service-based industry

We can provide for needs such as inventory management, client management, delivery scheduling, and project management in custom software specifically tailored to your needs. Rather than constraining your processes to the specific workflows of boxed software, have software that fits your needs—even when your business changes over time.

We worked with an HVAC company to grow their database and software capabilities as the company grew. It started with a customer invoice system, with truck dispatch added when more contractors were brought on. One of their most popular products was a warranty that was dependent upon annual inspections to remain compliant. Their system tracked the customer’s warranties, and included an automated reminder process. This tool sends out emails to the customer to make sure they schedule their annual inspection and remain compliant. All of this coalesced to generate repeat customers and continuing profit as they simultaneously expanded their client list. This business owner focused on analyzing needs and then dreamed of how software could solve those problems, rather than conformed the business processes to the requirements of box software.

One of our oldest clients is a building supply distributor. They originally used FileMaker to transition their invoice and point-of-sale away from paper. This was expanded into a full CRM that checks inventory, completes quotes, and manages dispatch. It’s further grown into an ERP by managing all of the company’s finances and bookkeeping, including audits. As the business has changed and problems arise, we’ve helped them adapt. We added Stripe with their 3D secure functionalities to proactively prevent fraud. Additionally, we created a mobile app for warehouse and office employees to connect and ensure order accuracy.

For a restaurant cleaning supply distributor, we helped them track current inventory assets as well as forecast future orders. The database we created allows the company to know where equipment they lease is located, as well as track maintenance records. Additionally, they sell supplies related to their equipment, which the database not only enables but also forecasts future projections for them—allowing the distributor to experience substantial growth.

To allow for faster quote turn-around times, we worked with an electrician to create a mobile app for on-site estimations. Project information would be directly inputted into the software (rather than written down and then compiled in the office later) and would automatically calculate certain needs. From there, employees would review the estimate created and then immediately send it to potential clients. The company earned a reputation for being able to communicate faster with builders, which made them a preferred vendor and they quickly grew. As that happened, we expanded the database to additionally direct dispatch, create customer invoices, manage employee time-off requests, and track internal inventory.

One of our clients is a phone book distributor that specializes in retirement communities. The database we built for them tracks the communities they serve, as well as resident information such as name, address, and phone number. Additionally, it allows them to manage ad inventory for companies that wish to market through them. When it’s time to produce a new print run, the database is able to export all of the appropriate information in the correct format for their variable data printer to create and bind the new phone books.

We worked with a second concrete supplier that wanted to grow through the use of excellent customer service. The dispatch system we created for them didn’t allow for over or double-booking deliveries, ensuring timely delivery without leaving customers waiting on their arrival for a six-hour delivery window. Beyond tracking customers and invoices, the database keeps eight-week financial running totals and then builds forecast projections based on that data, allowing for an easy understanding of how the business has been recently as well as planning for the immediate future. It also runs monthly sales tax audits to confirm it’s being charged and paid correctly. This company works with several tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, so it’s flexible to accommodate their needs as well.

PK Information is a FileMaker-certified development agency with offices in the Tampa Bay and Knoxville regions, but serving all of the USA. We believe that great software can change everything. Does your service-based company need new technologies to operate at your best? Contact us today!