Customer Database Software

[Barrettservices]

Looking to get more "professional" on how I track customers and what I have done for them. Currently keeping all notes/contact info, etc in Outlook because I can access it anywhere with exchange. i am looking for a software that doesn't cost a million bucks but has all necessary info including category's to fill in such as superheat, subcool, etc. so I can easily train my secretary (my wife, lol) what info every job needs. Any insight on what is affordable for a small company that can do remote access and is setup for the hvac industry?

[ParamountAir]

You and I both! I have had to spend much time designing my own because what I have found doesn't look like it was designed in this decade.

I use the app ServicePal on my iPad. It has a native iPad app, plus servicepal.com. You can build forms, keep customer contacts, schedules jobs, etc. It will take awhile to get the forms setup but you cannot be the price. Everyone else wants thousands.

If you do not need the connectivity of having it everywhere, check out formconnect app on ipad - super cheap and syncs data with dropbox.

[STEVEusaPA]

So I made my own. I went with FileMaker Pro12. I think it costs 299.00. Works great and of course completely customizable. You can use their templates, or do a complete database from scratch.
You can download an app for free for your iPhone or iPad, and sync thru Dropbox, iTunes (both free), or their server (too expensive). In the office, one of the things I like, every customer record has a complete list of every component on their system. I can do inventory for annual service, and if someone has a unique component, I make sure I have one, or get one, for their service call. In the field I can check past service history, etc.
It can also (which I'll add/test this spring) the ability to sync with Quickbooks.
If you want more info, email me and I'll send you some screenshots

[partroy]

Yes can you send some screen shots thank you.

partroy

[DeltaT]

So I made my own. I went with FileMaker Pro12. I think it costs 299.00. Works great and of course completely customizable. You can use their templates, or do a complete database from scratch.
You can download an app for free for your iPhone or iPad, and sync thru Dropbox, iTunes (both free), or their server (too expensive). In the office, one of the things I like, every customer record has a complete list of every component on their system. I can do inventory for annual service, and if someone has a unique component, I make sure I have one, or get one, for their service call. In the field I can check past service history, etc.
It can also (which I'll add/test this spring) the ability to sync with Quickbooks.
If you want more info, email me and I'll send you some screenshots

I've been using Filemaker for about 10 years. One of the easiest items for me to do is bring up the maintenance lists that a I need for the quarter or the year. Plus I can easily cost out each and every job including dollar per hour made after costs. It's interesting the ratio between labor and parts percentage of profit.

I have been tempted to "upgrade" to Pro12 but still don't see the benefit other than making charts. I'm one of the few that uses this selfmade system. Most others want a finished product.

BTW, the upgrade price is less than a new purchase and install. And the factory service has been great when I have needed them. Typically Filmaker will supply a list of registered local dealers that can design/set up the system or assist in designing/setting up the system. And once they have met you in person you can actually have all the design work done on line by them.

Glad to see someone else using this system.

[ErikaP353]

We have been using the software program Smart Service for a while now and really like it. It's certainly not as inexpensive as an app, but for it can do, the price was something we we're easily able to look beyond. Some of the features that have really helped grow our business is the ability to do scheduling, routing, billing and invoicing form within the program because it's connected to QuickBooks.

We've also found the mobile app that goes with it -- iFleet -- to be amazing! We can dispatch jobs to our techs at any point in the day right to their iphone or ipad, and our techs can update customer data at the end of each job, so our information about customers is so much more accurate and nobody has to take hand written notes and then enter them into the computer later.

Check it out and let me know what you think. I'm pretty sure they give free demos so you can get an idea of everything the program does.

What are other people using? It's always good to know what else is out there.

[C&C HEATING]

I am also looking for such a product that brings everything together for everyone in the business from any location. Acowin is just TOOOOO pricey.
I am also looking into MobileBiz Pro on Android and it has a super high rating. I hope to find something soon because paper and handwriting is getting to be time consuming, costly and writers cramp is not fun LOL

[Shamoke]

I too would like some screen shots if you wouldn't mind. I have been searching for a database solution for a while now.

[STEVEusaPA]

Here ya go. All done with FileMaker Pro 12, starting with one of the free templates (Starter Solutions).

[DeltaT]

Steve
Beautiful. It's amazing what can be designed with Filemaker and you certainly have done it. Did you have a local Filemaker rep help or did you do it all in-house?

[STEVEusaPA]

Thanks DeltaT. I did it with the basic starter template. I bought the FileMaker training series, btw which they are offering for free when you buy FileMaker.

http://www.filemaker.com/products/filemaker-pro/

I also bought this book
http://shop.oreilly.com/product/0636920022817.do
Went through those and just started designing it.
Another great feature is they have a fantastic online forum community, where (like here) they'll help you with any design question.