Benefits of cloud-based operations management software in a crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic has made the idea of flexible, remote working a reality for many businesses. And, at the center of this change, is software that makes it possible for businesses to work from anywhere. Importantly, cloud-based operations management software has provided many field service businesses with the opportunity to keep their operations running while adhering to social distancing measures in recent months.

However, this is not the only benefit to be reaped from using cloud-based operations management software in a crisis. Cloud-based software also gives field service businesses the visibility to navigate through a crisis, adapting workflows and implementing new processes where needed. Let’s take a look at a few more examples.

Keep cash flowing

During the pandemic and the associated economic impacts, you have probably become acutely aware of your cash flow. Cloud-based software makes adapting processes simple which can help you keep cash flowing in your business during challenging times.

For example, a simple process like invoicing a job as soon as it is completed is possible with a field app like simPRO Mobile. This streamlined process can help you get paid faster and keep money coming into your business when you need it most. Automated payment reminders are also a great way of keeping cash flowing in by reminding your customers of their payment.

And, with social distancing, an ever-present consideration, using remote payments is also a great way to keep cash flowing into your business. This process is made even easier with simPRO’s integration with Square!

Investigating inefficiencies

By using a cloud-based operations management software and creating a single source of truth through centralised data, you can easily investigate your processes to see what is making you money, what isn’t and what is costing you valuable time.

For example, running reports such as the Profit and Loss summary report in simPRO can provide a clear insight into which areas of your business are performing and which aren’t. This will help you make strategic decisions in both the short and long-term. In addition to its 60+ inbuilt reports, simPRO also provides BI reporting, enabling users to create custom reports which are especially useful to evaluate your position in a crisis.

Bridging the gap between the office and the field

For example, simPRO’s Mobile app, used by field staff, syncs with the simPRO build to provide real-time job and site information to others in your business such as accounts and admin. This means scheduling, service, maintenance and project management can all continue and keep cash flowing into your business.

Communicating with customers

During a crisis, it is important to be strategic in your communications with customers. Keeping them informed of any changes and updates during uncertain times is imperative to make them feel supported and comfortable. While this may seem easy, if you can’t easily sort customers into different categories to provide tailored information or, access your database remotely, communicating with customers can become a headache.

However, cloud-based operations software such as simPRO ensures you can communicate with your customers easily and from anywhere. By keeping all of your customers’ information together you can quickly send targeted emails to specific customers. To make this process even more streamlined, integrations such as Zapier, help you automate tasks such as sending emails to customers.

You can also choose to send important updates via SMS depending on which mode of contact your customers prefer.

Future-proofing

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the ability for a company to run operations using a cloud-based software may have seemed like a luxury, however, now more than ever it will be seen as a way to future proof businesses.

From centralised data and comprehensive reporting, cloud-based software provides you with access to invaluable insights into your business, enabling you to make strategic decisions now to set you up for the future.

The continual updates to cloud-based software also provide businesses with solutions to new compliance measures - such as contact tracing - in a crisis.

As the full impact of the coronavirus starts to ease and we look toward a new normal, it is clear cloud-based operations management software provides businesses with the agility to adapt to challenging situations.

Want to find out more about how simPRO can help you take control during a crisis? Contact simPRO. Or, subscribe to our newsletter and receive updates straight to your inbox.

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