Locksmith Software

Locksmith businesses deal with much more complexity than simply picking locks for customers. There is a seemingly endless amount of key and lock manufacturer information to manage. This information is key to unlocking the specifications for making new keys and changing locks. Then there's the day-to-day needs of any mobile service business, such as scheduling, dispatching and billing.

To meet these needs, there is dedicated software, but not all locksmith software is created equal. Some systems only feature typical field service capabilities such as scheduling, dispatching, work order management etc. Other locksmith systems are specifically for industry professionals and include crucial databases of key/lock codes and key manufacturing needs.

There's no one right answer when it comes to choosing a locksmith software solution; it's completely dependent on the needs of your business. This is why we've created this Buyer's Guide. We've compiled the must-have locksmith software capabilities as well as some key benefits of adopting the software. Use this guide as a starting point to ensure you choose the best system for your operation.

In this guide, we'll cover:

What Is Locksmith Software?
Common Features of Locksmith Software
What Type of Buyer Are You?
Benefits of Adopting Locksmith Software
Market Trends to Understand in Locksmith Software

What Is Locksmith Software?

Locksmith software is a combination of essential service management features and specific capabilities for locksmiths. The intertwining of these tools provides locksmiths with the support they need to run their organizations.

All these features enable locksmiths to:

• Keep track of work orders. Create digital work orders, centralize them to keep an organized back office, and monitor the status of work orders to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
• Schedule locksmith consultations and appointments. Locksmith software enables operations to keep dynamic schedules that can be adjusted in real time to notify all parties of any changes in the day.
• Improve billing by accepting payments onsite. Locksmith technicians can accept mobile payment capabilities to capture payments right after work is completed.
• Centralize crucial key/lock data. Keep updated information on key and lock codes direct from manufacturers. Use this information to ensure no project is unlockable.
• Communicate with mobile employees. Communication is crucial for real-time adjustments to schedules. Many locksmith software offerings provide communication channels, alerts and notifications to keep the whole organization in touch.

This mobility is crucial for locksmith operations. Providing mobility to locksmiths enables them to access key software capabilities for conducting business in the field. If this is a top priority, locksmiths should ensure their software option provides adequate mobile capabilities. If not, there are mobile field service apps that offer many business benefits.

Aside from mobility, there are a ton of features that make up locksmith software. Let's take a look at these features below.

 

Common Features of Locksmith Software

While each locksmith product has different offerings, there are some crucial capabilities and tools that your new software should provide. These include:

Work order management	Create a digital representation of each new job. Track the status of each job as work is started and completed. Keep record of each work order even after they're closed out.
Billing/invoicing	Automatically generate and send invoices to clients. Enable multiple forms of online payment and provide the ability for field technicians to accept cards onsite.
Scheduling and dispatch	Easily create schedules for technicians that adjust in real time. Enable customers to view availability and schedule their own appointments via online tools. Ensure each technician has proficient skills to complete the jobs they're assigned.
Inventory management	Track and manage any equipment or materials that are used each day. This would include picking tools, as well as any key blanks kept in the back office.
Customer management	Collect and store customer data such as contact and payment information. Keep detailed notes of all prior work completed for prior customers.
GPS tracking	Track locksmith technicians and any company vehicles used throughout the day. Keep technicians accountable for proper use of company equipment.
Key code management	Provide access to massive database of key/lock manufacturer codes and specs. Manage key cutting information so that new keys can be manufactured in-house.

This last feature, key management, will be crucial for more technical locksmith operations. Here's what it looks like in use:

Source: InstaCode

What Type of Buyer Are You?

Small operation. These buyers are likely the owners and operators of a locksmith business with five or fewer employees. They're done with manual methods; it's time they find some much needed automations. Based on their needs, work order management, scheduling and billing are key features for this buyer.

Midsize operations. These buyers work for large, perhaps regional, locksmiths or general service organizations that offer locksmith services. They need software that can scale with their growing operation. Key locksmith software features for midsize operations include customer/client and inventory management, as well as key code management.

Large operations. These buyers work for enterprise or national locksmith chains. This category also includes general service businesses that offer locksmith services. They need a full arsenal of general service tools such as reporting, employee management, and payroll, as well as specific locksmith capabilities.

Benefits of Adopting Locksmith Software

The benefits of adopting locksmith software are based on the unique pain points affecting the business. However, there are a few overarching benefits all businesses will receive from adopting or updating their software. These include:

Increased efficiencies. Automation provided by locksmith software reduces human errors associated with manual paperwork and data entry. And, the mobility enabled by these systems connects the office with employees out on jobs.

Improved customer experiences. Increased operational efficiencies not only lead to greater productivity, but also to improved customer experiences. Automated workflows with alerts and notifications hold all employees accountable. And mobile access to the system gives on-site locksmiths insights into current and previous job details.

Market Trends to Understand in Locksmith Software

Internet of things (IoT). Field service software—including locksmith systems—are increasingly dependent on the data gleaned from connected devices. The devices and the information they capture and relay is called the internet of things (IoT). This includes sensors on company vehicles that monitor driving, connected devices on locksmiths as they move throughout the day, and even specialized key-making machines. Analyzing the data from all these sources provides businesses with the information they need to make smarter, more informed decisions.