Part 1 of a two-part series looking at the points to consider when choosing a CRM. Here, we look at the factors to think about before opening the app.
It’s not uncommon to see questions from pest managers on social media platforms asking for recommendations on which pest control software they should use. Normally this is referring to CRM (customer relationship management) software. Whilst it’s always good to get recommendations, it’s also important to understand that the requirement of every business is different – what is optimal for one company isn’t necessarily the best choice for another.
Service-Pro Pest-App is the original pest control CRM, having first hit the market 25 years ago. This has provided a deep understanding of what pest control companies are looking for in their CRM. Here are some thoughts for pest managers starting up a business or looking to switch their CRM.
Pest managers understandably jump to the functionality of the CRM itself when investigating CRM options, but actually there are some important decisions to be considered before even opening the software.
Firstly, ask yourself, “How and where will I use the app?” Do you use Apple or Android? Do you need to use the app in remote locations or situations where you have little or no internet access?
Broadly speaking, there are two types of app: web apps that can be accessed through the internet, and native (or resident) apps, which sit on the device and are developed specifically for Android or Apple. Both types of apps have pros and cons. Web apps are cheaper to produce because only one version of the app needs to be developed as it sits on the internet. On the downside, you need the internet to access the app. In contrast, native apps need to have two different versions – one for Apple and one for Android – which makes them more expensive to develop. However, it does offer the benefit that they can be accessed offline and tend to deliver a faster response.
Pest-App is a premium native app that does not require internet connection, ensuring pest managers retain functionality no matter where they are, be it in the bush or under a subfloor. Pest-App has both Android and Apple versions to ensure all pest technicians and office staff can access their jobs on their preferred platform.
Secondly, ask yourself, “How to you want to store your data?” Although cloud storage is all the rage, a wide range of storage options could be considered, depending on your security and access requirements. Pest-App helps their clients choose a storage option matched to their needs.
“Pest-App knows all about cloud storage. In fact, we were ‘in the cloud’ before cloud storage became a thing. However, it’s not the only option available. Some pest managers may want a physical server either off site or at their facility. At Pest-App we help our customers choose a storage option that matches their needs,” said Kevork Temisigian, managing director at Temisoft who produces Pest-App.
Thirdly, ask yourself, “What level of after sales support do you need?” This is an important question, especially if you are not particularly tech savvy or require after sales service or a significant amount of customisation. Quick response from a helpline can be essential for many pest managers, and often this can only be delivered if support is available in-country.
“We understand that a smooth-running CRM is essential to a smooth-running business. At Pest-App our support has always been based in Australia, with a real person at the end of a phone. New customers are still surprised when they call our helpline and someone actually picks up the phone!”
These are three essential questions that pest managers should ask about CRMs they are considering before opening the app and looking at the details of the software functionality. Answers to these questions can allow pest managers to quickly narrow down their options of a potential CRM.
Part 2 of this series will take a closer look at basic CRM functionality.
