The Best Job Management Software For Trades

Businesses across all industries, even traditionally manual ones like trade businesses, such as electrical services, plumbing, heating engineering and more, need to embrace technology.

With the right job management software, field service businesses that offer home visits and trade solutions can streamline their operations, get rid of paper documentation and improve communication between staff and customers.

There are many job management software products on the market, each with different services and limitations, so it can be tough to find the solution for your business.

As a provider of API integrations to help trade businesses customise their job management software to meet their specific needs, Right Hook understand the importance of finding the right tools to help manage your business processes. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best job management software solutions on the market currently.

What Is Job Management Software?

Job management software, sometimes known as project management software, is an online tool used by trade businesses to manage tasks, including:

• Scheduling Jobs
• Task Management
• Assigning Staff Members To Jobs
• Creating Quotes
• Tracking Progress
• Communicating With Staff
• Providing Reports To Customer

Why Is Job Management Software Important?

Project management software is vital for businesses because it helps not only with managing individual jobs, but also with bigger-picture assignments, such as managing cash flow, customer management and reviewing the performance of your staff.

With access to all the information in one place, you can employ data driven decision making to ensure you optimise your resource allocation and grow your business.

For field service businesses, having real-time access to data on your staff’s whereabouts and workload can help you improve team collaboration and make sure you have enough resources to improve your service offering and work on additional projects.

Importantly, your competitors are already using job management solutions, and if you don’t start, you’ll fall behind. In labour-intensive markets such as field management and trade, companies like yours need to make the most of the latest technology to get ahead.

The Best Job Management Software On The Market Currently

Most job management software solutions currently offer, as a minimum, a platform to allow you to carry out task management and tracking. Some now have additional capabilities, including taking payments, communicating with customers and more.

If you’re looking for a project management solution, these are some of the biggest names in the game right now. Keep reading to find out more about how they work and the pros and cons of each one.

The Best Job Management Software: Quick Comparison

Job Management Software ➡️ Key Features ⬇️	BigChange	ServiceM8	Commusoft	Jobber	Tradify
Job Scheduling	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
CRM	✅	❌	✅	✅	✅
Invoicing	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Mobile App	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Employee Management	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Free Trial/ Plan	❌	✅	❌	✅	✅
Phone Support	✅	❌	✅	✅	✅
Clear Pricing And Plans	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅

These are the key features offered by each platform. All information is correct at the time of publication. Keep reading for more in-depth information on each project management tool and how it could benefit your business.

BigChange

BigChange Pros

• A wide range of functions including CRM, reporting, employee tracking, financial management and more
• Job management app available so employees can take the tool on the go
• Easy to sign up, add users or cancel subscription
• Offers customisation to help you tailor the platform to your business needs
• 24/7 customer support is provided

BigChange Cons

• High cost, which is billed per account, making it more expensive as your business grows
• No free trial offered
• Limits to how many characters can be used in quote descriptions, meaning some businesses may struggle when trying to describe complex jobs
• Old-fashioned design that can feel clunky
• Reporting accuracy can be hit and miss for some users

ServiceM8

ServiceM8 Pros

• Offers a range of solutions, including GPS tracking, reminders and photo storage
• Integrates with Xero and other tools to enhance the user experience
• Cost-effective pricing and a free version with limited functionality
• Offers a 14-day free trial so you can test the software before you commit to it
• User friendly design that’s customisable
• Unlimited users on most plans means it grows with your business, without an additional cost

ServiceM8 Cons

• ServiceGuru integration is no longer available
• Limited functionality for the platform itself and no CRM
• Poor customer service, which is only available through a chat function with no phone support
• Design can be difficult to navigate
• Only works on Mac/OS devices, with a lite version for Android

Commusoft

Commusoft Pros

• User friendly solution that’s easy to learn
• Centralised systems and simplified workflows save time and effort
• Quickly automates tasks to reduce admin requirements
• Designed specifically for plumbing, heating and electrical services companies, offering tailored solutions
• Flexible plans to accommodate businesses of all sizes
• Easy integration with existing systems
• Mobile app means you can take Commusoft anywhere

Commusoft Cons

• No free trial or free version
• Pricing is unclear and can only be accessed by request
• Targeted service means other trade businesses might need to look elsewhere
• Bulk actions can be difficult to carry out on the platform

Jobber

Jobber Pros

• Provides a range of job management solutions including CRM capabilities, quotes and time tracking
• Client management hub makes storing all information easy
• Has invoicing and payment integrations built-in
• Offers a free trial and a selection of plans
• Comes in both English and Spanish

Jobber Cons

• Basic option has significant limitations
• High costs for all features, especially for small businesses
• Limited customisation options

Tradify

Tradify Pros

• Carries out a range of tasks and keeps information in one place, including safety certificates and communication
• Automates tasks including invoicing and quoting
• Mobile app is offered to make the tool more portable
• Strong focus on customer service
• Syncs with accounting software to streamline the business
• 14-day free trial offered plus a range of templates and free resources provided online
• Free training is provided once you sign up to help you make the most of the tool
• A range of plans to suit businesses of all sizes

Tradify Cons

• Some tools, such as inventory management, are highly limited and may not suit all businesses
• Requires outsourced accounting software for payment management
• Reporting doesn’t currently allow photo attachments
• System can easily overload during busy times

Choosing The Best Job Management Software For Your Business

With all these solutions and more on the market, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here are some simple steps you can take before choosing a new job management software for your trade business:

• Check Out The Features Offered: Explore a selection of project management tools and make a list of ones that offer the solutions you need.
• Set A Budget: Put together a budget, with a maximum cost, and then review the prices for each solution on your list. Remember that some tools will bill monthly, yearly or per user, so take this into account when calculating the cost.
• Read Reviews: Check out customer reviews to see what users think of the job management software and if it meets their expectations.
• Get In Touch: While you can often set-up an account online without communicating with the company, talking to a member of their team can help you understand the tool better and see what their customer service is like. If possible, ask for a demonstration to get a feel for the tool before you start using it.
• Try The Free Trial: If there’s a free trial or free package, use this to test out the software before you commit to paying for it.
• Review The Terms And Conditions: It’s important that you check the terms before you sign up, so you’re not left with an early cancelation fee if you need to switch to a new tool.

How To Make The Most Of Your New Job Management Software

Once you’ve found the best job management software for your home services business, you need to make sure you can find a way to customise it and add CRM functions if required.

At Right Hook, we can create custom portals that help you transform your chosen project management tool, integrate it with other project management software and offer true customer satisfaction.

With a custom portal from Right Hook, you can promote business growth and show your clients that your business is committed to growing and making the most of modern technology.

Additionally, we’re also working on our own job management software product, so keep reading our blog and following us on social media to find out more.

In the meantime, if you want a custom API integration, website development solutions, digital marketing services or branding support, book a call today to get Right Hook in your corner.