Have you ever heard the saying “garbage in, garbage out”? It’s the perfect description for when you overlook the information input part of your process. If you aren’t thinking about how and why you are entering job info into your job management system, then you won’t be able to pull those insights that will really make an impact.
For this topic, we consulted Kim Duda, an independent consultant that helps Moraware customers get the most from their software for ways that you can get more out of your data.
Uncertainty Is Hard
If we learned anything from the recent pandemic, it’s that not knowing where your business stands in an emergency is scary. Remember 2008? Kim was working in the industry for a fabrication company during the crash of 2008, and she watched a lot of her friends not make it to the other side. That’s why it’s so important to get your shop organized and in a good place sooner rather than later. You don’t want to be left shellshocked.
“I’ve witnessed this type of thing, and a lot of shops are in reaction mode,” Kim says.
Her goal is to help you make it, and one way to do that is to get more out of your data.
“If nothing else, the biggest thing I can help with is showing you your data in a meaningful way that can help you make better decisions moving forward,” she says.
Good Data In, Good Data Out
If you’re using software in your shop like CounterGo or Systemize, and aren’t putting accurate information into the system, there’s not a whole lot anyone can do to pull the right information to make meaningful changes. “If that’s the case, I typically do a whole system overhaul,” Kim says of companies she works with.
Systemize Sample Report: Installed Sq Ft by Month
Make a list of business projects you’d like to do
Last year, there was a brief period of down time while shops were closed. “A lot of my clients called me trying to fine-tune some of the projects they’ve been wanting to work on for a while,” Kim shares.
Being proactive and creating some goals for your business is a good idea to kickstart your data process. Are there certain dashboards you’d like to see? Maybe some new metrics?
For Kim, helping Moraware customers work on metrics, dashboards, and data is rewarding. “Really, it’s making the data you’re already entering work for you so you can utilize it to make better business decisions,” she says.
See your data from anywhere
Another lesson learned from the pandemic is that you want to be able to see your job information and reports from anywhere. A lot of countertop shops had their staff working from home and learned to adapt. Now, they’re better off for it because they have organized and streamlined information wherever they are.
Example of Kim Duda’s ability to create dashboards that helps you see what’s in the pipeline and what to expect coming up.
Good data saves you money and time
Another challenge you might want to tackle is uncovering where things are falling through the cracks. For example, when you have to go back out to the job site, what’s the cause? If you can organize the data more clearly, Kim says you can evaluate it and make a better plan for the future.
Was the revisit a service call? A remake? Did someone forget the backsplash? With data, you can also pinpoint who is the cause of the revisits, which can help you have better discussion points with those individuals. You might also come up with a better plan for making sure you have the backsplash next time you leave for a job.
“If you have to go back out, your margins are gone,” Kim explains.
By understanding what and who is causing these reworks, you’ll be able to address the issues and prevent them or at least reduce them by a great deal. You can only do that with insight from the data you are entering.
Finding Your Most Productive Staff
The data you’re entering into your Moraware software can pinpoint your weaknesses, but it can also showcase your strengths. Kim often helps fabricators figure out who is templating or installing the most by comparing dollars per square foot and square foot per individual.
This can uncover who is doing the most work, but also who does more complex jobs. You can isolate that information with good data – all you have to do is organize it and put it into a view that’s easy to understand.
“Some people have me create a way to measure their employee’s workloads,” Kim says. “If someone says they’re overworked and need help, you can compare that staff member against other employees.”
Getting the Most From Moraware
Whether you are using Moraware tools or other software, it’s important to make sure you are getting as much value out of it as you can. This includes utilizing their data to inform their next steps as a business.
“People don’t know what they don’t know – I help them determine what direction to go in and how to get there,” Kim says of her Moraware customers.
Here at Moraware, we’ve got an amazing support staff dedicated to helping you get the most out of your Moraware. Our knowledge base is full of helpful articles and how-to videos that can help you and your staff take it to the next level.
