Luke is the man. Period. By creating a platform as simple and customizable as this, he has, at least for my business, allowed me to turbocharge the paperwork and tracking process, allowing me to focus on doing the things that make me money.
I am experiencing quite possibly my busiest month ever. Last week, my current web based helpdesk solution gave me grief for the last time, so I made a commitment to spend the entire weekend overhauling my entire management system. I have been watching the posts on this forum about PCRT for about two months now, and could not stand it any longer- having turned my back on PCRT in the past because of how it looked to be configured for business owners with a shop where people bring their hardware to them, I took another look at it over the weekend, requested a demo login, and watched the video... 4 times... while waiting for a reply with my demo login. I knew that I may not receive any replies until the following Monday, but continued to scrutinize the software with the materials I had: the video, and posts from you guys here. Later in the afternoon, I was sold before I even had a chance to demo it. I submitted my purchase and prayed for a response before the weekend was over. He didn't have to, but when I woke up Sunday morning, Luke had not only issued me a demo login, but also verified my discount through ACRBO and sent me the files!
I took me less than 4 hours to upload the software to my site, configure the database, and then customize my forms. I was even able to insert my Pay Now (through PayPal) button into my invoice for emailing! I'll look into Authorize.net later when my online payment volume picks up.
Finding the right CRM solution has been perhaps my biggest problem over the last 2 years. I have tried them all- I have tried staying simple by using spreadsheets or my own Access database. I have played around with PDF forms that I can fill out and print... but setting up a database to manage all of that data is a nightmare. I have tried the big boys like vTiger or SugarCRM. I've tried Shockey Monkey (GREAT PORTAL, but lacking customizable forms- a big MUST for how I run things), but found it better suited for in-house IT departments. MHelpdesk, which I have been using since last May- I would rank a close 2nd: the support is terrific, but I never could fully adapt to the dashboard layout. I need something that can show me the big picture, and update progress on multiple machines FAST, which MHelpdesk could not do.
Bottom line: I was able to set up PCRT in a single day, document the repair of two laptops that were due for delivery Monday morning using PCRT, log one remote support session (AWESOME by the way!), and email the repair sheet and invoice to my customers before I even left my office to deliver the hardware. One of the clients logged into the Repair Status screen overnight, saw that their laptop repair was complete, and paid me using the invoice I had emailed out, all before I even showed up at her house with the fixed laptop!
PCRT is a superb tracking machine. And if you value documentation of your work, this system is for you. I love how you can simply click on one of the many preconfigured actions, and it places it on the work order. It automatically populated the notes with preconfigured explanations, with the option to add your own notes. You can even create your own custom actions, with notes. I threw away my notepad, and instead now log my work directly into the PCRT screen AS I PERFORM IT... customers can log in to the Repair Status page and watch my progress. I will look into configuring that status page with a browser auto refresh script down the road.
The only negative aspect about PCRT: I have been fighting the urge to purchase a touch screen, whether it be an iPad or Droid tablet, but now because of PCRT, I WANT ONE! Having tried it out on my iPhone- the TouchScreen mode is WAY COOL! I may even purchase a 20+ inch LCD touch monitor and mount it to my repair bench!
If you are a mobile tech, you can easily, like I have, modify PCRT for your operations- it's not just for storefronts.
I do have a couple of upgrade wishes:
1) The ability to email a claim ticket to a customer- This could be very useful for mobile techs scheduling service visits from the office, or initiating remote sessions, especially with repeat customers. Right now I am just copying the claim ticket page and pasting it into an email, which does work, but it's a little tedious. When a call comes in, and I'm near a computer screen or on my iPhone, I can take the info, submit the work order, and the customer gets confirmation of the appointment via the claim ticket. You can even put a signature line on the form with your TOS.
2) The ability to group multiple work orders into one invoice- I serviced 3 computers at one location yesterday. I may be wrong though- this may already be doable, but I haven't completed the last of the 3 computers (2 onsite, 1 I took with me to complete offsite). As it stands, I have 3 open work orders for this customer. If I find a way to combine them or even place all 3 on the same invoice, I'll post it here.
