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TECHNICALLY SAVVY


TECHNOLOGY TRENDS AFFECTING PRODUCTIVITY


W


Rex Bishop, NALP Director of Technical Education


e have all heard the term, work smarter not harder. In today’s world that means the use of equipment and technology. If we want to increase efficiency, productivity and im- prove the bottom line we need to embrace all the improvements in equipment and technology that are available to us. Installation jobs may be more efficient using an auger to dig holes as opposed to two men and a shovel, and a compact utility loader with multiple attachments may improve efficiency and productivity. Whether planting trees, grad- ing areas for sod or planting, or moving soils there is a piece of equipment that can help. There is a wealth of software to assist with design and estimating. Automation simplifies many of the processes in these tasks. Once the time-consuming task of entering data the first time, subsequent design changes are easily and quickly re-estimated. Even project management and crew management can be made easier thru software and apps. There are also apps for plant, weed or pest identification. Some universities have databases that are now available electronically. If a crew has an issue on a job site, they can use their cellphone to send a photo from the job site to the office or manager for a quick solution. Managing customer databases, automating


marketing, tracking your fleet, planning routes to maximize productivity and fuel efficiency, printing tickets for customer on site or sending reports electronically are all possible with the variety of applications available to landscape professionals. Payments can even be accepted on site through cellphones.


All of these applications can be integrated to better manage sales, operations, billing and financial reporting so owners can see exactly what is happening in their business. It is not a question of can I afford to invest in technology and software? It is the reality that you cannot afford not to invest. How do you measure properties for esti- mating—measuring wheels or an app on your phone? Do you use drones to take aerial photos of properties? This technology can be a game changer in both the design process, and the promotion and marketing of your company. Other emerging technologies include:


• Robotic mowers • Electric equipment


• Smart phone controllers for outdoor lighting and irrigation systems


• Training videos for mobile devices I read an article recently from a well-known


industry consultant who helped a company become more efficient by changing work processes and by embracing new equipment and technology. In just a couple of years, the bottom line was improved—not through growth or additional employees—but by improving efficiency.


Look around your operation and see what technology can do for you. Your operation can become more efficient and profitable with an infusion of technology in the right places. Embrace technology, embrace change—or be left behind. Work smarter, not harder!


“Managing customer databases, automating marketing, tracking your fleet, planning routes to maximize productivity and fuel efficiency, printing tickets for customer on site or sending reports electronically are all possible with the variety of applications available to landscape professionals.”


NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS 35


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