[steve123]

I currently use George, and like it. Although it is limited so if something better came along I would certainly consider it.

One thing which has always put me off changing is the fact I use the reference number system that George generates. Many of my customers (perhaps about 600-700) pay online and give me only that number.

if I were to change it would be a nightmare getting them all to use a new reference number, so unless the new software could somehow copy that from George I am not sure i would want the headache it would give me.

[Rob @ Cleaner Planner]

One thing which has always put me off changing is the fact I use the reference number system that George generates.

Thanks Steve, that's a crucial point.

"Import from George / aworka / WCP" goes (high) on the wishlist, as does option to continue to use whatever referencing system you're already using.

[dave0123]

aworka you can already drop and drag your work from day to day!



What am trying to say is.. aworka doesn't do everything at the moment and neither will your software when it comes out, but by the time you get it running and tested and out there most of what people are wanting on here will already be implemented in aworka 

[p1w1]

Hi Paul,

I'm by no means looking to dictate here, you'll always be the best judge of what works best for you, but my preference would definitely be a web / cloud based system.

Key advantages in my mind:

1. Web / cloud is much, much (much!) easier to maintain and add new features. If I add a new feature to a web app, everyone benefits instantly. If I fix a problem with a web app, it gets fixed for everyone instantly. With a desktop app I've got to release a new version of the software, which you then have to download and install. After a few updates we end up in a situation where everyone is running different versions of the app, with different versions of the database (on their local machine), making it really difficult (and error prone) to push out new features. You end up having to bundle in a "migration tools" to bring your database up to the latest version. Not fun for anyone. Or you don't push new features at all - I imagine that's one of the walls WCP have hit.

2. If we go cloud, then it paves the way for releasing complimentary mobile (iOS / Android) apps that will let us do some really nifty things. Ideas off the top of my head include enabling you (or your employees) to tick off jobs as completed, sign up new customers etc while "out and about", and for headquarters (as it were) to be able to monitor how their employees are getting on throughout the day - just my initial thoughts, I'm sure you guys will have some much more creative and insightful ideas here!

Is your issue with cloud not so much about where the data is stored (cloud tends to be more secure in this regard, as it's double if not triple backed up!) and more that cloud / web often means the user interface is less intuitive and snappy than a desktop app? If so, I can assure you user friendliness, "snappiness" and productivity will be top of my agenda in building this. There are lots of things we (I) can do to create a "desktop like experience" on the web / in the cloud.



Sorry, I waffled again! Hope you get the gist and keen to get your further thoughts / input on this.

Cheers,

Rob

Basically all i want is a program like wcp but brought up to date if it has to be cloud then so be it, my issue is not so much with security but having to have access to the web to view it,  it's ok saying you can change this and that out and about but if you cant access the internet then its pointless. I personally print a few days worth of work out at a time and then update wcp when i get home (takes 5 mins) i'm not really bothered about being able to tick off jobs etc while i'm out working but i can see why people would.

I've had a good look at aworka but I'm getting the impression what people are after is a web / mobile based app that replicates the nice UI / layouts of WCP, but also moves the game forward (and continues to do so).

the above bit you mentioned is exactly what i would like as i said earlier wcp scheduling page is by far the easiest way of scheduling work  IMO

paul

[Rob @ Cleaner Planner]

What am trying to say is.. aworka doesn't do everything at the moment and neither will your software when it comes out, but by the time you get it running and tested and out there most of what people are wanting on here will already be implemented in aworka

Thanks Dave - fair point of course.

I'm curious though...

How responsive have you found aworka to be to requests for improvements?

How long have the mobile apps been "coming soon" for?

Photos of the mobiles look a wee bit dated so I'm thinking a while

Not that I'll be in able to release mobile apps from day one, but the point is I would continuously improve this system based on user feedback.

As I'm a developer, I wouldn't need to hire one to make improvements. All I'd be spending is my time, and if I've got happy paying customers, I'm happy to do that

[dave0123]

the app for aworka is already done its just web based not app based.

[Carl@Cwc]

integrate it with textlocal for bulk sms..would be ace

[Rob @ Cleaner Planner]

integrate it with textlocal for bulk sms..would be ace

Great idea - thanks Carl.

