Previously, its field workers relied on paper-based forms and handheld cameras to capture information on landscaping and maintenance projects, resulting in a paper trail that included a three to four day wait to receive paperwork back by mail. The information then needed to be manually inputted into its CRM system and filed away.
Grace Landscapes recognised that it could benefit from a digital solution to help manage its data more effectively, and as it decided to upgrade its company mobiles to smartphones, began to look into ways that they could be used to their full potential. After trialling WorkMobile’s cloud-based application for eight weeks with just four users, Grace Landscapes now has a permanent licence for each of its 40 field workers and supervisors.
With the help of WorkMobile’s flexible form designer, information can now be sent back to the Grace Landscapes’ head office instantly, along with photographs. This information is automatically integrated into the CRM and is saved in the correct file, saving time and leaving less room for human error.
Team members can now search for completed jobs and other data within seconds, something that could previously have taken members of staff many hours to do. It has also enhanced the company’s reporting capabilities, making it easier and quicker to find out, for example, how many jobs each person has done, to see any outstanding work, or to check the risk assessments for each site.
Neil Pix from Grace Landscapes said: “Once we realised how much time and money our previous method of data capture was really costing us, we made it a priority to find a more sophisticated, digital solution.
“WorkMobile’s app was exactly what we were looking for, and the results we’ve seen have actually exceeded our expectations.
“All these factors have improved Grace Landscapes’ efficiency, and enabled us to spend money on other areas of the business.
“We pride ourselves on being an environmentally responsible business, and even established our own on-site recycling facility more than 10 years ago, so the major reduction in paper waste is a fantastic added bonus.”
Colin Yates, chief support officer of WorkMobile, said: “We’re delighted that Grace Landscapes has seen such immediate, tangible benefits from using our mobile data capture solution.
“Our goal is always to help businesses revolutionise the way they work, saving them time and money while also helping them to become more sustainable.
“With just a few simple changes, Grace Landscapes has embraced digital transformation and completely eliminated its reliance on outdated physical paperwork.”
Grace Landscapes, which has a head office in Yorkshire, was established in 1978 and has grown from one to more than 120 members of staff based in four different locations, with an annual turnover of £6million.
