OPERATIONAL FIELD PROTOCOL

Contractor Recommended Workflow
For Maximum Operational Margin

A step-by-step master operational blueprint from 06:30 morning staging to 19:00 evening ledger reconciliation. Learn exactly what your field crew should do on their phones, what instructions to give them on Day 1, and where you should be in the command center while live jobs progress.

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Time:
06:30 – 07:45 AM

Phase 1: Morning Fleet Staging & Route Dispatch

Objective: Zero deadhead miles & pre-verified van stock
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What the Contractor / Boss Does

Where you should be: Desktop Command Center → Live Dispatch Board.

  • 1.Review Route Clustering: Verify jobs are assigned by geographical proximity to eliminate cross-town travel waste.
  • 2.Check Van Par-Stock Alerts: Confirm each service truck has the mandatory consumables (breakers, copper fittings, capacitors) flagged from yesterday's usage.
  • 3.Publish Dispatch Queue: Lock in customer contact numbers, gate codes, and access notes so workers have everything on their phones with 0 questions.
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What to Tell Your Field Crew

“Open your phone, enter your 4-digit PIN, check your staging pick list, and hit ‘En Route’ before you pull out of the driveway.”
  • 1.Morning Checklist: Worker taps “Truck Staging” to confirm physical inventory matches required parts for Stops #1 and #2.
  • 2.1-Tap ‘En Route’: Worker taps “En Route” → The app automatically triggers a real-time SMS to the homeowner with live GPS arrival tracking. Customer check-in calls drop to zero.
08:00 – 11:30 AM

Phase 2: Arrival, Diagnostics & Kitchen Table Quoting

Objective: Code-backed calculations & 3-tier margin protection
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Field Worker On-Site Execution

  • 1.Tap ‘Arrived & Clock In’: Records geolocation and starts the job timer for accurate labor burdening.
  • 2.Execute Code Calculators (Even with 0 Signal): Tech uses built-in calculators (NEC conduit fill/voltage drop, Manual J BTU load, UPC DFU pipe sizing). 1 tap converts results directly into line-item parts.
  • 3.Present 3 Tiers (Good / Better / Best): Present the phone to the homeowner at the table. Explain: “Option 1 is code repair, Option 2 is our standard replacement with 5-year warranty, and Option 3 includes surge protection and high efficiency.”
  • 4.Finger Signature: Homeowner taps their chosen tier and signs with their finger. Contract generates instantly with state statutory lien protections.
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What the Boss Monitors in Real Time

Where you should be: Desktop Command Center → Live Quotes & Margin Radar.

  • 1.Live Margin Floor Alerts: If a technician tries to apply a custom discount that pushes job margin below your shop safety floor (e.g. 38% net), the quote triggers an amber flag on your screen.
  • 2.Automated Pre-Lien Filing: As soon as a proposal exceeding statutory thresholds is signed, the system queues the state-specific 20-Day Preliminary Notice automatically.
11:30 AM – 02:30 PM

Phase 3: The “Open Wall” Pivot & Real-Time Change Orders

Objective: Never do free unapproved work
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Worker Protocol: Discovering Hidden Defects

CRITICAL RULE: Never touch an unexpected issue (e.g. unpermitted wiring, rotted subfloor, cracked heat exchanger) without a digital Change Order signed in the app first.
  • 1.Snap Photo Proof: Tech opens the active work order, taps “Add Photo Evidence”, and tags the defect.
  • 2.Tap ‘+ Change Order’: Adds the required repair assembly in 20 seconds with burdened labor included.
  • 3.Instant Client Sign-off: Homeowner approves on the spot or receives an instant approval SMS on their phone if they are not home.
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What the Boss Does Mid-Day

Where you should be: Live Job Costing & 1099 Ledger.

  • 1.Review Photo Evidence: Confirm defect validity from your office screen or mobile browser.
  • 2.Subcontractor Split Auto-Adjustment: If a 1099 sub is handling the change order, their net commission adjusts automatically in the ledger without manual spreadsheets.
02:30 – 05:30 PM

Phase 4: Site Sign-Off, 1-Tap Payment & Review Trigger

Objective: Zero unpaid receivables & immediate 5-star reviews
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Worker Protocol: Closing the Ticket

  • 1.Complete Safety Quality Checklist: Torque inspection, gas pressure test, or seal verification check-off.
  • 2.Payment or Billing Confirmation: For on-site billing, worker presents the QR code or taps “Text 1-Tap Payment Link”. For milestone contracts or scheduled accounts, mark milestone as verified to trigger office billing.
  • 3.Fast Checkout or Schedule Sync: Homeowner pays via Apple Pay/card or acknowledges the scheduled draw schedule. Tech receives instant confirmation on screen.
  • 4.Automated Confirmation & Review: Upon payment or job sign-off, customer receives warranty paperwork and an automated prompt for a 5-star review.
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What Happens on the Boss's Screen

Where you should be: Live Revenue & Lien Ledger.

  • 1.Instant Stripe Settlement: Funds are locked into your direct Stripe payout queue.
  • 2.Unconditional Lien Waiver Generated: The system automatically produces and emails the statutory unconditional final lien waiver and warranty certificate to the client.
05:30 – 07:00 PM

Phase 5: 12-Minute Accounting Sync & Tomorrow Staging

Objective: Go home on time with zero night paperwork
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The Contractor's 12-Minute Evening Routine

Where to be: Rates, Taxes & Accounting Sync

Step 1: 1-Click Accounting Export

Tap “Export to QuickBooks (.QBO / .IIF / CSV)”. All today's paid revenue, sales taxes, and line-item materials export cleanly into your accounting ledger with zero double-entry.

Step 2: Van Restock Aggregator

Review the consolidated parts order. The app automatically groups all parts used across all trucks today into a master pick list ready for Ferguson, Home Depot, or ABC Supply.

Step 3: Review Net Shop Margins

Inspect your Daily P&L Card. See true collected revenue minus fully burdened labor and materials. Lock tomorrow's dispatch queue and close your laptop.

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The 5 Non-Negotiable Rules to Give Your Workers on Day 1

Print this or paste it into your crew group chat.

Rule #1: Always Tap “En Route” Before Shifting into DriveIt triggers the customer GPS tracking link and arrival ETA. Eliminates “Where is the tech?” phone calls to the office.
Rule #2: Always Present 3 Tiers at the Kitchen TableNever give a single flat number. Present Good, Better, and Best. Let the customer choose the upgrade rather than price-shopping another contractor.
Rule #3: No Work Starts Without a Digital Finger SignatureNever pick up a tool until the customer has tapped their chosen tier and signed on the phone screen. This creates a legally binding contract with pre-lien protection.
Rule #4: Snap Photos of Hidden Defects & Add a Change OrderIf you find damaged subfloor, unpermitted piping, or hazardous panels, snap a photo in the app, add a Change Order, and get it signed before fixing it.
Rule #5: Settle Payment or Log Billing Milestone Before Leaving the SiteFor direct service calls, provide the 1-tap link for instant card/Apple Pay on-site. For milestone or scheduled projects, ensure completion is verified in the app so office billing, automated draws, or agency scheduled payments release on time without unlogged delay.