Don’t wait for CAT season: 5 key rules for using software in your restoration business

Make technology work for you: Simple steps to boost your restoration business

Running a restoration business is all about being prepared. It's not a matter of if you’ll use technology; it's a matter of what technology you’ll use to grow and improve your business.

By implementing the right restoration software, you can boost efficiency, maximize your team’s potential, and gain a competitive edge — before the storm hits.

But how do you integrate these tools seamlessly into your daily workflows? Here's where we can help.

1. Prepare for change management

Change happens all the time, but it's not always easy to accept. People can resist change, especially when it means giving up familiar ways of doing things for new ones. Here are some tips to make it easier:

• Engage early adopters: Find people in your team who like new ideas. Their excitement can help convince others.
• Provide training and resources: Make sure everyone has access to training that demystifies new technology.
• Celebrate small wins 🏆: Introduce technology in stages and celebrate achievements to create trust and backing across your organization.
• Expert insight: During our restoration software struggles webinar, Lisa Lavender, COO, Restoration Technical Institute (RTI), emphasized the importance of commitment and consistent accountability:

2. Prioritize software that aligns with your restoration business goals

It’s crucial to choose technologies that directly support your business objectives. Whether improving client communication or streamlining inventory management, align technology with specific goals to see the best results.

Real-world win: Ralph Burris, Senior Estimator at Parker Young said it best, “If you don’t step up technology, you’re not going to be in business.” Check out how implementing Encircle’s Floor Plan + Xactimate made sketching 94% faster, enhancing accuracy, and ultimately improving customer satisfaction.

Expert insight: Edward Mirzoian, CEO of Restorerz, echoes this sentiment: “We've released a 2.0 version of our company, which the main focus has been to be the most technologically advanced as possible and get rid of any and all manual tasks and create automation behind driving labor.”

Find more practical advice on choosing the right software in our property restoration software guide.

3. Drive productivity with the right restoration tech

When investing in technology, consider the direct impact on your team’s productivity. Things to consider:

• Invest in high-quality smartphones: Smartphones are essential tools for field communication and data collection. High-resolution cameras and reliable technology enable your team to document jobs effectively and communicate seamlessly.
• Avoid older free phone offers and invest in good-quality smartphones to maximize usability and productivity.
• Use cloud-based platforms: Cloud-based tools enable real-time updates and collaboration between field and office staff. This makes sure that everyone has access to the most current information, improving coordination and reducing delays.
• Focus on user-friendly tools: Choose software and hardware that are intuitive and easy to use. Complicated tools can slow down your team instead of helping them. Opt for solutions with simple interfaces and clear instructions to reduce the learning curve and help your team become proficient faster.

4. Invest in scalable technology for your restoration business

Investing in technology isn't just about solving today's problems but preparing for future growth. Scalability is crucial. When planning technology investments, forecast your business needs for the next three to five years.

Expert insight: Kevin Dooley, CEO of kahi, emphasizes the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of technology:

For tips on choosing the best restoration software, read our article on acing your restoration software search.

5. Don’t forget: Simple solutions can have a big impact

Sometimes, small upgrades can bring significant returns.

For office staff, consider investing in a computer that can handle one or two additional monitors. Using two monitors can create an increase of 20–30% in efficiency. Add three monitors, and productivity goes up.

Expert insight: As Certified Restorer Kris Rzesnoski explains:

See how the right software can transform your restoration business

To guarantee successful technology implementation in your restoration business, keep these key points in mind:

• Know your needs: Clearly define the improvements and outcomes you expect.
• Integration is key: Look for software with open APIs that integrate well with your existing systems.
• Plan for implementation: Have a dedicated and well-trained team to lead the implementation.
• Avoid the silver bullet mentality: Focus on specialized tools that excel in specific areas rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

To use technology well in your restoration business, you need to make smart choices. Buy tools that help you reach your long-term goals, boost productivity, and fit well with how you already work.

Using smart technology can really help a business grow.

Ready to see how Encircle can fit into your technology strategy and help propel your business forward?