Technology and the future of plumbing businesses in SA
BUSINESS AND TRAINING
It ’ s time to get your head out the sand and into the cloud . This is an as-toldto article based on a conversation between Duncan Keil , UPP Founder and Master Plumber and Charles Freedman , CEO of ServCraft . It has been edited for length and clarity .
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All Images Supplied by ServCraft
The world is changing , and so is plumbing . It is easy to think that innovation in plumbing is just the physical things we work with – smart devices , water harvesting , solar pumps . It is all very exciting , but that ’ s just the half of it . The way plumbers run their businesses around the world is changing , and whilst things might take a little longer to catch up in South Africa , that change is here today and accelerating . But what does it mean for you and how do you get started ?
Freedman : Who can plumbers speak to for help about using technology in their business ? Keil : I ’ m a huge proponent of coaches and mentors . We ’ re all held back by our experiences and how we think about things . Someone external can help with new perspectives so you can get out of your own way and move your business forward further and faster . Your accountant should also be helpful to support you working out what tools might help you with the business . Accountants today need to be plugged into the latest software so they can add more to their clients – so ask ! Finally speak to other plumbers . The plumbing community in South Africa is here for each other . IOPSA meetings are a great place to ask fellow plumbers what they ’ re doing and tap into best practices . Don ’ t be shy – we ’ re all in this together .
Freedman : Why is technology important to plumbers running a business in South Africa ? Keil : A lot of plumbing businesses are run by ballies like me . But it ’ s the technicians and apprentices of today who are the business owners of tomorrow . Whether you ’ re looking to remain competitive , build a succession plan or contribute to plumbing ’ s future , technology needs to be on your agenda . The smart phone in your pocket is more powerful than that computer that sent man to the moon ! Imagine what it can do for your life , your business and the plumbing industry .
Freedman : There ’ s a lot of applications out there . Where should someone get started ? Keil : Technology can be daunting – especially if you ’ re more comfortable with your hands in a drain than clicking around a dashboard . Think of it like running a marathon : you don ’ t get up and run one , you start with 1km , then 5km , then 10km and keep building up . Generally , with technology you can ’ t break anything – so don ’ t fear trying something and seeing how it feels . It ’ s ok to make mistakes . Get up and try again . You can generally always undo something . Think about your biggest problem in the business today and start there . Job management software , quoting and invoice applications , accounting software are all things you can explore to help with winning more business , getting paid faster and having happier customers . Most of these companies have people that will help you out . Get googling and jump in !
October 2023 Volume 29 I Number 8 www . plumbingafrica . co . za