When a customer calls for a plumber they usually need one, fast. Having a reliable communication method and organizing your technicians workflow is necessary to make sure you are prepared for schedule changes.

Scheduled maintenance won’t always take up your technicians entire day – so best to set up a workflow that allows for flexibility. 

Setting up your workflow is important to deal with any last minute hiccups so your team can deliver service quickly.

A few things to ask yourself when setting up your teams workflow:

1. Has the technician received clear instructions about their next task? 
2. Is your technician currently in the middle of a job or on the road?
3. Do you have a reliable communication method to reach them with schedule changes?
4. Is your entire team on mobile?
5. Does your team have a strong network no matter where they are?

You’ll want to consider all of these factors when reaching out to technicians – so that you can provide excellent customer service. 

Make the switch to mobile.

What are you waiting for? If you haven’t switched your entire team over to mobile the time is now.

The bring your own device (BYOD) movement is in full-swing. Time to jump on the bandwagon if you haven’t already.

Instructions should be clear.

Don’t let your technician drive all the way to Fairview when you said Fairfield.

Are you using old school push-to-talk walkie talkie or sending your technicians text messages?

Traditional PTT methods only allow the person on the other end to listen to the message once, while with mobile live messaging apps all messages are record live and stored.

If the technician is unsure of the request they can listen to the message over and over again – without the hassle of checking back in with dispatch.

Text messaging will occupy more of the technicians time then necessary.

Did you know that it can take 15 seconds or more to send a text message while only 1-5 seconds to send a live audio message?

Think about how much time you can save your team if you skip text messages.

Go with the flow.

Set up a workflow that leaves space for flexibility.

If you have a customer calling with an overflowing septic system you’ll want to be able to send a technician out same day – if not, next day.   

Don’t wonder where Bob is.

The best part about jumping on the mobile bandwagon is you can see where your technicians are at all times.

If an emergency call comes through you’ll be able to send the closest technician. 

Your customers will thank you for getting there quickly.

“Can you hear me now?”

Communication for your team is crucial – so having a communication tool that works on any network is mandatory.

When working in a remote area you’ll want to be certain that your technician has received the message.  

Using a live messaging app in lieu of a traditional PTT will solve any unnecessary barriers between your technician getting to their next customer.

Communication should be effortless and workflow streamlined – providing technicians with information about the job right on their mobile device.