• • • EDITOR’S CHOICE • • •
How software can help your electrical engineering business
Dan Pollard, founder of Fergus, gives tips on how job management software can transform an electrical engineering business and help it operate as efficiently as possible
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ccording to the Government’s Insolvency Service, in England and Wales, company insolvencies in May 2023 stood at 2,552, 40% higher than in the same month in the previous year (1,825 in May 2022). As the latest insolvency figures attest and as all business owners know, running a business can be a challenge. While you might be excellent at the electrical engineering work you do and know your trade inside and out, if you run a company, even if you work alone, you might find the nitty gritty of business – the admin and the invoicing, for example – difficult. There’s no shame in that, but to avoid burnout and achieve a healthy work-life balance, it’s best to recognise it and take steps to make such tasks easier. Because the rewards for doing so can reignite your passion for your business and help you to reap the benefits of being your own boss. Firstly, not everything has to be done by you
directly. Some things you can automate and have done at a set time. Job management software can take away the grunt work and make sure you never miss a deadline. For example, manual scheduling is time- consuming and outdated in the digital era. Job management software enables easy appointment scheduling, reminders, and automated confirmations for clients. This minimises errors and provides a clear visual calendar. Similarly, software can simplify invoice generation and payment management by tracking services performed and costs incurred. This ensures both accurate invoicing and payment collection.
Most job management software packages allow you to integrate your accountancy software with them too. Doing so allows you to access all your important apps in one place and improves internal communication. By having everything in one place you can increase efficiency among employees or your subcontractors, so that they always know where they’re supposed to be and what they’re supposed to be doing.
You can monitor progress on them too, planning when and where resources and materials need to be and importantly whether an individual job is making sufficient profit or not. Software can also simplify the invoicing process by automatically generating invoices based on logged costs and materials.
Many professionals still rely on manual, paper- based systems, which can lead to inefficiencies, poor cash flow, and added stress. By adopting job management software that integrates your entire business, you can have complete oversight. Fergus, for example, allows you to generate quick quotes, create digital job cards and streamline certification processes to optimise operations and minimise delays. This gives you back precious time for doing the things you love. Using software that provides a visual overview of your business will allow you to plan ahead, hire subcontractors and assign staff efficiently. You can keep on top of day-to-day costs, maintain a minimum account balance to cover expenses, easily monitor your accounts, track payments and promptly address late payments or outstanding invoices. Software like Fergus, for instance, uses automatic SMS reminders to follow up on late payments, ensuring timely payment collection.
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The more you monitor your business, the better your ability to address issues promptly. Do this to avoid delays and profit loss. Use software with a colour-coded status board for easy problem identification and resolution. By swiftly tackling problems, you can ensure smooth operations and maintain customer satisfaction.
Implementing efficient processes will lead to a more profitable and balanced business. But it doesn’t just help your bottom line. Remember, satisfied customers will recommend your reliable services, and so contribute to business growth. Your staff are your most valuable asset, so be a people person and show that you value them. Invest in training and development, recognise their performance and reward them accordingly. Create a workplace where loyalty and camaraderie thrive.
Use these strategies, along with job management software, to drive efficiencies, but review your progress every few months to ensure you are on track. Give things time to bed in, but don’t be afraid to change something if it’s not proving right for you. By embracing job management software, you can achieve a better work-life balance, and enjoy more time with friends, family and for leisure pursuits.
electricalengineeringmagazine.co.uk
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