Anyway- this is my long-winded shout out to Luke with PCRT! You did it bro, you built what I have been looking for!
Thanks for the review of it. I too asked and got a demo so I could test it out locally and on my Ipad. It works great on the Ipad. My only concern is a lot of my work is out on site and I like to create invoices onsite. I think it is geared to a workshop so I'm really interested on your process for onsite work. I use Invoice2go and what I like about that is that when I get a call I place the info in the Contacts of my Iphone/Ipad so when I come to create my invoice I pick the Contact out and it populates my invoice that already has a template and logo. Then I pick out my predefined information such as virus removal tune up etc and it's ready to email for payment. I can't see that being as quick with PCRT, unless you know different.
Martyn- Invoice2Go is also one of the many apps I have tested, and I liked it, except for the fact that I had to use a separate database to manage most everything else besides the invoice. I almost purchased it!
As for creating invoices onsite: PCRT is running on my website. I can input data either on the customer's PC, my laptop, or my iPhone. Most customers allow me to print on their printer, but I have a wireless inkjet on standby in my truck. I have yet to experience the scenario in which I have no Internet access AND no 3G coverage on my phone. But just in case, I'll be printing some blank work orders from within PCRT. I can log my work with a blank, get a signature, and update the ticket when I get somewhere with Internet access.
Absolutely! You can install it on any websever running PhP 5.1 or later, most hosting companies are running 5.2, or at least mine is
Luke is the man. Period. By creating a platform as simple and customizable as this, he has, at least for my business, allowed me to turbocharge the paperwork and tracking process, allowing me to focus on doing the things that make me money.
I am experiencing quite possibly my busiest month ever. Last week, my current web based helpdesk solution gave me grief for the last time, so I made a commitment to spend the entire weekend overhauling my entire management system. I have been watching the posts on this forum about PCRT for about two months now, and could not stand it any longer- having turned my back on PCRT in the past because of how it looked to be configured for business owners with a shop where people bring their hardware to them, I took another look at it over the weekend, requested a demo login, and watched the video... 4 times... while waiting for a reply with my demo login. I knew that I may not receive any replies until the following Monday, but continued to scrutinize the software with the materials I had: the video, and posts from you guys here. Later in the afternoon, I was sold before I even had a chance to demo it. I submitted my purchase and prayed for a response before the weekend was over. He didn't have to, but when I woke up Sunday morning, Luke had not only issued me a demo login, but also verified my discount through ACRBO and sent me the files!
I took me less than 4 hours to upload the software to my site, configure the database, and then customize my forms. I was even able to insert my Pay Now (through PayPal) button into my invoice for emailing! I'll look into Authorize.net later when my online payment volume picks up.
Finding the right CRM solution has been perhaps my biggest problem over the last 2 years. I have tried them all- I have tried staying simple by using spreadsheets or my own Access database. I have played around with PDF forms that I can fill out and print... but setting up a database to manage all of that data is a nightmare. I have tried the big boys like vTiger or SugarCRM. I've tried Shockey Monkey (GREAT PORTAL, but lacking customizable forms- a big MUST for how I run things), but found it better suited for in-house IT departments. MHelpdesk, which I have been using since last May- I would rank a close 2nd: the support is terrific, but I never could fully adapt to the dashboard layout. I need something that can show me the big picture, and update progress on multiple machines FAST, which MHelpdesk could not do.
Bottom line: I was able to set up PCRT in a single day, document the repair of two laptops that were due for delivery Monday morning using PCRT, log one remote support session (AWESOME by the way!), and email the repair sheet and invoice to my customers before I even left my office to deliver the hardware. One of the clients logged into the Repair Status screen overnight, saw that their laptop repair was complete, and paid me using the invoice I had emailed out, all before I even showed up at her house with the fixed laptop!
