Decisions about where to spend money are essential in the early stages of a window and door business. One choice is whether to invest in window and door software or ‘make do’.
You might think your software is something for further down the track. Our advice is, don’t delay.
Sorting your system early saves you time and money later, meaning you’ll have removed a big barrier to your growth from the outset. From quotes through to installation and invoicing, it makes sense to bring all your work together right from the start.
We believe integrate is the best option, but we want you to hear from a company that took the leap early in its business story. Stuart Mathieson, Company Director of London Sash Windows and Doors Ltd, shares why they’re pleased they chose to start with integrate.
Stuart, tell us what was happening (or not happening) that made you look for a software solution.
We knew joining up our work was necessary. We’d had enough experience to know sorting our processes and systems would save us time… and money, of course.
So, from the early days of our business, we were looking for window and door software to use. Specifically, we wanted the software to build our quotes for new installations and repairs, with drawings to help the customer visualise what we were planning.
Had you heard of EndtoEnd IT Ltd, or integrate as a software solution?
Yes, we knew about integrate as a previous company I worked at was ready to use the software. EndtoEnd and integrate have a good reputation – we knew they understood the industry because they’ve been in it for a long time and “get” what installers need.
What were you hoping new software could offer your business?
We’ve all worked in places with too many moving parts, with a system for one thing and a spreadsheet for another. Smooth and easy quoting was our priority, along with keeping all our customer information in one place.
Companies can get themselves in a mess with their admin and project management when they’re not set up to grow. When you’re small, you can juggle bits and hold things in your head. But if you’re big enough to need a system and don’t have one, it’s too late, and you’ll be chasing your tail.
We wanted to avoid this situation. The fact that integrate offers such a complete package and covers our jobs from start to finish makes it the best option for the company.
Now that the software is part of your work, what makes integrate the best option?
Without doubt, investing in integrate is money well spent. Saving time, saves you money. Planning smarter, saves you money. Better tracking of projects keeps everyone happy… and saves you time and money.
Our quoting process is quick and easy. The integrate quote system follows a format, meaning consistency and clarity for us and the customer. On top of this, the bonus is having the windows or doors drawn out. Our customers love having the visuals, and it helps secure work and build confidence.
You’ve been using integrate for a while, can you share more about your experiences?
The software covers all our work, including repairs, upgrades, and brand-new items. Tracking the jobs from start to finish is easier because everything is in one place, and everyone in the team can see the same thing. People can log in and update what they’re responsible for, meaning the jobs are not reliant on one person.
We’re also glad to see adjustments and tweaks made regularly to improve the system. We’re not left saying, “I wish our system did this,” or “This bit is frustrating.”
You get a quality system, which is then adapted and improved to suit your business needs – just like EndtoEnd said would be the case.
You reach the point where you can’t remember a time when you didn’t have it. We certainly couldn’t imagine not using integrate.
Have there been any challenges and how did you overcome them?
Yes, learning any new system can be quite complex.
However, multiple systems, spreadsheets, and processes that don’t join up would be more complicated. So, we quickly got used to it, and integrate became easy to use. It’s particularly handy when new people join us because they can fit straight in.
The other bonus is the EndtoEnd technical team. We know them by name, and they know us. If you have a question, they will sort it out quickly and update you.
What’s the best thing about integrate so far?
That’s an easy one. integrate is the “one-stop shop” we needed.
I knew what we wanted and what I hoped it would be, and it’s ticked all the boxes.
If you had one piece of advice for someone seeking new software solutions in the window and door business, what would it be?
Start as you mean to go on.
Get your systems sorted early. You won’t regret it and it will save you lots of hassle later. Without doubt, integrate is a quality solution, worth the initial outlay and the monthly cost.
EndtoEnd know what they’re doing, and we’re pleased we’ve chosen to grow with them on our side.
From Gareth O’Brien, Director of EndtoEnd Ltd
Stuart provides a lot of great advice, especially for growing businesses establishing themselves in the window and door industry.
We can always help “older” companies and combine their multiple systems. But Stuart is right; if you invest in integrate early in your business journey like they have, the decision will pay you back.
We look forward to continuing the work with London Sash Windows and Doors and seeing the company go from strength to strength.