Move From Spreadsheets To A Bespoke Database
Whilst we use and love Excel, we don’t see it as a great tool for managing lots of contact data; working with spreadsheets can damage business growth as maintenance jobs can easily be missed and new quotes can get buried. Plus, with staff often having to re-type information, difficulty in comprehending the latest version of information and not having a single view of a job or client makes business processes more complicated…
There is however, an easier way of working.
Here we take a look at a scenario whereby a web based bespoke database can improve business processes and internal efficiency. This scenario could easily be applied to any ‘job management’ process.
The Solution
A SQL database can be created to store, manage and generate quotes, jobs and invoices. This will eradicate the use of whiteboards and excel spreadsheets, streamlining your business processes by having all your business data in one easily accessible location.
Simple workflow processes can be implemented and bespoke modules can be developed to create quick report and KPI dashboards. With all your data in one location, there will be more data confidence, giving your stakeholders a clear view of where and how your company is moving forward.
Business Benefits
- Improved Productivity and Management Information – Client, suppliers, and staff details can be stored in the database and can be pulled through to documents. Information from a quote would get transferred to a job, saving time adding in data twice.
- Document Generation – Quotes, Plan of Works, and Invoices could all be generated from the system, creating an audit log and improving staff productivity.
- Search and filters – Create your own view of data. Search by Client or filter by Work Type, Client, or Status for example.
- Automation – From workflow automation through to marketing automation, your business database can be integrated with other services to allow for full automation, giving your employees more capacity for other work.
- Improved Accessibility – Access the database from any location and device as long as you have access to the internet.
Examples of Bespoke Modules
Quote Module
Information such as enquiry date, quotation date, possibility, profit margin and the estimate price could all be stored within a Quote module. This would allow you to evaluate quotes, check conversion rates and report on KPIs in real time.
Job Module
Within a Job, information such as operatives, personal monitoring results, sub-contractors, individual costing for each scope of work item and the status of the job (e.g. Order Placed, Job Complete, Invoice Paid) can be viewed and edited.
Technologies
Technologies typically used for a project like this would include:
Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft .NET