An Overview of the HMI System for Estimating, Customer Communication, Scheduling and Control.
Paul DelFino
Entrepreneurs who attend the HMI “Discovery & Training Seminar” do not sign up to learn how to raise and level concrete. The simple fact is they come to learn how to make money!
All quickly learn that raising and leveling concrete is easy with HMI equipment but the surprise is that HMI makes systems available for them to operate and market their business with ease and maximum efficiency. Often the PIA of; business operation and marketing are the aspects of running their own business that is looked upon with dread and anguish.
Introducing The Estimate Rocket – Years ago HMI commissioned the development of a customized app (available for use on any tablet) for its contracting division. Levering the 40 years’ experience of HMI the goal was to have a system where an estimator could be trained in days – not years to insure that profit and consistent pricing could be applied to any market. The system was designed to be flexible to factor in varied pricing in multiple market situations and the unique circumstance of every job.
Simply stated this technology tool is programmed to allow anyone to measure a slab and input the size as well as how many sides are down and how far. From there the system takes over and estimates how much material will be needed for the repair and calculates a price. The system then attaches a photo of the slab and produces an itemized estimate (including the picture) that can be emailed to the prospect on the spot. A simple reply to the emailed estimate is authorization to do the work. (Overall market pricing is established by the company owner for each market they serve.)
Adding Boosters to The Rocket – Over years HMI has enhanced the system where the tech tool is nearly a complete business operations enterprise software solution on steroids which:
- Has A Built In CRM System – a Customer Relationship Management system holding all the contact information of all customers forever.
- Build In Mass Email System – a capacity to send mass emails to: introduce the service, offer specials, or follow-up on unaccepted estimates.
- Scheduling Tools – a capacity to plot on a map pending estimates and pending jobs to simplify daily scheduling for maximum efficiency. (Google Map Integration)
- Invoicing Process – a capacity to generate invoices integrating before and after photos of the work on the spot when work is completed.
- Financial System Interface – A capacity to integrate the system with Quick Books or any other financial system allowing small businesses to be almost paperless.
- Management Reporting – Built in management reports on; sales, estimating, work completed and more to aid in gaining efficiency in business operations.
First Day Smiles – The Estimate Rocket and the recommended business operations processes are introduced in the late afternoon of the first day of the “Discovery & Training Seminar.” The smiles and relief of participants is observable as they see the end of the dreaded aspects of running their own business. The smiles really broaden when they learn:
- The system cost is $10-30 per month depending on what features they choose to use.
- They can try the Estimate Rocket system for a month FREE as a trial
- The system is mobile, cloud based and actually is offered by the developer with HMI’ permission
- The system can be customized to integrate other services entrepreneurs are currently offering in their current business.
- Watch a Preview Video HERE
A Family Affair – Often Concrete Raising and Leveling businesses are family businesses. It is gratifying to see spouses and full families attending the “Discovering & Training Seminars.” There is something for everyone in the business and the family to learn and apply.
Take Away – There is no need to dread the business operations and marketing aspects of running your own small business. In the case of HMI systems – technology is available to you to make it as easy as raising and leveling concrete with their equipment.
The Creators of Estimate Rocket–Logical Engine
Paul DelFino is a principal of the consulting firm Opportunity Inc. For nearly two decades he has assisted entrepreneurs in growing their businesses, responding to economic downturns and merger and acquisition activity. He has consulted with HMI and RaiseRite for over a decade. His publications include “Avoiding Skewed Entrepreneurial Strategies” available from all on line booksellers.