.
If you already have IMS up and running in your business but feel that you can achieve more with it, these are a few of the areas I would suggest you look at in your business to ensure that you achieve maximum return from your IMS System and also achieve maximum profitability and minimum stress from your business.
Andrew Pride
SmartBiz Consulting
www.business-advice.com
Ph 0412 895 599
Thursday, June 24, 2010
IMS Powered Electrical Contractors
Advantages of availing the services of "IMS Powered Electrical Contractors"
When we refer to “IMS Powered Electrical Contractors", we are essentially referring to independent service providers who utilize the most recent technology for the purpose of delivering quick and dependable services in a more competent manner which leads to a greater level of customer satisfaction.
There are varied benefits of an association with "IMS Powered Electrical Contractors". In the first instance, job allocation and compliance forms are finished electronically as they are performed, enabling a complete Audit Trail of works which have been performed and integral Compliance like OH&S, QA and Environmental necessities which ensures that the customers are satisfied with the qualitative performance.
Moreover, "IMS Powered Electrical Contractors" supply customers with a proficient Web Interface for the purpose of generating and screening all the works which are in progress as well as compliance forms which assures the customers of 100% visibility, a detailed minute-to-minute reporting as well as an uncomplicated way to engage their distinctive services.
It is the primary responsibility of "IMS Powered Electrical Contractors" to deliver quicker services as they utilize the real time systems for the purpose of dispatching jobs, documenting work performed and closes off jobs from site, to initiate the billing process at the earliest.
The services of "IMS Powered Electrical Contractors" are also inclusive of the services of IMS Powered Plumbing Contractors which ensure that their customers are provided with an interface into their overall system which provides them with a proficient process of monitoring works which have been allocated and thus negates the requirement for any kind of paper work.
There are certain distinctive features which are provided by "IMS Powered Electrical Contractors" and this is proof of the fact that they are the best people to cater to your individual requirements. These features include:
• An all-inclusive system for managing OHS & Compliance
• A suitable Web customer interface
• Throughout the day access to job information
• Real time job & compliance reporting tools
• Streamlined scheduling and billing procedure
• Job & Compliance information freely accessible in electronic format
• 100% Visibility in the sphere of job & compliance information
"IMS Powered Electrical Contractors" is an influential web centric management tool which has been developed by i-man Pty Ltd and designed primarily to cater to the requirements of the service based industries. "IMS Powered Electrical Contractors" aids the partnership amidst customers, contractors and suppliers thereby increasing efficiency across the entire supply chain.
"IMS Powered Electrical Contractors" has been developed in close alliance with the customer base, as a result of which a product has emerged which aids in the streamlining of the procedure as well as improves efficiency in the fields of job control, OHS, and universal compliance for numerous users throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Well then what are you waiting for? Contact "IMS Powered Electrical Contractors" at the earliest to be assured of proficient services, which are customized to suit every individual requirement.
In order to know more about the excellent services, you should visit the website at www.contractorsservices.com.au.
When we refer to “IMS Powered Electrical Contractors", we are essentially referring to independent service providers who utilize the most recent technology for the purpose of delivering quick and dependable services in a more competent manner which leads to a greater level of customer satisfaction.
There are varied benefits of an association with "IMS Powered Electrical Contractors". In the first instance, job allocation and compliance forms are finished electronically as they are performed, enabling a complete Audit Trail of works which have been performed and integral Compliance like OH&S, QA and Environmental necessities which ensures that the customers are satisfied with the qualitative performance.
Moreover, "IMS Powered Electrical Contractors" supply customers with a proficient Web Interface for the purpose of generating and screening all the works which are in progress as well as compliance forms which assures the customers of 100% visibility, a detailed minute-to-minute reporting as well as an uncomplicated way to engage their distinctive services.
It is the primary responsibility of "IMS Powered Electrical Contractors" to deliver quicker services as they utilize the real time systems for the purpose of dispatching jobs, documenting work performed and closes off jobs from site, to initiate the billing process at the earliest.
The services of "IMS Powered Electrical Contractors" are also inclusive of the services of IMS Powered Plumbing Contractors which ensure that their customers are provided with an interface into their overall system which provides them with a proficient process of monitoring works which have been allocated and thus negates the requirement for any kind of paper work.
