simPRO as a SaaS product is constantly evolving to meet the demands of it’s massively growing client base. Due to needs of the growing number of companies choosing to implement simPRO to help them run their business more efficiently we are always coming across new and better ways to get the job done.

Here are some of the most recently development highlights:

Xero Integration to simPRO Mobile / Lite / Enterprise

Xero. Has anyone heard of it?  Probably not, that’s because they have just kicked off here in Australia.  Based out of NZ and already a major player there and in the UK, Xero has landed on Australian shores and is already making waves.

What is it?

Xero is a web based accounting system, and it’s a sexy piece of software (for those of you that are that way inclined…).  Basically it’s MYOB in your web browser with a whole bunch of really nice features like live interfaces with your banking system and a clean, easy to use interface (in fact they tout themselves as being the easiest accounting system in the world, though don’t let that fool you – Xero packs a punch!).

So, what is the deal, what have we done?

In a nutshell simPRO mobile, simPRO Lite and simPRO Enterprise now fully integrate with Xero in the same way those systems already integrate with other application based accounting systems (MYOB, Quick books, Sage etc..)

Ok, so why would I care about that, I already have an accounting system?

Now finally you can move your entire business operations into the cloud and never have to worry about backups, servers and network issues ever again.  Work from site, work from home, work from anywhere with an internet connection you can access all your accounting information from Xero (and so can your accountant if you let them in) AND all your operational functions from simPRO.

With all the time and frustrations you save trying to get antiquated locally installed applications working and talking to each other, not to mention keeping all versions up to date and PC’s networked together, you can head off to see your customers and actually generate income or take an early mark to head off to the pub!

Also, if you already have an accounting interface and you would like to look into Xero some more, we can put you in touch with a local Xero representative and we’ll upgrade your interface for free!

To find out more about Xero – take a look at http://www.xero.com.au

Multiple Failure Points

Are you a simPRO Fire user (or do you have the maintenance planner)?  Yes – ok, check this out.  Most likely part of your business’ requirements is to go off and test equipment installed on site at varying frequencies for different types of equipment.  This is the latest instalment of the maintenance planner!  Basically it works like this:

For each service level you test on a piece of equipment there may be multiple reasons an asset can fail.  Currently simPRO will only allow you to record a Pass / Fail / NTR (no test result) on a piece of equipment on a job.  With this latest upgrade, when an asset has been marked as failed you will have the option to identify why it failed.

Hmmm, sounds interesting.  Let’s take it to another level.  Against each failure point we can now identify a description, a standards code, specify whether the failure is critical and if the item does fail, what is our rate to rectify that failure (by way of prebuilds).

OK, now things are getting really interesting (or is it just me?).  When an asset has a failure recorded against it with its relevant failure point (or multiple fail points) then the system will prompt you to automatically generate a quote to rectify those issues.

When coupled with a PDA, Ultra Mobile PC or Digital Pen that means that the quotes to rectify can literally be completed before the technician has even walked out the front door.  Think of the headache that removes.

Let’s follow that through to the next stage…  For critical defects that you have 24 hours to notify your client of, when a test is failed it will post through and be updated in the client management portal in real time as your guy onsite completes the work. That also takes care of your legal obligations to notify him of the critical failure – coupled with the fact that you will also have created a quote that he can sign off at the same time, you are bound to pick up that work.

So increasing cash flow, getting quotes done automatically, removing headache’s, taking care of your legal obligations, reporting to your clients automatically… ahhhh, I wonder how the surf is today?

Reece / Tradelink invoice imports

Isn’t it a pain to go through and data enter all the invoices that you receive from wholesalers.  simPRO already has import routines written for many wholesalers that are able to provide invoices in an importable format.

Now Reece and Tradelink have jumped on the band wagon and we can now import these invoices directly saving a large amount of administrative effort to sit there and reconcile supplier invoices against PO’s sent out.

Let us know if you need more information on how to set that up.

For more information on these or any other benefits simPRO can deliver for you, please feel free to contact us anytime.