The latest release of PestFriend introduces more features to help the pest controller save time and improve cashflow. Many of the enhancements have been developed from ideas by our users.
The already comprehensive Quote and Invoice facility has had further additions based on suggestions from users. This has introduced enhanced filtering and sorting on Invoice data which enables just the data required to be displayed. New reports can show receipts by a Technician in a period - providing a simple “payments receipts” listing to backup all cash, cheques and credit card transactions passed back to the Office by a technician.
A new facility to record general comments has been introduced. This will allow a technician to make notes for later reference by him or the Office at a later date. This could be a Sales opportunity, an Invoice reminder, a reminder to order materials or any other event that happens when out on the road but needs to be actioned later.
The comprehensive PestFriend barcoding feature has been further enhanced to allow input from two barcode readers during a site visit. This feature comes into its own on a large site worked by two technicians. By using the two input devices and the download options, the technicians can ensure the report is presented in a manner that meets each individual customer’s requirements.
Site reports now can have a signature added on tablet enabled Mobile computers. The signature is stored in a special format which is considered a “legal” signature as well as the more common image which is used on reports.
Behind these headline enhancements are a raft of further additions all aimed at improving the savings for a pest Control company.
Whilst new users tell us they are up and running with PestFriend in a week, they are also telling us they are still finding features that help there business more than 6 months into using PestFriend. This is not because the system is difficult to use but a reflection of how many facilities are already in the standard package.
PestFriend has always recognised that Mobile wireless connections are not perfect when out on the road. It is why we have always separated the data input facility from the sending data back to the Office - the technician needs to create a report as quickly as possible and move on to his next job. He does not want to waste time waiting for data to be sent / received via mobile phone facilities.
Storing the history of Site Visits for later processing in the Office enables a choice to be made on how this data is sent to the Office. Traditionally this has been back at base when the Technician replenishes supplies, hands over any payments received and submits his expenses. However in some companies, a Technician will not normally ever return to the main office. For these customers, PestFriend provides an alternative connection via the internet.
When customers run the internet service option, the system will select the best route to update the office with visit data - as far as the technician is concerned, he does not need to know which route the update will take; only that it will happen without him having to hang around on a customer site waiting for a connection.
PestFriend - 3 Years On PestFriend has now been in use with the original user company for over three years. During that time the original concept has proved its worth both for the Pest Control company and the customer.
The reports produced by the system are providing a real competitive advantage in gaining new customers as well as saving time on site.
Back in the Office, Contract Invoices are now no longer a chore to create; a months Invoices can created in seconds with the longest task now being waiting for them to print off. The facility banishes the problems of missed Invoices or changes; data is entered once to set up the Contract then only opened again if there is a change.
Experience within the first company has shown savings which have covered the cost of the system in the first year. The additional features added to PestFriend in subsequent years has further improved the financial advantage of using PestFriend.
The commercial version of PestFriend was released in December 2007 with an advert in the BPCA magazine. Interest has come from far and wide including enquiries from Cyprus, South Africa, Brazil, Ireland and The Channel Islands as well as the UK..
Comments from Pest Controllers are indicating that PestFriend is providing the facilities that they need to provide a competitive advantage.
The DVD showing parts of the system in operation has proved very popular.
Feedback from the initial user is that the current system has more features than initially appreciated. A days training session was held on site which proved useful for both the Pest Control company and Friendly Data Solutions.
For Friendly Data Solutions, feed back from user companies is always welcome as it helps us identify areas where we can help Pest Control companies with new developments.
We were demonstrating PestFriend on our stand at Pest Tech all day. The interest surpassed our most optimistic expectations (we ended up showing visitors the system whilst we were setting up / before the exhibition was officially open and were still showing the system to visitors whilst others were breaking down their stands in the evening!). To anyone who could not get near enough to see a demonstration or ask questions, please give us a call and we will happily spend some time answering your questions.
For those that did get a chance to see the system in operation, your feedback on what you saw and our stand would be greatly appreciated.
Within weeks of starting using PestFriend, an Essex Pest Control company was pleased to report that they had won two contracts for local schools based on the clarity and layout of the PestFriend Site Reports.
