By Cheryl Higley
Constantly changing technology is making it easier for snow and ice management professionals to spend more time in the field, and less time behind the desk. That need for mobility is one of the trends influencing software solutions being brought to market in the industry. Here’s a look at five trends that are shaping software technology as told to Snow Business by industry experts Randy Spivey of CrewTracker Software, Nanette Seven of Include Software and Mike Rorie of GIS Dynamics:
Satellite imagery takes off. Aerial maps enable companies to make better decisions in bidding and site planning. Some benefits include being able to view the location and any obstacles that might cause problems during services; to take measurements; and to map surrounding clients. “Companies are increasingly using this technology to map routes, estimate jobs and familiarize crews prior to leaving the office,” Seven says. Rorie agrees and says it is transforming sales and customer service processes. “Contractors are taking pictures of the site to the customer to show and tell what their scope of work and price covers,” he says.
Warming to technology. As more people embrace mobile technology in their personal lives, it makes them more comfortable using it on the job. Seven says she is seeing more contractors who were averse to technology begin to embrace it, especially when they see the efficiencies it can bring.
Seeing is believing. Commercial clients have to make every dollar count and want to be kept in the loop. “Allowing your customers to see what you’ve done is a huge selling tool,” Spivey says. “New apps are coming that allow customers access to information online so they can see what a great job you’re doing for them. It supports customer loyalty—a rare thing these days. Early adopters will find it can provide an important competitive edge.”
Detailed documentation. Software programs have the ability to track and document important information (equipment, labor, materials, weather conditions, etc.), which can help protect companies from liability. “By precisely documenting the date, time and temperature at the time snow and ice management services were rendered, it can limit slip-and-fall liability,” Seven says.
Virtual office. Seven says software technology is continuing the forward progress of field management solutions that began long ago with radios and cell phones: “Crews are less and less attached to headquarters, but are still in the know.” Spivey agrees. As more devices and applications are created, mobile devices become savvier. Spivey says the emergence of Apple’s ipad—and similar products that he expects to come along to challenge it—will help contractors create a more mobile office in the field. “Companies like to be on the move, and creating virtual offices with technology is a huge way for everyone to stay in sync but not have to be sitting together,” he says. Clients are expecting information in real-time, so it is important that managers have access to the information, no matter what device they’re using. “Without question, customers are expecting everything to be mobile, as well as universal, so software needs to work on multiple operating systems,” Seven says.
Looking to buy? Tips to help you succeed
When researching software for your snow and ice management business, consider the following:
- Does it fit your business model? What might work for another company might not work for yours. Make sure you identify who will benefit from the software implementation, and that it is configured to fit your organization’s structure and operating process.
- Are you prepared to commit to the program and implementation? The owner must be involved in the selection process, and the entire company must go “all in” to make it a success. Otherwise, failure is certain.
- Can you integrate? Does it work with your other software systems so that employees do not have to input the same data into multiple programs?
- Are you being swayed by the “cool” factor? Technology won’t necessarily solve your problems and, in fact, can make a bad process worse. Do not buy technology just to buy it—make sure your business will benefit.
- Have you explored the complete cost of implementation? Don’t get so focused on the big picture that you don’t realize hidden or small expenditures that can drive up the total cost. On the flip side, beware the lowest price. Focus less on cost and more on the return on investment.
- Is the vendor reputable and does it have longevity? You want your vendor to be available to provide updates and support for this major investment and to help you work through any glitches in the system.
- Does the vendor have experience within the industry? A general contracting program might suffice, but a vendor that understands and has experience within the industry can tailor programs and support to meet the needs of the specialized snow and ice management professional.
- Did you do your research? Have you compared products to find the best fit for your company?
- Can they deliver? What support systems are in place before, during and after the sale?
Sources: Include Software, GIS Dynamics and CrewTracker Software.
Cheryl Higley is editorial director of Snow Business magazine. Contact her at
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