| The Problem: L&S Mechanical is the largest Construction Plumbing contractor in Texas. L&S had a customized version of Great Plains, which was significantly out of date. In order to upgrade, they were faced with the expense of redeveloping the custom modules since the old custom modules would not work with the new version of Great Plains. Also, the number of user licenses now required for operating Great Plains was cost prohibitive. The Client opted to build a custom, web-based system that would mirror how they actually did business - and added additional features which enabled the company to create a competitive advantage. The Solution: ION worked with the customer to design a custom Intranet site accessible anywhere, anytime, by any authorized user. Creating the Intranet allowed the license count to be dramatically decreased, offsetting the custom development cost. In addition, the company was only required to use the General Ledger module of Great Plains. The Web-Based Software Provided the Following Functionality: Bid Tracking: Each bid for a prospect is entered into the system and tracked through completion. Job Estimation: Allows the user to enter the information required for cost estimation based-on preferred profit margins. Also, the software provides the user with information required to ensure that the company and its employees are complying with building code specifications for each individual municipality the company services. Job Tracking: Each job is tracked through 40+ stages of construction and identifies which subcontractor completed each task. Each inspection is tracked, whether pass or fail. Each supervisor can view and enter stage status information from their mobile phone in the field via the built-in web browser. The mobile feature enables the Home Office to obtain job updates status in real-time. Accounts Receivable: Invoices for each job at specific stages and services calls. Also tracks payments and credits. Service Call Tracking: Tracks each call from builders or homeowners. Each call is scheduled, tracked through the process, and the final solution is logged. Subcontractors: Calculates checks for subcontractors and tracks their licenses and expiration dates. |