Crucial Systems for Small Trade Businesses: Best Job Management Software and Beyond
Finding the right software can truly be a game changer for your business. On the flip side of that, paying for expensive and powerful digital tools without using them to full advantage is a waste of money. App fatigue is a reality; many tradies have three different software platforms they don’t use properly, plus Xero, and a tonne of extra Google sheets for good measure.
Deciding on Fergus vs ServiceM8 vs NextMinute is important to the future of your business. Putting systems and people into place that surround and draw value from your chosen software is even more important!
If you’re a little lost when it comes to putting together your digital toolbox—or implementing it in a way that truly works for your business—then read on for top tips from a team that’s all about creating systems that support Kiwi businesses.
The best job management software in NZ: Big three and beyond
It’s difficult to directly compare software options, primarily because they each have slightly different target audiences. Some are more appropriate for a particular trade, i.e plumbers vs HVAC installers. Others suit companies according to the size of their projects: long-term builds and fit-outs vs small one-off or recurring jobs.
The following three are some top options, a trio of powerful platforms amongst which most trades businesses in New Zealand can find a good match.
NextMinute: For builders and renovators
This software was founded in Auckland for Kiwi tradies, and has been making a splash ever since. With intuitive Gantt charts for fantastic project planning capabilities, it’s ideal for multi-stage projects like home builds or renovations. Moving parts become manageable with NextMinute! The easy and transparent financial reporting also helps business owners to stay on top of what’s profitable and what’s not, providing valuable knowledge to guide decision-making.
Fergus: for service-based trades SMEs
Plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and other tradies with busy schedules full of high-volume, quick-turnover jobs will benefit from Fergus, another homegrown software. It’s aimed at smaller businesses, helping them to streamline their operations and take control of scheduling.
ServiceM8: man-in-a-van and beyond
Field service businesses can cut their admin burden with ServiceM8, a comprehensive software that’s easy to set up and perfect for owner-operators or small crews. It makes teams, jobs, and schedules clearly visible and easy to manage. It performs best for Apple users, with a top-notch app for excellent mobile functionality on iPhone.
The missing piece: human expertise
Software works best when you pick the right one. It works hard when you have somebody who knows what they’re doing at the controls! You can have the best job management software in New Zealand and still struggle to stay on top of your administrative duties.
Efficiency begins with choosing and setting up your software: getting expert advice and guidance from a service like FreeUp means you’re much more likely to avoid costly mistakes and false starts.
Once implemented, a tech tool provides the most value when the software and the business systems are both adapted to meet in the middle. This might look like:
adjusting job card statuses to suit your team’s usual workflow,
changing the input of client details to fit the quoting feature, or;
creating automated reminders for team members according to their needs.
There are many small ways in which you can bring your software and your physical operations into harmony, but it often requires a competent “pilot”—someone who is familiar with both the software and the way that a small trades business works.
The Released crew are experienced in a wide array of software, and we understand how important this knowledge can be. Where a client uses a specific software, we take care to assign a VA who knows their way around it and can help to optimise systems for the most efficiency possible. Do outlandishly efficient systems built around exceptionally helpful software reduce the amount of manpower hours that a client requires? Of course, but we know what Released has to offer—quality support over quantity, every time!
Tech stack checklist: Are you digitally equipped?
While a quality app stack will look different for every business, there are some baseline layers that most trades and service SMEs will need. Here’s quick checklist:
Accounting software. Xero’s the obvious pick here, a non-negotiable for keeping your books in order. Xero has integrations with a lot of other trades softwares, which contributes to more efficiency in your systems.
Invoicing/job management software. We mentioned the big three above. The Fergus vs ServiceM8 vs NextMinute vs something else debate is tricky, but you can seek expert help.
Receipts: Filing your receipts digitally is a gamechanger. Dext or Hobdoc are great for this!
Compliance: Something like SiteApp Pro helps you manage H&S requirements without piles of paperwork.
Set yourself up for success
With a one-two punch of tech and people working together to create solid systems of work, you can save time and money plus minimise stress. Tradie admin systems across New Zealand are making and breaking businesses, and it’s more than just tossing up Fergus vs ServiceM8 and paying for subscriptions. To get a competitive edge with your business admin systems, you need the right tech. And to get value from the software, you need well-informed, experienced people at the controls.
Ready to get started? FreeUp can help you to choose, implement, and optimise the best job management software options in NZ. Released has the depth and breadth of talent and experience on our large team to find you the VA that will whip your systems and tech into collective shape, ensuring they work together efficiently.
