The Problem
Given the rapid expansion of the company over the past two years, management was experiencing a serious backlog of paper work
which was slowing down cash-fl ow. The company was averaging a backlog of up to 200 invoices each month.
In an attempt to alleviate the problem, the company had implemented a job scheduling, allocation and invoicing program but found that while it was
helpful it did not improve effi ciency. Following a scorching Townsville summer which overheated the computer system - resulting in the need to reload
new software - Betteridge decided it was time for a change.
What the company needed was a solution that would speed up the billing cycle and generally improve productivity.
The IMS Solution
In February 2007, Lollo and Allan implemented the IMS ServiceTrack smart phone system.
A powerful web-based tool, it allows all service calls and projects to be centrally managed from the time jobs are logged into the
system, right through to final invoicing.
Implementation involved importing all of the details of existing customers and suppliers via Excel spreadsheet as well as creating an inventory of
parts and equipment from scratch.
Once done, the system was linked to Lollo and Allan’s accounting software, including payroll and general ledger.
All field staffers were issued with an easy-to-use PDA/hand-held device which provided them with access to the central system,
allowing them to view their tasks and to record all job related data such as the time and date a task commenced and was completed through to ordering
and purchasing materials.
This eliminated unnecessary paperwork by eradicating time sheets and job-cards, dramatically streamlining the administration process.
During implementation, IMS ServiceTrack personnel were available online and by phone to ensure all training and implementation issues were
addressed. Despite initial nervousness and reluctance by some members of staff to use the system, it took just seven days for Lollo and Allan to be up
and running.
Because IMS automatically backs up information entered into ServiceTrack, should there be another “meltdown” it will no longer be necessary to reload software.
The Benefits to Lollo and Allan
Since the implementation of ServiceTrack a little less than two months ago, administrative workers at Lollo and Allan are no longer
drowning in paperwork and the turnaround time for invoicing has been halved. All invoices are now completed on time at the end of each month.
Productivity has increased ten-fold – from the field supervisors through to administrative workers. Because electricians are required to
close off tasks online, they are more accurate about the actual time spent on a job which has resulted in a significant increase in billable hours.
Lollo and Allan estimates its measurable gains as:
100% improvement on turnaround time on invoicing,
150% time saved managing timesheets,
40% time saved by field staff doing paperwork resulting in a
25% increase in billable hours
“IMS ServiceTrack has breathed new life into Lollo and Allan. Everything seems so much easier and we’re more
productive than ever before.”
Ray Betteridge, Director
Lollo and Allan
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