What would you use this for mainly? Chasing up payments? Confirming appointments?

Our window cleaner confirms all his next days appointments (manually) via SMS - must get a bit tedious!

[dave0123]

if txt was to come in to the software i think most would use it for chasing debits.

thing is most mobile phones will allow you to send texts for free as part as your contract.. it would be better if it could be done from your phone maybe? if that's even possible

some do text before visiting... but i think off there head because your tied down to a day anything could happen in the morning.. van doesn't start and then you look a let down.

[Carl@Cwc]

integrate it with textlocal for bulk sms..would be ace

Great idea - thanks Carl.

What would you use this for mainly? Chasing up payments? Confirming appointments?

LETTING CUSTIES KNOW WE COMING NEXT DAY ,SO LEAVE PAYMENTS,GATES ETC

can also be used for offers and payment requests.

Our window cleaner confirms all his next days appointments (manually) via SMS - must get a bit tedious!

IT DROVE ME INSANE WHICH IS WHY I SWITCHED TO TEXTLOCAL AND BULK SEND THEM with a no reply service.
i used to get "budgie is bad can u come after 10am so u dont disturb him"
now i get money is in/under ??

you personally could ask them/consult about getting a discount/commision on your platforms interface whilst using them.

[Carl@Cwc]

if txt was to come in to the software i think most would use it for chasing debits.

thing is most mobile phones will allow you to send texts for free as part as your contract.. it would be better if it could be done from your phone maybe? if that's even possible

some do text before visiting... but i think off there head because your tied down to a day anything could happen in the morning.. van doesn't start and then you look a let down.

use the other van then?

[dave0123]

what other van 

[Carl@Cwc]

what other van 

the catch 22 van.
have a backup plan wether its a van or a car etc.
sometimes there are impossibilities like torrential rain or -4
other than that you control it

[Rob @ Cleaner Planner]

Talking about vans - could you do with any features around keeping track of vehicles, equipment, supplies etc?

[Swcs]

@Rob Morgan.

Please make sure you download a trial version of WCP to have a look at the 'Scheduling' screen.

It is very intuitive and one of the best experiences i've had with planning my day. month. year.

WCP would be number one with further development, it definitely has a solid base to build on and worth a good look to get some ideas for your new software.

I'm currently on the look out for new software so if you need a Beta tester, let me know, i've done quite a bit of bug reporting and feedback for other developers.

[p1w1]

Talking about vans - could you do with any features around keeping track of vehicles, equipment, supplies etc?

The ability to record milage would be good

[Dave.]

I use George for recording all business expenses through the year, so at the end of year the report generated gives me most of the figures for the tax return.

Also, pocket George shows me at a glance which customers are in arrears, up to date, or even in advance.

I like the front page of George with the monthly & weekly summaries and the comparison to same point last year.

[Rob @ Cleaner Planner]

Thanks all for the really constructive and insightful responses - this is starting to gather steam

To keep things organised and make this "democratic" (!) I've set up an ideas forum where you can vote for your favourite ideas and submit your own:

http://cleanerplanner.uservoice.com

Please (pretty please) can everyone who submitted an idea, and anyone who hasn't yet but is keen to have a say in the shape of this thing, please visit the forum and get voting and submitting!

If I can get enough confirmed interest, I'll get cracking on this next week, and aim to have a beta ready by end of October.

By voting or submitting an idea, you will automatically get free and exclusive access to the beta (pre-release) version when it's ready, and an ongoing say in how the app looks, feels and works.

[Rob @ Cleaner Planner]

Thanks to our early bird Paul (p1w1) for submitting his ideas and votes - came through loud and clear!

Paul - any chance you could add "WCP style planner" while you're there, as I know you and several others are keen on this.

http://cleanerplanner.uservoice.com

Looking forward to seeing the ideas forum fill up - thanks all!

[Rob @ Cleaner Planner]

Shameless bump

The new window cleaning software "feature wishlist" is filling up nicely - 15 ideas 30+ votes and counting:

http://cleanerplanner.uservoice.com

As they say - "don't be shy" - stick a vote or two on your favourite ideas, if only to be on the list for the beta when it's ready...