10 BUSINESS AND TRAINING
Software is coming to run your plumbing business : 5 things you need to know
By
Charles Freedman
You might not think you “ do ” software . But you do . As old school as you think you are , if you use any app on your phone , you ’ re using software .
Software is your Facebook , your email , your accounting package and your job card system . Think about how its changed your life . Today , as the cliche goes , there is an app for everything . The good news is that it also includes running and growing your plumbing business . And it can be used to grow the whole South African plumbing industry .
The world vs South Africa In the USA , 93 % of SMEs use at least one type of technology platform to help run their business , with the average owner using three different platforms . Whilst South African software adoption has risen from 13 % of SMEs using it in 2017 , to 61 % in 2020 , there is still a long way to go before we catch up with the rest of the world . When it comes to plumbers it ’ s a different story . Whilst the data is scarce , a quick show of hands at a Plumbing Expo or IOPSA evening paints a picture of even lower adoption rates – and that means a huge opportunity for the industry .
Why software ? Software exists to solve problems . The best software takes something you ’ re already doing and makes it more efficient ( doing more with less effort ) and more effective ( getting a higher quality result ). In a plumber ' s world that could look like generating your leads , managing your operations , buying stock from suppliers , implementing projects more consistently across your teams and processing your financial information . In the USA 94 % of SMEs using software say it helps them run their business more efficiently and 87 % say it has helped them grow in challenging conditions .
What software ? In South Africa there are plenty of software options for plumbers to help you run and grow your business . From lead generation software
“ As old school as you think you are , if you use any app on your phone , you ’ re using software .”
like Kandua and Snupit to job management software like ServCraft to accounting software like Xero , Sage and Quickbooks . There ’ s Canva to help generate marketing content , Mailchimp to send emails to your customers and Facebook and Google to help promote your business and generate leads . While it can be
Charles Freedman . overwhelming , these things are just like any other tools in your bakkie . Like those tools , you didn ’ t know how to use them when you started – but now they play an important role in solving your customers ' problems . Learning how to get the most out of software gives you the tools to build a bigger and more profitable business .
Unique challenges in South Africa Plumbers in South Africa face unique challenges that can make it harder to use software . From load shedding to language barriers , technology literacy to actual literacy , experiencing the benefits of software across your business isn ’ t necessarily easy . It doesn ’ t help that technical training as a plumber doesn ’ t include business or technology training . It might not be easy . But it doesn ’ t mean the juice isn ’ t worth the squeeze for you or your business .
Looking forward The solutions to accelerate growth across South African plumbing businesses and the industry as a whole exist today . Whilst it ’ s not easy to hear , the biggest barrier to plumbers experiencing the benefits of software is often you – business owners . There are plenty of South African solutions designed and built for South African plumbers supported by South Africans who get it . There might be unique challenges – but there are also unique solutions .
So , if software is another tool to grow your business – the next question is how are you going to train yourself to use it ? PA
ServCraft www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline July 2024 Volume 30 I Number 5