Feature • The twelve labours of the snow remover
With Follosoft, snow removal routes can be visualized and optimized. It also helps the operator follow their routes accurately and avoid missed driveways.
Follosoft: the all-in-one tool that boosts productivity
Follosoft is software designed specifically for snow removal. It streamlines both the administrative management and the field operations of snow removal companies. “Our software is a true CRM (Customer Relationship Management); it handles everything around the customer relationship,” says Patrick Laberge, Director of Operations at Follosoft.
He explains that the software simplifies everything around managing and renewing snow removal contracts. “We set up a contract template with the client,” explains Mr. Laberge. “After that, all contracts are grouped together in the application.” The Director of Operations adds that his company recently signed an agreement with a printer. “If our clients wish, they can send out all their contracts and the partner takes care of printing and mailing them.”
Follosoft also lets snow removal companies accept electronic payments. “Snow removal was still being paid largely by cheque,” says Patrick Laberge. “But who still has cheques in 2020?” He explains that COVID-19 accelerated his clients’ shift to online payments. “One company in five accepted online payment last year, and this year it’ll be almost every snow remover,” Mr. Laberge says.
Easier operations
Several Follosoft features make snow removal operations easier. “The software lets you visually see where all snow removal contracts are located,” explains Alex Adm, Technical Director at Follosoft. “Companies can therefore optimize their employees’ routes.”
With Follosoft, every operator has a tablet in their tractor. “Operators just have to follow the arrow that shows them their route,” Mr. Adm points out. “Everything else happens automatically.”
The system tells the operator which driveway to plow, signals if there are special instructions from the client, and records which yards have already been cleared. “It really helps the driver because the system tells him if he forgot a yard,” the Technical Director says. “It also makes the supervisor’s job easier — they can see progress in real time.”
The software also improves the snow removal company’s relationship with its clients. “You receive an alert 10 or 15 driveways in advance,” explains Alex Adm. “That gives you time to move your car so your driveway gets cleared perfectly.”