Assured Fire and Security, the Essex-based installer of electronic fire and security systems, is driving nationwide growth using the latest mobile working technology from BigChange. Assured, formerly Elan Fire and Security Systems, has already expanded its business by 60 percent since implementing the 6-in-1 cloud based solution. Using live linked mobile devices running the BigChange app, Assured has increased engineer productivity, reduced operational costs and improved management visibility of the field service operation.
“Our previous system, despite being the specialist software package solution for our sector, was server based and poorly supported,” commented Paul Salmon, Managing Director of Assured Fire and Security. “It required on-site servers to run, a dedicated computer to access and it could take days for anyone to get back to us from the technical support team, on even the most basic query. Remote access was a big no-no as they always informed us it was never designed for that. And for anything outside of the ordinary, additional “Modules” had to be purchased at great costs, along with additional support subscriptions.
“BigChange is like a breath of fresh air,” he continued. “From the first demo to a call to the Roadcrew support team at 3 in the morning, I just love everything about it. BigChange is changing the way we run our business and will support our growth ambitions for years to come.”
Assured has been using the BigChange job management system, which incorporates a mobile workforce app, customer relationship management (CRM), job scheduling, live tracking, financial management, and business intelligence tools in one integrated platform, for around 2 years during which time the business has grown significantly. The cloud-based solution offers 24/7/365 access from any internet enabled device and connects field engineers, in real-time, with back-office systems using the BigChange app.
Fleet solutions, including vehicle checks, driver behaviour alerts and real-time tracking, are helping Assured compete with larger players in the sector in terms of professionalism, health and safety and responsiveness, whilst intelligent scheduling and resource allocation are improving engineer efficiency and reducing running costs. Assured is also benefiting from BigChange’s integrated CRM system which allows it to maximise sales opportunities and manage existing customers, and undertake marketing campaigns with minimal admin resources.
Assured is also using customisable job sheets, site history accounts and job completion reports to capture, record and share detailed information about completed installations, stock used and additional works required. Complete with date, time and location stamped photographs and signatures this information feeds into finance and reporting tools for customer updates and faster invoicing.
“For us it's all about automation,” Salmon concluded. “BigChange has introduced digital workflows and processes to all aspects of our business which has allowed us, as a relatively small organisation, to compete and often outshine, the larger operators.
“BigChange means we can concentrate on what we do best – installing the best possible systems, with the best possible service and the best possible support. This has contributed to an overall increase in business of between 60 and 70 percent.”
At the forefront of the fire and security sector Assured is a family run business with more than thirty years’ experience. Based in Essex with an office in central London, Assured is an NSI / NACOSS Gold and Fire Gold installer, working with domestic, industrial and commercial customers across the UK. From individual homeowners to million-pound estates, local Councils to nationwide garage chains, Assured can tailor systems to individual requirements ensuring round the clock protection from unwanted intruders, personal attacks, fire and flood.
