Centra Benefits from Better Schedule Tracking

British Columbia-based Centra Windows reports it has gained a competitive edge through efficient scheduling and materials management by expanding its use of new mobile enterprise software. Flowfinity Wireless, the software provider, has released a case study detailing the vinyl window manufacturer and installer's use of its systems. 

Centra Windows implemented Flowfinity Actions to replace paper timesheets and job cost reports that were consistently delayed by two to three months. By automating these processes with Flowfinity Actions on smartphones, Centra, based in Langley, B.C., has improved the cycle time and reduced administrative overhead, saving at least one full-time position, it is reported

“Our main objective was automated job costing with less manual activity going back and forth, and that has definitely occurred,” says Garett Wall, Centra CFO. “The new system speeds up costing, which allows us to make better decisions for future jobs.”

The flexibility of the software has allowed the Canadian manufacturer to expand its use of the software to automate other critical business processes for even more efficiency gains. Working with Flowfinity, Centra implemented centralized scheduling, which reduced management overhead and helped to maximize the use of resources the company has in the field, it is noted.

“The Flowfinity scheduling calendar is an invaluable tool, allowing managers to maximize available manpower by adjusting the schedule as the days and weeks progress,” notes Ed Vandermeer, Centra VP of customer service. “Since using Flowfinity to schedule and track our Customer Service items, we have improved this critical area of our business, resulting in higher levels of overall customer satisfaction.”