Why HVACR Contractors Need Barcode Scanning Software
Contractors that sell, install and service heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) assets are like multiple businesses in one.
Some of the time, they are like traditional construction contractors that execute projects on a customer site. Other times, they are operating on annual maintenance contracts for calendar-based maintenance. Still other times, they may be doing on-demand repair—break fix service on emergent calls.
But regardless of what they are doing, the right software-as-a-service (SaaS) barcode scanning software can provide enhanced control over core business disciplines like inventory and asset management. What’s more, the reliable nature of barcode data capture combined with asset management and inventory management functionality in Panatracker enables contractors to:
- Ensure inventory and assets are available for scheduled work, and that this equipment or material is not reserved for other projects
- Manage assignment, custody, reservation, inspection and maintenance of assets—whether they are tools and equipment used by the contractor or customer-owned assets under a service contract
- Reduce truck rolls by ensuring tools and material are on the truck, which serves as a rolling warehouse
- Provide visibility into customer-owned inventory and assets for an improved project owner experience
But how does Panatracker help with these different scenarios of construction, planned maintenance and repair calls?
Maintenance Contract Barcoding
When your technician gets in a truck to perform scheduled service work, barcoding can ensure the tools and material on the truck are on board, and that they are not reserved for another project, service call or customer. When the technician arrives, he can scan the asset tag on the equipment to be serviced, and then scan codes for parts, consumables and materials used from inventory.
Project Phase Barcoding
An initial construction project install will require tools and material be available at the appointed time. Barcodes for asset management will support accurate assignment and reservation of tools eliminate the guess work. Materials, too, can be assigned to the project, with move to the site and around the site recorded to support project logistics. As serialized or lot or batch-tracked inventory is consumed, the barcode scanning processes leaves an indelible record that can support warranty and service work later.
On-Demand Repair Barcoding
If on-demand repair is done for a new customer, scanning asset tags on the equipment will initiate a record of that piece of equipment that will support the relationship in the future. Functionality for inspections can also capture insights on the equipment’s condition, informing subsequent service or repair work. Scanning barcodes on parts and inventory consumed will likewise provide a record of past work and which parts or components have already been replaced.
Find out more about how barcode scanning supports the HVACR contracting business model with our post, Why HVACR Contractors Should Embrace Barcode Scanning for Efficiency and Profitability.
