3 Steps to Building a Smarter Tech Stack: Getting the Most from ServiceTitan and Beyond

Marketing, sales follow-ups, ride-alongs, payroll… no matter your challenge, there’s an app for that. 

However, the endless array of software and apps can bring challenges of their own, such as redundancy, lost efficiency, and ultimately, wasted spend. Contractors lose 25% of their annual spend on tech waste. 

The Problem with Too Much Tech

One of the biggest issues contractors face is that they don’t know what they don’t know – they may seek a new tech solution one of their existing tools already provides. 

“Some of these tools, especially the end-to-end software, like your field services management platforms, are so complex and can truly run every aspect of the business,” says Powerhouse CEO Jenny Benbrook. “But, a lot of it comes with development and release… If a contractor isn’t continuously monitoring that and staying up to date with the changes in their technology, it can be very easy to overlook what is currently available to them.” 

Benbrook says tech tools are constantly evolving, so it’s critical for contractors to stay on top of the changes to understand when new features become available, and what exactly they do. 

“Devoting hours to learning the ins-and-outs of a software you’ve been using for years can be challenging and confusing,” she says. “This is where our Contractor Resource PlanningTM (CRP) services come in.”

In PCG’s work with more than 400 contractors, we’ve seen how chasing every new app leads to complexity, wasted spend, and frustrated teams.

Establishing a Strong Tech Foundation with ServiceTitan

There’s a reason Powerhouse was founded to help contractors master their software, and the importance of that mission only continues to become more and more crucial to efficient business. 

Knowing what your core Field Service Management (FSM) software provides, and is capable of, is key to building the foundation of your tech stack. Only when you fully understand what your core software is capable of doing, can you identify the gaps and make smart decisions to reinforce and build up your software toolbox. 

Don’t feel like you have to overhaul your whole system all at once. Start small! Benbrook recommends starting with one area of focus, such as dispatching or memberships, and mastering (exploring everything that it can do) that area. If there’s an area of obvious inefficiency, which will likely be easily identifiable based on team overwhelm, that would be a good place to start. Talk to your team in the department that uses that area of the software daily, learn how they operate, develop and document your workflow, then train your team.

Building a Formal Tech Integration Plan

Before making any new tech decisions, it’s important to recognize whether or not your business is ready for new tech integrations. 

You’ve already identified the gaps in your foundation, so you know which direction you want to go, but now it’s time to determine how these new tools will integrate with your existing workflows. Does the new tool overlap existing capabilities in your foundation? Do your current systems and team have the capacity to support these new tools?

A well-thought-out roadmap sets the stage for seamless implementation.

• Who will lead? Identify a champion within your team who will take ownership of the project and drive change.
• What is the scope? Clearly outline the objectives, timelines, and responsibilities for the team.
• When will it happen? Set clear milestones to track progress and celebrate successes to maintain momentum.
• What will this cost? Ensure your champion has the resources and budget required, including software updates, team training, and expert support. 
• What’s the goal? Define your desired end results and ensure the champion communicates progress and pivots when necessary.

Once you’ve determined each piece, it’s GROW time! Execute your plans with purpose to maximize impact. Involving your key team members early will assist in successful team buy-in. Foster a safe space for questions and feedback, and understand that everyone processes change differently. 

Hold daily check-ins with your team during implementation to address roadblocks. Finally, consider leveraging industry experts to ensure a smooth and efficient rollout.  

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Selecting Tech that Works For Your Business Goals

A tech stack is the set of digital tools and software a company uses to run their business. This can include systems for scheduling, dispatching, customer communication, payments, marketing, and job costing. Examples include ServiceTitan, QuickBooks, Chiirp, Ply, Avoca, and more. A well-developed stack helps streamline operations, improve customer service, and increase profitability.

Start by asking yourself three questions:

1. What tech are you currently using?
2. Do you fully understand what it can do for you?
3. What can it not do for you?

It’s easy to be drawn into a fancy new tech tool at an industry event, or based on hype from other contractors on social media. It is critical to remember that not all businesses are the same–you have different customers, different services, different workflows, and different goals. Identify first what you have, what you want, and ultimately, what you need.

Build a Tech Stack That Works as Hard as You Do

You’ve made smart investments in technology – but it’s not always easy to get the pieces working together. Some tools may be more complex than you need, others not quite powerful enough, and some might overlap without adding real value.

As the leading technology consulting firm for the trades, we’ll help you zoom out, assess what’s working, and make smart decisions about what to consolidate, upgrade, or eliminate – so your tech stack fully supports your business goals.

We’ll Help You Get There – Book Your Strategy Session Now