iOS based software for small service based business

[raw]

I run a small service based business with 3 men on the ground.

Without needing to go into specifics, lets say we are a company of electricians.

Day to day, our bread and butter is attending callouts for repairs, but we also thrive on larger 'new install' projects.

I have an iMac in the office and the 3 guys have iphones and what i'd really like is some kind of iOS based software to help manage their work diaries and keep track of quotations, projects, time sheets etc etc.

I've done a fair bit of googling, but it's a minefield and wondered if anyone had any practical experience or advice they would care to impart?

Thanks in advance!

[jammy_basturd]

I'd go web based personally, then you won't have a problem should you ever decide to swap devices or employ someone with an Android phone, etc.

I'd look at FreeAgent and see if you can integrate it with Toggl.

[Bikerjon]

It may only be 3 iPhones and a Mac, but you're really looking at a complete business system. Google Apps might be a good foundation to start with e.g. you could have google calendars for each of the engineers that you put their jobs into so that they can see their schedule on their iPhones. Then you could look at a CRM/invoicing/accounting system. Can't think of any single products that would do all of these functions, but there might be one.

[MrSparks]

Take a look at this - www.getjobber.com

I trialed it for a while and was really impressed, we were too big for it at the time but I might consider it again now just for the planning, website quote integration etc.

[Bikerjon]

MrSparks said:

Take a look at this - www.getjobber.com

I trialed it for a while and was really impressed, we were too big for it at the time but I might consider it again now just for the planning, website quote integration etc.

Bookmarked, that looks like an ideal product.

[RJD223]

We use Filemaker Go on the iPad which hooks back up to our Filemaker database back in the office.

Perfect for us - similar sector (HVAC) with 15 guys out on the road.

It looks after all the service/job notes, installation commissioning sheets and maintenance checklists/etc. Updates on the server in real time so no waiting for things to be sync'd/etc.

Best of all its completely customisable to how you want to work - you'll need knowledge in database design or just hire a developer.

We used Bluekite Software who did a great job on our solution.

Cheers,

Rick.