There are certain distinctive features which are provided by "IMS Powered Electrical Contractors" and this is proof of the fact that they are the best people to cater to your individual requirements. These features include:
• An all-inclusive system for managing OHS & Compliance
• A suitable Web customer interface
• Throughout the day access to job information
• Real time job & compliance reporting tools
• Streamlined scheduling and billing procedure
• Job & Compliance information freely accessible in electronic format
• 100% Visibility in the sphere of job & compliance information
"IMS Powered Electrical Contractors" is an influential web centric management tool which has been developed by i-man Pty Ltd and designed primarily to cater to the requirements of the service based industries. "IMS Powered Electrical Contractors" aids the partnership amidst customers, contractors and suppliers thereby increasing efficiency across the entire supply chain.
"IMS Powered Electrical Contractors" has been developed in close alliance with the customer base, as a result of which a product has emerged which aids in the streamlining of the procedure as well as improves efficiency in the fields of job control, OHS, and universal compliance for numerous users throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Well then what are you waiting for? Contact "IMS Powered Electrical Contractors" at the earliest to be assured of proficient services, which are customized to suit every individual requirement.
In order to know more about the excellent services, you should visit the website at www.contractorsservices.com.au.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Great New Reporting Tool
Many of our customers have talked to us about different reports they would like to see in IMS. Many of the requests are similar with only slight variations and some are specific to their individual needs. What this has told us is that we needed to provide a flexible reporting tool that allows you to format your own reports and show the data the way you wish to see it.
We have now released a beta version of our new reporting tool and talking to our customers that have used it they are impressed with what they see. The new tool enables you to build custom reports, add and remove data fields, set filters, order data and set groupings, you can even view them as bar or line graphs. Once you have built a report you can save it as a custom report and re-generate it whenever you want.
The new tool provides the ability to mine the data out of IMS and present it in a format that you want to see it in. You can extract profit and loss reports and group them by customer or by the person who completed the job, enabling you to use it for reporting productivity or KPI information.
When you spend some time looking through the new reporting interface you will see you have a lot of flexibility to extract the data. As always, we are happy to talk to you if you need help or have any suggestions that could help us improve the tool.
IMS Overview
IMS is a complete web-based job and compliance management solution. Its capacity to track jobs, billable hours, inventory, and compliance requirements makes it a standout among the completion.
The take up of IMS among service-based industries is testimony to the quality of the product. Jammed packed with clever features, IMS can handle compliance requirements; manage complex projects and offer smart GPS scheduling tools.
Designed for the Australian service industry, one of the application’s best features that makes it a stand out in the field, is its easy integration with no expensive hardware upgrades required. An internet connection will get IMS up and running quickly and efficiently.
Using a cloud environment as the platform for IMS, means users can login anywhere, anytime. IMS gives you access to accounts, staff, scheduling and component ordering, on the road, after hours or on holiday.
IMS offers security levels limiting access by staff and the capacity to set customised parameters tailored to specific business requirements. An on-line cloud environment offers additional insurance against hardware theft or damage; information stays secure against hardware failure and is accessible via any internet connection.
IMS offers an unmatched and intuitive PDA user interface, this means the take up by field staff is easy and minimises training or downtime.
With IMS users often seeing a 20% increase in profitability after IMS implementation, it’s a scalable application that both small and large business can’t afford to overlook.
The take up of IMS among service-based industries is testimony to the quality of the product. Jammed packed with clever features, IMS can handle compliance requirements; manage complex projects and offer smart GPS scheduling tools.
Designed for the Australian service industry, one of the application’s best features that makes it a stand out in the field, is its easy integration with no expensive hardware upgrades required. An internet connection will get IMS up and running quickly and efficiently.
Using a cloud environment as the platform for IMS, means users can login anywhere, anytime. IMS gives you access to accounts, staff, scheduling and component ordering, on the road, after hours or on holiday.
IMS offers security levels limiting access by staff and the capacity to set customised parameters tailored to specific business requirements. An on-line cloud environment offers additional insurance against hardware theft or damage; information stays secure against hardware failure and is accessible via any internet connection.
