Top tradie apps
Tradies know that bringing the right tools for the job is key to success. Software apps are no different. If trades workers show up to the site with poorly optimised apps, they won’t be able to provide fast and high quality service. The best apps should make life easier for managers and tradies who are constantly on the road. The apps below are designed to do just that.
1. hipages
hipages is Australia’s number one job board for trades businesses in the home improvement industry. The platform allows you to view up-to-date job listings that apply to your technicians’ expertise, advertise your business by creating an online profile, and contact customers. What’s more, hipages provides an easy way to manage quotes and know about any job requests in your local area. If you want to increase your company’s reach and get more leads, get listed on hipages.
2. Microsoft Teams
Collaborating with subcontractors and other field technicians via email is not the most efficient use of your time. A better alternative is to implement Microsoft Teams, a robust platform that comes with instant messaging, file sharing, HD voice calls, and video conferencing. These features enable you to communicate in real time, and since the app relies on the internet, you don’t have to pay for expensive local and long-distance call rates. The best part is Teams can integrate with a wide variety of productivity apps, so projects involving multiple people are in one place.
3. Houzz
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next home renovation and design job, Houzz is the solution. It’s an online platform where people can share ideas about architecture, interior design, landscaping, and home improvement. The app also lets you create a business profile and converse with homeowners about design plans and quotes. Much like hipages, Houzz can be a great place to promote your business and add more jobs to your roster.
4. Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB Online
In terms of accounting apps, you can go wrong with Xero, QuickBooks, or MYOB Online. For one, tradies can use these apps to create detailed expense reports by scanning receipts with their phone camera and tracking time spent on the road. They can also produce invoices quickly after a job has been completed and schedule automated reminders to chase any outstanding payments. Finally, data is stored in a centralised platform, so you have clear visibility of your company’s finances and address cash flow issues early.
5. Square Point of Sale
Trades businesses that accept mobile and credit card payments can gain serious benefits by implementing Square Point of Sale. This intuitive mobile point of sale system allows tradies to process a variety of payment methods — including Visa, MasterCard, and Apple Pay — on the go. All you have to do is connect a Square chip card reader on your phone, and wait one to two business days for payments to be transferred to your account. (Keep in mind that a 1.9% surcharge applies to each transaction)
6. Paper
Paper by WeTransfer is an intuitive drawing and note-taking app tradies can use on the go. It allows you to create checklists, diagrams, illustrations, and design templates for similar jobs. Additionally, Paper lets you add multiple photos and blueprints to a single page and edit them however you like, which is especially useful for remodelling and design projects.
7. iHandy Carpenter
In case you don’t have space in your toolkit for your measuring instruments, iHandy Carpenter is a great all-in-one tool for the modern tradie. This app features a bubble level bar for checking if surfaces are level, a plumb bob to measure the verticality of an object, a protractor, and a ruler. Each of these tools works using gesture-based interactions. For example, to use the ruler, you simply sweep your mobile device across a surface from left and right to measure length.
8. Google/Apple Maps
Tradies are constantly on the move, which is why it’s crucial that they know how to find their way around the area. Both Google Maps and Apple Maps are essential free navigation apps tradies must always have on the road. They take note of traffic patterns and weather conditions in real time, estimate the time of arrival, and find the optimal route to the job site. It’s even supported by GPS technology, allowing you to access the map in areas with weak network coverage.
Consider incorporating either app into your job management app. Doing so ensures tradies always arrive at the job site on time and with the right tools, saving them from making return trips and keeping customers happy.
9. iAuditor
Any project that involves audits or inspections can be streamlined using iAuditor. You can design checklist templates to make every review consistent. Tradies can then collect detailed information by taking pictures of the job site, track location information, and jot down or dictate additional notes. After the inspection, users can quickly generate a report, sign it using a digital signature, and export it in a variety of formats.
10. WorkBuddy
Tradies face an uphill battle when they don’t have access to top-class job management software (JMS) like WorkBuddy. Unlike other standard solutions, WorkBuddy integrates with a wide array of third-party applications, from accounting systems to navigation software, to streamline your trade. For instance, the app lets you log service codes, material codes and billable hours. The information can then be fed into your accounting database so you can bill your customers correctly.
Beyond invoicing, WorkBuddy makes it easy to schedule appointments, prioritise projects, and assign the right specialist for the job. It even serves as a planning tool, allowing you to create equipment lists and task items tradies must complete to deliver high-quality work.
