Technicians have so many options these days when it comes to tools needed to do the job.
Landing the sale and explaining procedures with your customers have never been more streamlined. Here are a few gadgets that you can’t live without. “Wow” your customers with:
iPad 2/Other Tablets
Cost: Starts at $499
Customers can view presentations, purchase on-the-spot, and sign for their new system all in one setting. The process has never been more streamlined, and the customers will never be more impressed. Some iPad apps (the ACCA’s DuctWheel) even allow contractors to properly size ducts, as well as other on-the-job tasks like the filling out proper maintenance agreement and home comfort evaluation documents. Physical tools needed on the job will always be the same (screw drivers and flashlights), but some others are becoming obsolete with the iPad 2.
Note that the iPad 2 is most effective when purchased with a 3G data plan, as to pinpoint locations without WiFi.
Handheld Computer/PDA
Cost: Starts at $200
For the functionality the iPad has yet to catch up on, perform all dispatching, invoicing, and tech-to-tech communications in one handheld computer. Advantage: If different technicians work on one customer’s home, they can see what the previous technician performed at that home. Disadvantage: these don’t have the 3G capabilities for GPS purposes/Internet.
While all tools are big investments, they’ll have a huge ROI in the future. Imagine eliminating the use of old tools in favor of a streamlined approach that isn’t just “shiny and new,” it’s “smart and user-friendly.”
5 Comments
It seems odd to me that you talk about the i pad and yet when i try to go onto the lennox web site all i get is the first page. Other manufactures web sites seem very compatable. what a shame as i like to down load installation manuals into my I Books for use in the field.
Mike Plavan
ASI Hastings heating and air conditioning
Thanks so much for bringing that to our attention, Mike. It’s actually an issue from Safari to Apple. We understand your frustrations, and we have someone who can assist you. Again, thanks for the feedback. — Mike
Hi Mike,
I’d love to help you get the install instructions onto your iPad. I’m a Lennox TM in Chicago and already have all the install instructions (and EHB’s) downloaded into PDF’s & zipped into folders. I use GoodReader for these documents (it will unzip and hold the file folders which can be handy).
I look forward to talking with you soon!
I’m a Premiere Dealer, maybe you can get me into an ipad training. I’ve asked and it hasn’t happened yet…. I think they are a great idea and we are behind our competitors (not selling Lennox) in the area of ipad use only.
Mike, Thanks so much for bringing iPad training to our attention. We are in the development stage of considering a type of iPad application training for Lennox dealers. To answer your questions further, Bonnie Maupin from HVAC Learning Solutions will be contacting you shortly. Thanks again, Mike Moore