PCRT is a superb tracking machine. And if you value documentation of your work, this system is for you. I love how you can simply click on one of the many preconfigured actions, and it places it on the work order. It automatically populated the notes with preconfigured explanations, with the option to add your own notes. You can even create your own custom actions, with notes. I threw away my notepad, and instead now log my work directly into the PCRT screen AS I PERFORM IT... customers can log in to the Repair Status page and watch my progress. I will look into configuring that status page with a browser auto refresh script down the road.
The only negative aspect about PCRT: I have been fighting the urge to purchase a touch screen, whether it be an iPad or Droid tablet, but now because of PCRT, I WANT ONE! Having tried it out on my iPhone- the TouchScreen mode is WAY COOL! I may even purchase a 20+ inch LCD touch monitor and mount it to my repair bench!
If you are a mobile tech, you can easily, like I have, modify PCRT for your operations- it's not just for storefronts.
I do have a couple of upgrade wishes:
1) The ability to email a claim ticket to a customer- This could be very useful for mobile techs scheduling service visits from the office, or initiating remote sessions, especially with repeat customers. Right now I am just copying the claim ticket page and pasting it into an email, which does work, but it's a little tedious. When a call comes in, and I'm near a computer screen or on my iPhone, I can take the info, submit the work order, and the customer gets confirmation of the appointment via the claim ticket. You can even put a signature line on the form with your TOS.
2) The ability to group multiple work orders into one invoice- I serviced 3 computers at one location yesterday. I may be wrong though- this may already be doable, but I haven't completed the last of the 3 computers (2 onsite, 1 I took with me to complete offsite). As it stands, I have 3 open work orders for this customer. If I find a way to combine them or even place all 3 on the same invoice, I'll post it here.
Anyway- this is my long-winded shout out to Luke with PCRT! You did it bro, you built what I have been looking for!
Luke is the man. Period. By creating a platform as simple and customizable as this, he has, at least for my business, allowed me to turbocharge the paperwork and tracking process, allowing me to focus on doing the things that make me money.
I am experiencing quite possibly my busiest month ever. Last week, my current web based helpdesk solution gave me grief for the last time, so I made a commitment to spend the entire weekend overhauling my entire management system. I have been watching the posts on this forum about PCRT for about two months now, and could not stand it any longer- having turned my back on PCRT in the past because of how it looked to be configured for business owners with a shop where people bring their hardware to them, I took another look at it over the weekend, requested a demo login, and watched the video... 4 times... while waiting for a reply with my demo login. I knew that I may not receive any replies until the following Monday, but continued to scrutinize the software with the materials I had: the video, and posts from you guys here. Later in the afternoon, I was sold before I even had a chance to demo it. I submitted my purchase and prayed for a response before the weekend was over. He didn't have to, but when I woke up Sunday morning, Luke had not only issued me a demo login, but also verified my discount through ACRBO and sent me the files!
I took me less than 4 hours to upload the software to my site, configure the database, and then customize my forms. I was even able to insert my Pay Now (through PayPal) button into my invoice for emailing! I'll look into Authorize.net later when my online payment volume picks up.
Finding the right CRM solution has been perhaps my biggest problem over the last 2 years. I have tried them all- I have tried staying simple by using spreadsheets or my own Access database. I have played around with PDF forms that I can fill out and print... but setting up a database to manage all of that data is a nightmare. I have tried the big boys like vTiger or SugarCRM. I've tried Shockey Monkey (GREAT PORTAL, but lacking customizable forms- a big MUST for how I run things), but found it better suited for in-house IT departments. MHelpdesk, which I have been using since last May- I would rank a close 2nd: the support is terrific, but I never could fully adapt to the dashboard layout. I need something that can show me the big picture, and update progress on multiple machines FAST, which MHelpdesk could not do.
Bottom line: I was able to set up PCRT in a single day, document the repair of two laptops that were due for delivery Monday morning using PCRT, log one remote support session (AWESOME by the way!), and email the repair sheet and invoice to my customers before I even left my office to deliver the hardware. One of the clients logged into the Repair Status screen overnight, saw that their laptop repair was complete, and paid me using the invoice I had emailed out, all before I even showed up at her house with the fixed laptop!
