NDA

Field service app for HVAC company

During this project, the ElifTech team developed and released a custom solution for a well-known HVAC service provider. We took their old work order system that relied largely on manual processes, gave it a complete makeover, and linked it with a better system with extended billing capacities. The platform streamlined their operations, minimized scheduling conflicts, and enhanced billing accuracy – critical factors in delivering superior customer service in the HVAC industry. At the same time, a mobile application was developed for field service employees’ convenience.

The project's highlights included a real-time scheduling system, work order system, and a comprehensive billing module, simplifying the previously complex and manual process. These advancements not only improved backend efficiency but also contributed significantly to their financial performance, creating a more cohesive and efficient service delivery system.

Industry

Construction
Headquarters

US

Services we provided

System Design Consulting
Product Development
Backend Integrations
Dashboard Development
Mobile Development
UX Design
Third-Party Integrations

About the client

Our client is a HVAC service provider with a broad footprint across the United States, offering comprehensive services for residential and commercial systems. With over 15 years in the industry, they specialize in installation, maintenance, and emergency repairs, including but not limited to central air systems, ductless mini-split systems, furnaces, heat pumps, and indoor air quality improvements. The company's vast network and operational needs – including precise scheduling, emergency responses, and inventory management – posed unique challenges.

Challenge

The client relied on an outdated, manual-driven system for scheduling and dispatching, which led to frequent scheduling conflicts, including double-bookings and technician misallocations. This inefficiency in a demanding HVAC market caused customer dissatisfaction and service delays. Additionally, an outdated digital billing system operated in isolation, disconnected from the scheduling operations. This required employees to manually input service details into the billing system – an inefficient and error-prone process that resulted in billing inaccuracies and invoicing delays, negatively impacting the company's financial performance The lack of integration meant that services were not always invoiced correctly or promptly, with manual errors exacerbating the problem.

Solution

System Solution

Our team integrated APIs for seamless data exchange between scheduling, dispatching, and billing components, automating the entire flow to cut down on manual data entry errors. For this, we used Node.js because it's great for managing lots of requests without slowing down.
Custom Workflow and Algorithm Optimization

We designed custom algorithms to automatically assign tasks based on technician skills, availability, and location, thereby optimizing the dispatch process and maximizing efficiency.
Work Order and Scheduling Dashboard

Creating an interactive dashboard would offer schedulers and dispatchers a bird’s eye view of all the tasks. It would feature information like task status, technician assignments, and any scheduling conflicts all on one screen.
User-Friendly Interface

While developing the new software, the priority was to make it user-friendly, ensuring it could be easily adopted by the client's staff. The interface was designed to be intuitive, aiming to reduce the learning curve and increase productivity.
Mobile App for Field Service Technicians

Enable technicians to view schedules, update job statuses, and report issues on the go to improve efficiency and communication.

Features delivered

Node.js-Based API Integration for Data Sync

Migrated scheduling, dispatch, and billing systems to a unified Node.js backend. This reduced system latency and improved data consistency across platforms.
Predictive Work Order and Scheduling System

Integrated with external APIs for traffic and weather data to adjust schedules proactively. This decreased late arrivals by 40% and improved customer satisfaction ratings.
Automated Task Assignment Algorithm

Implemented algorithms and models to optimize task assignments based on technician skill set, availability, and location.
Real-Time Scheduling Conflict Detection Module

Developed using Python and real-time database triggers, this module identifies potential scheduling conflicts instantly.
Vue.js Interactive Dashboard for Dispatchers

Deployed a Vue.js single-page web application that provides real-time operational visibility.
React Native Mobile App for Technicians

Launched a cross-platform mobile app enabling technicians to receive live updates, access job details.
Serverless Billing Module with Dynamic Invoicing

Introduced a serverless architecture on AWS Lambda for instant invoice generation and adjustments.

Key results and business value

Reduced Scheduling Conflicts and Service Delays

Implementation of the custom algorithms for task assignments resulted in a significant reduction in scheduling conflicts, including double-bookings and technician misallocations, leading to more efficient service delivery.
Enhanced Billing Accuracy and Financial Performance

With the seamless data exchange between scheduling, dispatching, and billing components, the company witnessed a drastic reduction in billing inaccuracies and invoicing delays, directly impacting and improving the company's cash flow and financial stability.
Real-Time Access for Enhanced Field Operations

By introducing a mobile app for technicians, we facilitated real-time access to schedules, enabling technicians to update job statuses on the go.
Boosted Communication and Problem-Solving

The app served as a direct communication line between technicians and the dispatch team, allowing any issues to be reported and addressed promptly.
Improved Operational Efficiency

The introduction of an interactive scheduling dashboard offered a centralized system for managing tasks, leading to improved dispatcher decision-making and task management.