IMS offers an unmatched and intuitive PDA user interface, this means the take up by field staff is easy and minimises training or downtime.
With IMS users often seeing a 20% increase in profitability after IMS implementation, it’s a scalable application that both small and large business can’t afford to overlook.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Successfully Implementing Change - IMS
Change is a fundamental component of improving business processes and ensuring this is performed correctly is critical to having the best outcome of an IMS implementation.
Implementing a new system requires people within you business to do something they have not done before and they are a critical resource, supporter, barrier and risk to the change processes. Change can generate a range of strong emotions, people can experience fear, frustration, anger, despair, acceptance, enthusiasm and elation. Which emotion encountered will depend on whether your people make change willingly or unwillingly, the level of consultation that occurred and the support provided by leadership? Understanding these emotions will assist managers in implementing the change process in a manner that they can anticipate, acknowledge and respond to concerns.
Implementing change depends on the actions of your staff and ultimately it will come down to winning their hearts and minds. They will not respond well to being told to change without having some input. To be successful, an effective communication strategy must be implemented and all stakeholders must have the opportunity to express their views and attitudes’, improving your business is about changing mindsets. It is about having the willingness of your staff to try something different and understanding the possibilities of thinking differently and the benefits to all involved of making practical improvements.
Tips for Change Process
1. Discuss with your employees your intentions and have a communications strategy.
2. Ensure they understand why change is necessary with a clear reason and the benefits to them.
3. Involve employees in the planning process, ensure they have input.
4. Be consistent about sharing information through weekly meetings
5. Listen and act on questions, feedback and concerns, IMS will work with you on this.
6. Acknowledge ideas, achievements and success
7. Have a shared vision about what the change will achieve.
8. Consider barriers individuals may have, Sight etc. and work with them to overcome them.
9. Remember resistance is a natural reaction to change introduced by someone else, giving them the chance to express ideas will improve their willingness to accept change.
10. Identify change champions , the innovators who are prepared to have a go, pilot the system with them and work with them closely, they will then help with those less likely to adopt change.
11. Be aware that people will uptake the system within different time frames; ensure the weekly follow ups continue until you are confident the uptake is complete. Provide a point of contact for your employees so they can discuss any problems they may be having.
12. Provide feedback to your staff, informing them of progress and the improvements that have been achieved.
Implementing a new system requires people within you business to do something they have not done before and they are a critical resource, supporter, barrier and risk to the change processes. Change can generate a range of strong emotions, people can experience fear, frustration, anger, despair, acceptance, enthusiasm and elation. Which emotion encountered will depend on whether your people make change willingly or unwillingly, the level of consultation that occurred and the support provided by leadership? Understanding these emotions will assist managers in implementing the change process in a manner that they can anticipate, acknowledge and respond to concerns.
Implementing change depends on the actions of your staff and ultimately it will come down to winning their hearts and minds. They will not respond well to being told to change without having some input. To be successful, an effective communication strategy must be implemented and all stakeholders must have the opportunity to express their views and attitudes’, improving your business is about changing mindsets. It is about having the willingness of your staff to try something different and understanding the possibilities of thinking differently and the benefits to all involved of making practical improvements.
Tips for Change Process
1. Discuss with your employees your intentions and have a communications strategy.
2. Ensure they understand why change is necessary with a clear reason and the benefits to them.
3. Involve employees in the planning process, ensure they have input.
4. Be consistent about sharing information through weekly meetings
5. Listen and act on questions, feedback and concerns, IMS will work with you on this.
6. Acknowledge ideas, achievements and success
7. Have a shared vision about what the change will achieve.
8. Consider barriers individuals may have, Sight etc. and work with them to overcome them.
9. Remember resistance is a natural reaction to change introduced by someone else, giving them the chance to express ideas will improve their willingness to accept change.
10. Identify change champions , the innovators who are prepared to have a go, pilot the system with them and work with them closely, they will then help with those less likely to adopt change.
11. Be aware that people will uptake the system within different time frames; ensure the weekly follow ups continue until you are confident the uptake is complete. Provide a point of contact for your employees so they can discuss any problems they may be having.
12. Provide feedback to your staff, informing them of progress and the improvements that have been achieved.
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