What software buyers can learn from agile development and lean manufacturing
Software companies long ago abandoned complex release processes where comprehensive new versions would show up every few years. So why do software application buyers continue to plan for and tolerate implementation schedules that span several months or in some cases even years? What’s good for the goose is good for the gander, and software buyers […]
Selecting service management software (that keeps accounting happy)
You know it’s time. You need to purchase software to help streamline your services department. Up until this point, your accounting software has been your biggest investment in technology to run your business. As tempting as it is to throw away your current system in search for the perfect all-in-one (a mythical unicorn if you […]
Cyber attacks in fire and life safety
In 2019, there’s a fresh wave of ransomware hackers targeting US-based fire and life safety contractors that have legacy server systems. Several have been either forced to pay a bounty or face devastating disruptions when the cyber attack is unleashed. If you believe you are safe because no one is going to notice or care […]
The all-in-one software fairy tale
There is no such thing as an “all in one” software application for anything. Like a unicorn, it is a neat idea (who wouldn’t want a friendly horse with a horn) that is nothing more than a fairy tale. Yet it is probably the most popular unicorn that commercial service contractors (and others as […]
The road to success is paved with good integrations
As VP of Customer Success at ServiceTrade, what everybody calls me at work is “that guy who can answer your questions about integrations.” The number of meetings I’ve been called into to discuss integrations with customers has gone up dramatically in 2018. I’ve noticed a theme in a lot of these conversations: customers aren’t really […]
AI, IoT, M2M, big data – the alphabet soup of technology jargon you need to understand (part 1 of 2)
In 1984 I was seventeen years old and working as an usher in a movie theater when the science fiction thriller The Terminator was released. It was a surprise hit, and I must have seen the movie a couple of dozen times. In case you are not familiar with the movie, Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a […]
Get more bang for your software bucks
ServiceTrade sells software, so we spend a reasonable amount of time coming up with ideas and content (like this blog post) to help customers make better and faster decisions about buying software (preferably from ServiceTrade). We are particularly fond of catchy, summary phrases and slogans that are memorable for the same reason that consumer marketers […]
How to choose good software and not get fired
When I joined ServiceTrade to begin its services division in 2012, Billy greeted me with the welcoming threat “if you screw this up I’ll fire your ass.” I’m still with the company, so here is my advice for how to buy good software and not get fired in a growing company. Use the right tool […]
What’s technology worth? How to value your technology investments.
I hear customer prospects cry out for “the perfect application for my business that does everything” in nearly every sales call that I make. It does not exist. I have argued again, and again, and again that every business of any size will ultimately buy multiple applications to serve the diverse needs of their business functions. […]
Case study: Ressac implements Sage Intacct with ServiceTrade integration
For more than 85 years, Ressac has established itself as a high quality, low-cost commercial contractor for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Specialties include low-rise office parks, mall retail, and big box retail sites. THE CHALLENGE Ressac recently implemented ServiceTrade to improve their service management and customer service. While this solved their […]