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Still more aspects of running a successful hvac service contracting company have found their way onto software and the Internet.
AT THE SHOW - "The Software Center" was an appropriate name for the center aisle of the main section of the 1998 AHR Expo, where software vendors were offering still more time- and labor-saving options for hvacr contractors, and some design programs for engineers.
Use of Windows has increased, of course. And some company announcements didn't involve software at all; they concerned Internet availability.
But by and large, service and business management programs for contractors had the largest representation.
SERVICE BUSINESS
Compusource, La Palma, Calif., announced the availability of"Contrac2" Release 7.0. The service management, inventory, job cost software now includes a new accounts payable program.
In addition, the service management module has more features in the dispatch and service history areas, such as giving call-takers the ability to read the phone script directly from the same screen where they are entering calls.
Data-Basics, Garfield Heights, Ohio, displayed SAM Pro for Windows, which features service, administration, communications, connectivity, project management, job shop, and marketing, sales, and distribution modules in a Windows format. Sophisticated user profiles ensure system security, the company says.
What good's a service business without well-trained techs? Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Mich., introduced a CD program on the "Fundamentals of Electrical Troubleshooting," the first in a series from the school's hvacr programs.
The impressive, interactive training program covers proper reading of electrical diagrams and schematics, an electrical reference library, troubleshooting techniques, electrical case studies, and customer relations skills.
The booth also offered information on "ACE," the FerrisACCA "Air Conditioning Excellence" technician certification program (see sidebar).
H2 Technologies, Lilburn, Ga., demonstrated ServiceWorks(TM) for Windows, "service management software for service businesses."
Features include complete customer history, including multiple-site information; workorder processing; job scheduling, including pending jobs and jobs in progress, and problem and workorder-type codes that allow the company to assign the right technician for the job; inventory control; management reporting; marketing features, such as installed equipment reports to identify replacement sales opportunities; service agreement processing; invoicing and job costing; and refrigerant tracking.
The software also features an automatic interface to Callahan Roach flat-rate data that...