Clearview 226 - September 2020 | Page 46

Software & I.T. Solutions Proud sponsor of the Software & I.T. Solutions feature Got 2 minutes? » SOCIAL DISTANCING will be the way of the world for many months, perhaps even years. Faced with the new logistical complexities of running an installation business, the people at Ab Initio Software, developers of UK’s most popular window installer management system, have a simple message: Use AdminBase to manage your business as you come out of lockdown and ensure you make the most of every opportunity. And to allow installers to understand just how AdminBase will do that, they have produced a short and highly effective explainer video. Just 2 minutes long, the video shows how AdminBase, which has been the go-to window and door installer management software for more than 20 years with more than 3,000 users, can make every stage of the installation process - including canvassing, sales, survey, installation, service calls and warranty records - slick, accurate and, crucially, easier to manage. The video shows how sales enquiries may quickly be turned into accurate quotations with everything kept securely in the same place, eradicating scrawled notes on scraps of paper, duplication, handwritten contracts, surveys and fitter notes - and errors. Available on a range of devices including mobile tablets such as iPads and with apps for sales, survey, installation and service calls, data is stored centrally with a range of features that include emailed quotes and contracts, ordering from suppliers, installation notes and through to final sign off and invoicing. Rhonda Ridge, who realised the need for an integrated project management system when managing the finances for a window installation company, says watching the video could be the most profitable 2 minutes spent: “We set out to produce a video that quickly shows what AdminBase can do for installers – whilst being mindful that there appears to be a lot to take in. I am delighted with the result – for many installers it could be the most important 2 minutes they could spend, maybe over a coffee.” The AdminBase Video can be seen here: https://www. youtube.com/channel/UCsiRs3- BLOLR7JY1Dk4Z-1w NEW WEB BASED VERSION OF UK’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM » ADMINBASE, THE LEADING SALES and management system for window and door installers, is now available as a web-based version, allowing users convenient and secure remote access to their company’s data, at any time. The new web based version, launched in June 2020, includes the AdminBase data export service and a new and improved dashboard feature that allows installers to create and manage contract ’to do’ lists at a company level. The new web service also integrates sales leads from an installer customer’s own website, directly into the AdminBase system, and includes a copy of the Canvassers app, which gives canvassers or showroom staff the ability to submit leads remotely, via tablet or smartphone. With much of the UK’s office-based workforce still working from home in the wake of the Covid-19 lockdown, this latest development from Ab Initio has already proven to be hugely popular with both new and existing customers, with all the key features and functions of the system now available via laptop, tablet or home computer. “Many people still prefer desktop applications, and while we still offer this service, the popularity of web-based services is increasing – and for good reason,” commented Ab Initio managing director, Rhonda Ridge. “A significant percentage of the UK workforce operated remotely, from home, during lockdown. Many will, understandably, not want to return to the office for some time – some businesses, in fact, may struggle to safely accommodate staff – while others have found they are actually more productive, and prefer the flexibility of home working. “In any case, our new web-based system allows our continually expanding customer base a much easier, more user-friendly way to remotely access all the benefits of the AdminBase system, which has been providing state of the art business management for installers for around 20 years now.” The new web-based version of AdminBase is being offered as a free of charge upgrade to existing installer customers using the previous cloud-based service. This latest evolution to AdminBase’s service offering follows the introduction of its mobile apps earlier this year, which have since helped to revolutionise working practices for installers by offering a fully integrated, paperless overhaul of sales, surveying, installation and remedial services. www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk 46 » SEP 2020 » CLEARVIEW-UK.COM