A. White Books:
When we first consult with a client a "White Book" is generated.
This book contains the clients "questionnaire" , all notes generated
throughout the process, the proposals for each phase of the project,
any design information that we create including AutoCad files, flow
charts and documentation. The book includes a place for all financial
transactions and change orders as well. With this one book we keep
track of all the entire process. For this reason the "White Books"
never leave the office. We make copies anytime notes are needed
in the field. This book is a tool that we use on a daily basis to
help us reach the end goal of total customer satisfaction.
B. Red Books:
The Red books are used primarily by our installation staff. Since
the white books cannot leave the office copies of all pertinent
information are copied and put into the Red Book. These include
the Work Order for each phase, the Installation Time Tracking Sheets,
The Checklist for each phase, All pertinent design and hookup information
and also any change order forms and blank sheets for in the field
as-built notes and documentation. The Red Books are not generated
until a deposit on the system or part of a system is made. This
allows are installation manager to schedule the job and to begin
working towards our goal.
C. Forecast Boards:
One of the greatest challenges to any Audio Video Company is forecasting
which jobs will happen when throughout the calendar year. Even if
you do plan and forecast this is a very tricky business to do. For
this reason our project managers use forecasting boards posted in
the office and kept up to date for up to 6 months out at a time.
This allows us to schedule and utilize our resources to the best
of our ability which in turn minimizes delays and increases customer
satisfaction.
D. Time Tracking Sheets:
We have found that our most precious asset is our installer's time.
For that reason all projects are tracked according to the amount
of time they spend each day at each project. Every night when they
return they must turn in a time tracking sheets that shows where
they were and how long each day and what they worked on that day.
With this information we are
able to keep our clients up to date on how many hours of installation
they have left against what was originally estimated in the bid.
We are also able to determine how much time changes to the projects
actually take and then turn those into accurate change orders for
our clients. Perhaps the most valuable result of this information
is figuring out where we missed the mark. We can analyze at the
end of a job or during a job where we messed up and how to fix it.
This allows us to be more accurate in our estimates and serve our
clients better by saving them time and money.
E. Manual Books:
Unlike many of our competitors when we finish a job all the manuals
are booked and table of contented and then left on site in a prominent
location. This allows for easy reference by both the client and
the technician should a problem arise later. This is automatic and
the books are created at the end of the "Finish" Phase.