As featured in Drain Trader Magazine, September 2023

Having a transparent view of your employees and subcontractors is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

As owners, operations directors and office managers of drainage companies, you’re likely no stranger to the complexities of managing subcontractors and engineers on different jobs and at different sites. The absence of clear visibility can hamper your ability to monitor activities, meet customer expectations, and run a smooth operation.

This article aims to shed light on how effective management of employees and subcontractors can result in better coordination, informed decision-making, and ultimately, a more efficient field service operation.

Field service operations in the drainage industry are often dependent on a network of subcontractors and engineers. The lack of supply chain visibility can lead to operational delays, inefficiencies, and dissatisfied customers. Addressing this issue is vital for maintaining a high level of service and operational efficiency.

Adopting a comprehensive management system can centralise all relevant information, from subcontractor details and project statuses to inventory data. A unified system allows for real-time tracking of activities, helping managers identify bottlenecks and make quick, informed decisions.

A unified system ensures easy access to data. Having everything in one place rather than scattered across different applications, different chat groups or worse in different hard copy folders means information can be found at the touch of a button, you can respond more quickly when the phone is ringing off the hook and saves time.

Implementing a system that enables real-time communication between managers, field engineers and subcontractors can significantly improve collaboration. Instant updates facilitate quick problem-solving and contribute to a more transparent supply chain.

Being able to raise an invoice as soon as a job is completed also aids cash flow. Problems can be resolved before information is forgotten and facts get disputed.

Utilising analytics tools can offer valuable insights into subcontractor and employee performance, resource allocation, and service quality. By examining key performance indicators (KPIs), managers can pinpoint areas for improvement and proactively address issues that could affect supply chain transparency.

Establishing standard procedures for documentation and reporting ensures that all stakeholders have access to accurate, up-to-date information. This enables effective resource planning, logistical streamlining, and minimises operational disruptions.

Transparency over employees and subcontractors is critical for the success of any drainage service operation. By focusing on effective subcontractor and engineer management, adopting a unified information system, and implementing standardised documentation, operations directors can achieve a more comprehensive and complete view over their whole team, whether internal employees or external subcontractors.

This enhanced visibility leads to better coordination, quicker response times, and more informed decision-making, setting the stage for a more efficient and customer-focused operation.

Transparency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a critical component in optimising performance and delivering exceptional service in the drainage industry.

Okappy Portal+ is a field service management platform which connects employees, customers, and subcontractors. Streamlining field service management processes and freeing up valuable time.

With Okappy Portal+ you can communicate with your network, send and receive jobs, manage your workforce remotely, run reports, and raise invoices – all on one platform. You can receive updates to job details as they happen and view all important documents needed for the work in one secure place.

Find out more about Okappy’s unique platform and how it can help transform your business, sign up for a demo today.