7 Ways Locksmith Software can Boost your Business

Is your lock service business struggling with poor work coordination, business visibility, and competitive pressures? A Locksmith software can be a game-changer and help revitalize your business in today’s digital age. With easy scheduling, quote management, invoicing, and paperless workflows, locksmith software can enable locksmiths to work smarter and keep customers happy. Here are seven ways a locksmith business software can add value to your business.

1. Improved efficiency and productivity 

Locksmith software assists locksmiths in managing their business operations. While doing so, it improves operational efficiency and workforce productivity.

a) Streamlined job management and scheduling: A locksmith often juggles several jobs. Customers make requests at odd times and do not like waiting. Some requests may be urgent, such as a kid locked inside a room or someone locked out of their car. Corporates might want access keys to the server room changed fast after terminating a rogue employee. Also, locks come in different types. Some specialized locks need special expertise that only a few certified locksmiths have.

Scheduling and following up on all these jobs is stressful. The chances of the scheduler missing some jobs or not treating jobs with the urgency it deserves are high.

Locksmith business software with integrated scheduling tools streamlines job management and scheduling. The suite: 

• Matches jobs to locksmiths and assigns the work to qualified locksmiths.
• Prioritize jobs based on urgency. The software identifies and dispatches the nearest available field agent. The software reschedules already assigned work to co-opt the emergency. 
• Organizes field agents’ daily or weekly schedules by grouping nearby jobs to minimize travel time.
• Ensures schedules do not conflict with off days, off-hours, and leaves. 

b) Automating administrative tasks: Locksmith software automates administrative tasks, such as: 

• Setting appointments and sending reminders on upcoming or rescheduled appointments.
• Auto-generating invoices and emailing clients. An integrated payment collection platform allows field agents to collect payments instantly. 

Automation of routine tasks spares field agents from wasting time on time-consuming paperwork. If they use the time saved to attend to more clients, they become more productive, and the business becomes more profitable. 

c) Real-time updates and notifications: Locksmiths work at customer locations outside the direct supervision of managers. The locksmith software leverages the field agent smartphone GPS to identify the live location and timestamp events. Field agents can log real-time updates, such as marking work as complete. Managers can intervene and sort out any issues fast, pre-empting lag. Prompt notifications to stakeholders, including customers, and keeps everyone up-to-date.

2. Improved customer service 

A good locksmith business software offers behind-the-scenes support to improve customer service. 

The locksmith software offers a centralized database to store and manage client information. Such a centralized database offers a single source of truth. Field agents and customer support teams get ready access to information to do their jobs well. 

Ready information, streamlined scheduling, and integrated inventory controls ensure faster response times. Also, map integration guides the field crew through the best routes to the customer’s premises. Field crews do not take a shorter but congested route or waste time seeking directions.

The suite delivers automated updates, such as the ETA of the field agent at customer premises and work completion updates. Such updates improve customer satisfaction.

Integrated communication options make connecting with their office and customers easier for field crews. Live chat allows field agents to communicate with customers and their offices in real-time. The business can avoid missed communications, which are commonplace when using social media tools or voice calls. Stored communication logs allow easy retrieval when needed.

3. Inventory and asset management 

Integrating inventory management with the locksmith software prevents stock-out situations and improves first-time fix rates. 

Real-time inventory management allows:

• Tracking the inventory and reordering supplies in advance to prevent stock-out situations. 
• Work teams proceed to the work site with the right spares and tools. Synchronizing dispatch with inventory allows completing work on the first. It prevents waste and optimizes resource allocation.

4. Improved security and access control 

The locksmith software allows locksmiths to co-opt safety and security in their operations. 

The locksmith software allows for the following: 

• Efficient key management, enabling locksmiths to track and organize keys well. 
• Setting up access control systems, especially for digital locks.
• Security audits. Auditors use the mobile app to download checklists and conduct inspections of locks and security systems. Auto-generated audit reports identify vulnerabilities and fix accountability for any violations.

5. Data analysis and reporting 

The locksmith business software generates comprehensive logs of customer data and completed jobs. Field agents access customer details and service history through smartphone apps to do their job faster and better. Integrated analytics leverages data to track field agent performance. Analytics also delivers other valuable insights that enable informed decision-making. For instance, the manager may: 

• Tack the number of jobs completed by field agents over time to identify agents with low productivity and offer targeted training.
• Identify the services most in demand to strengthen their competencies in such areas.

Good locksmith software offers intuitive visualizations and the option to generate custom reports. Business managers can use such reporting options to get the needed data and insights. 

6. Compliance and legal requirements 

Most states and local authorities regulate locksmiths. Locksmiths must be aware of the rules and compliance mandates applicable to their area of operations to stay on the right side of the law. Many states mandate locksmiths to: 

• Take a license or register with the appropriate regulatory authority. 
• Keep records of key cutting and other services they provide to ensure accountability and security.
• Follow relevant codes and standards for installing, maintaining, and repairing security systems. 
• Have certifications as proof of competence in such codes and security technologies.
• Carry liability insurance to cover work-related accidents or damages. Taking liability insurance is always a good practice, even without legal compulsion. 

The locksmith software enables locksmiths to meet compliance and other legal obligations. They can use their companion mobile apps to: 

• Log all activities and generate transaction reports. 
• Gather electronic data, including taking and uploading images of installation and repairs. 
• Auto-generate reports to customers as proof of work completed. 
• Upload information guides, product handbooks, installation instructions, and compliance checklists. These resources allow field agents to follow standards and do their jobs with full compliance. 

7. Cost savings and revenue generation 

Field service software is today invaluable to reducing costs and increasing profits.

The locksmith business software reduces administrative costs. Automated data entry and report generation eliminates manual errors and rework. Field agent productivity improves. 

Data analytics offer upselling and cross-selling opportunities. For instance, if a customer makes frequent lock repairs, the analytics tool identifies the trend and suggests a new lock. The tool also identifies customers with dated systems and offers upgrades.

How ReachOut makes apt software for locksmith field service operations

The above benefits notwithstanding, not all locksmith businesses are equal. Never consider the price in isolation. Some software may offer limited features or have poor integration capabilities. Research the available software options. Choose the one that offers the most value regarding features, support, and pricing. Make sure the selected suite suits your business needs and goals as well. 

Most locksmiths will find ReachOut, the best software for locksmith field operations. The cloud-based software offers easy scalability and flexibility. The suite offers comprehensive features to speed up the process and make things simple. Easy calendar views and drag-and-drop interfaces make scheduling and dispatching easy. Integration with maps improves dispatch efficiency and reduces customer wait times.

The companion mobile app offers field agents ready access to information, prompt notifications, and a reliable way to connect with their office. A host of ready-made forms and the option to upload stylized forms make audits and inspections easy. The app also offers easy ways to mark work completion, auto-generate invoices and reports, and a host of other tasks. Robust APIs offer integration with Quickbooks accounting suite and other third-party apps. Such integrations enable smooth data transfer, automate tasks, and improve process accuracy. Robust data management and safety features ensure safe operations. 

ReachOut locksmith software is a powerful tool that adds value and makes your business competitive. Sign up with us for Free Trial today!