Job Notes while on the road?

[UrbanIT]

So currently we use Exchange shared calendars to allocate jobs to our techs in the field, we include notes in the calendar entry regarding the job and the techs then add more information once the job is complete such as time onsite, parts used and additional notes.

Although this works ok, it can be quite fiddly for the techs in the field to punch all the details in on an iPhone.

We have looked into solutions like ConnectWise & Navedisk but they look a bit too large and costly for our needs.

So I was wondering how everyone else handles job and job note management out in the field.

Feedback/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Our RMM (N-Central)...and integrated Helpdesk (N-Able HDM)...are both web based. So while onsite...access to all.

 

[4ycr]

Also take a look at repairshopr, I am finding it good and easy to put notes but I use an iPad not a phone

 

[3ft]

We have a custom coded helpdesk that's evolved over the years. Definitely not the best solution - but we use Toggl for time entries, which is tied into the helpdesk with its API, and then techs use whatever their favorite note product is for notes to later enter into the system (I use Evernote). It works, but it can be painful at times, especially on those days when you barely have time to breath, let alone do ticket updates.

 

[UrbanIT]

N-Able/N-Central - What is the pricing on this like, If you don't mind me asking.

Repairshopr - Just had a quick look and it looks good, I like the integration list.

Custom Solution - We kind of toyed with this idea for a while, integrating it with the website backend, but it never really got traction due to limitations.

Thanks for all the feedback.

 

[cypress]

Repairshopr gets my votes. Allows me to look back on all my notes from previous jobs.

 

[rjg.tech]

We use repairshopr for all of our tickets and notes.

 

[UrbanIT]

Looks like a fair few people using repairshopr, anyone in Australia using it and does it adapt well to the local market (GST, local payment systems, etc)?

 

[MarkSTS]

What about freshbooks? Time tracker built-in and you can invoice directly from the time entered.

 

[UrbanIT]

We looked a FreshBooks a while ago, but ended up going with MYOB. I think I would be skinned alive by the admin and accounts staff if I wanted to change accounting packages now .
I am interested in RepairShopr, but unsure how it will go in the local Australian market.

 

[Mainstay]

We keep it simple.

We use a voice recording program called Clear Record (iOS app store). We record a voice memo outlining time on site, work performed, interpretations of how their setup is performing, parts used, etc.

These voice memos are auto-sorted and flagged in our Exchange email folder and are later transcribed on the invoice.

YEARS later we can go back and listen to what was done on a setup.

Listening to the tech actually outline their work has far more weight when considering whether or not an action was appropriate.

 

[Vyper28]

N-able/N-central is expensive if you're not an MSP with solid recurring. They usually require a min commitment of $500/mo.

 

[fencepost]

We use a voice recording program called Clear Record (iOS app store). We record a voice memo outlining time on site, work performed, interpretations of how their setup is performing, parts used, etc.

It's perhaps not entirely kosher, but quite some time ago I set up a Google Voice number to do the same. These days I almost never use it since voice recognition on the phone (by pushing it out to Google) is much simpler so I can add the same notes by holding an on-screen key in Swiftkey to kick it over to voice recognition mode. I don't get to keep the original audio that way, but having the transcription happen right there in front of me so I can see it is perhaps worth that tradeoff.

 

[marley1]

Repairshopr works great

 

[Pacific Blue IT]

Looks like a fair few people using repairshopr, anyone in Australia using it and does it adapt well to the local market (GST, local payment systems, etc)?

Repairshopr highly recommended
Works great for auz
I don't do gst yet but it's all set up to use it.

 

[glennd]

Pen and paper

 

[Pacific Blue IT]

Repairshopr highly recommended
Works great for auz
I don't do gst yet but it's all set up to use it.

One thing though to note that could be a draw back for some is that even though it integrates with Quickbooks, it doesn't integrate with the Aussie version of Quickbooks online and no MYOB APP integration as yet.

Xero works though.

 

[Pacific Blue IT]

Pen and paper

Damned if I can ever find a pen when I need one, note 3 with stylus works for me though

 

[UrbanIT]

One thing though to note that could be a draw back for some is that even though it integrates with Quickbooks, it doesn't integrate with the Aussie version of Quickbooks online and no MYOB APP integration as yet.

Xero works though.

Yeah I seen that, it does not look like much integrates with MYOB. We are thinking of changing to Xero just for the integration factor.

 

[Pacific Blue IT]

Yeah I seen that, it does not look like much integrates with MYOB. We are thinking of changing to Xero just for the integration factor.

Hey UrbanIT, get onboard with the trial and make the most of their feedback/faqs, they've got great support and plenty of training videos and they are constantly adding new features that are requested and APP integration all the time.

When I first joined I was a bit worried about lag and slowness as they're US based and also up time but never seen them down yet and site is always nice and fast depending on your connection too.