PCRT is a superb tracking machine. And if you value documentation of your work, this system is for you. I love how you can simply click on one of the many preconfigured actions, and it places it on the work order. It automatically populated the notes with preconfigured explanations, with the option to add your own notes. You can even create your own custom actions, with notes. I threw away my notepad, and instead now log my work directly into the PCRT screen AS I PERFORM IT... customers can log in to the Repair Status page and watch my progress. I will look into configuring that status page with a browser auto refresh script down the road.
The only negative aspect about PCRT: I have been fighting the urge to purchase a touch screen, whether it be an iPad or Droid tablet, but now because of PCRT, I WANT ONE! Having tried it out on my iPhone- the TouchScreen mode is WAY COOL! I may even purchase a 20+ inch LCD touch monitor and mount it to my repair bench!
If you are a mobile tech, you can easily, like I have, modify PCRT for your operations- it's not just for storefronts.
I do have a couple of upgrade wishes:
1) The ability to email a claim ticket to a customer- This could be very useful for mobile techs scheduling service visits from the office, or initiating remote sessions, especially with repeat customers. Right now I am just copying the claim ticket page and pasting it into an email, which does work, but it's a little tedious. When a call comes in, and I'm near a computer screen or on my iPhone, I can take the info, submit the work order, and the customer gets confirmation of the appointment via the claim ticket. You can even put a signature line on the form with your TOS.
2) The ability to group multiple work orders into one invoice- I serviced 3 computers at one location yesterday. I may be wrong though- this may already be doable, but I haven't completed the last of the 3 computers (2 onsite, 1 I took with me to complete offsite). As it stands, I have 3 open work orders for this customer. If I find a way to combine them or even place all 3 on the same invoice, I'll post it here.
Anyway- this is my long-winded shout out to Luke with PCRT! You did it bro, you built what I have been looking for!
i just wish i could split payments. (ie. customers bill is $100 and they have $70 cash and would like to pay the rest with Credit/Debit)
You can't just pay with cash the amount, and then charge the rest?
i just wish i could split payments. (ie. customers bill is $100 and they have $70 cash and would like to pay the rest with Credit/Debit)
I was a little depressed about this as well, but then remembered what I read before I purchased the software:
Q: Can PCRT import or export to ©Quickbooks
A: No, and there are no plans to do so. PCRT manages invoicing and receipts internally. Personally, my accountant does use QB but just import totals from PCRT as well as use it to keep track of the bank account and write checks
This statement is found on Luke's PCRT FAQ page. I use Peachtree to manage my invoices, and since it's hard for me to input a PayPal transaction in PCRT, I just put everything down as cash or check, close out the job and make notes on the invoice before I give it to my wife to input into Peachtree.
Works for me! To me, this issue is petty compared to the quick, yet complete, PC repair tracking module.
I use Quickbooks point of sale and i love it, the BIG reason I want to use PCRT is the tracking it provides to PC's check in check out. I would love if it had a way to pay with credit card via a virtual terminal (gateway). I don't accept paypal so that is not a big concern for me. I do handle the billing and it just seems a pain to do invoicing this way. Maybe I'll buy it and start making add ons, for it.
I have come to realize that there really are no decent work order management/accounting combos out there for our industry, which lately I think may be a good thing. Benchtech- my wife does my accounting for me, and she actually likes the paperwork I give her now from PCRT. She is able to keep better track of the types of work I do on machines now. I do not sell parts right now, so all I am tracking is labor. What's even better for her is that she can log into PCRT and see my pending work, what I have completed, etc... before she gets a stack of paperwork from me.
I use Quickbooks point of sale and i love it, the BIG reason I want to use PCRT is the tracking it provides to PC's check in check out. I would love if it had a way to pay with credit card via a virtual terminal (gateway). I don't accept paypal so that is not a big concern for me. I do handle the billing and it just seems a pain to do invoicing this way. Maybe I'll buy it and start making add ons, for it.