packetTrap Blog

We all know that a PSA system is a great asset to service-based companies, but work scheduling software is also a tremendous boon to project-centric organizations, as well. Coordinating all project data within a PSA database allows for more accurate delivery estimates, increased tech productivity, and far more efficient communication between workers and schedulers. Without a work scheduling software system in place, coordinating all the tasks involved in a project turns into the time-worn story about the blind men and the elephant. Everyone thinks they’ve got something different because no one can see what everyone else is touching. Here are some reasons why project-based companies should start applying PSA today.

Starting with a foundation of robust schedule making software is a necessity for a successful PSA implementation, but pay close attention to how you introduce new software to the whole company. Without applying the right training and allocation of tasks in the user adoption process, you’ll create a chaotic environment where no tech knows what the other is doing. A much better way to handle this kind of transition is to have a defined rollout plan. A pre-defined plan that keeps things running smoothly, keeps employees on track and gets you the business performance benefits more quickly.

We have found that, similar to MSPs, owners of field service companies often struggle to streamline business processes. This is not surprising as field service professionals (FSPs), as well as MSPs, focus first on customer service and addressing immediate client issues. A laser-focus on customers leaves less time for the business of running a business. Without efficient business functions in place, challenges can interrupt the high-quality service those companies work to deliver.

To maximize the potential of their time tracking systems, schedulers must make sure their company has web-based mobile capabilities to verify that all field service representatives are operating with up-to-date-information. This allows rescheduling to occur in real time, and reduces the amount of idle time for company technicians. Customers will never be dropped or left waiting for a service tech who ends up having to reschedule. Time billing software not only saves a company money and time—it saves face.

It seems like common sense to any executive managing field service representatives: The more calls a tech can make, the more revenue coming into the company. But booking service calls can be tricky. The customer needs to have a sense of assurance that they will be given all the time necessary to take care of their maintenance/repair/installation, including potential surprises or problems. At the same time, you want to fill your days with as many billable visits possible. You often end up with either overbooking or underbooking – pick your poison.

by Brian Sherman

One common lesson for first-time business owners is often learned the hard way.  If the company doesn’t have secondary funding sources or substantial funds available when starting out, fluctuations in income payments can lead to a cash shortage when the monthly bills come due. Many enthusiastic entrepreneurs fail to account for the numerous (and significant) costs associated with opening a new business, and that rapid depletion of funds can impact their bank account considerably.

The number of companies offering cloud resources and an influx of news and analysis related to cloud computing growth continues to dominate channel and traditional IT media. How much of the cloud discussion is hype? According to industry reports, not much…

by Brian Sherman 

Remember the old saying that the average individual uses less than 10% of their brain? Though it’s been disputed by a number of neurologists, most agree that men and women employ just a small fraction of their true intellectual power. Despite their enormous contributions, neither Albert Einstein nor Stephen Hawking could tap into the full potential of their minds.

It’s an exciting time for the PacketTrap MSP team as we announced the acquisition of BlueFolder (www.bluefolder.com), a company that for the past several years has developed and sold Field and Professional Service Management solutions to MSPs – building a strong MSP customer base in the process.  A professional services automation (PSA) system is a critical tool for many MSPs, as it enables organizations to streamline common business processes and daily tasks: job scheduling, technician management, CRM, service requests, billing and invoicing, equipment tracking and more.