Contractor scheduling apps help professionals in a variety of trades manage their resources (including labor) effectively. Keep reading to learn about 10 of the best contractor scheduling apps currently on the market.
What is a contractor scheduling app?
A contractor scheduling app allows you to allocate personnel and other resources effectively. It helps you visualize how your allocations will affect project outcomes such as the completion date.
Most contractor scheduling apps also include algorithms that help you analyze workforce data and the dependencies associated with your allocations. They also typically utilize the critical path scheduling method, which involves identifying the most direct path towards success.
What is contractor dispatch software?
While contractor dispatch software includes a scheduling component, it also typically features tools designed to facilitate customer relations and assist technicians in the field.
For example, some dispatch programs give customers a heads up via text when a technician is almost at their house. Other common features include invoicing and route mapping.
Types of contractor scheduling software buyers
Before diving into our list of the top 10 scheduling apps, determine what type of buyer you are. This will play a key role in determining the right choice for your company.
DEDICATED SCHEDULER
This type of buyer needs a robust scheduling solution. The ideal software for this purpose doesn’t need to do anything other than manage complex project schedules.
CASUAL SCHEDULER
Buyers who work at smaller contracting companies have less complex scheduling needs and likely need somewhat lightweight software.
If you fall into this category, it’s important to determine whether your company is growing. This could require a more complex software. In that case you’re likely better off choosing something more robust now.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL
Scheduling is just one of many concerns this type of buyer has. If you fall into this category, scheduling functionality may be your primary concern but the presence of additional features like document management will also very likely appeal to you.
STANDALONE SCHEDULER
This type of buyer handles their company’s scheduling needs on their own. That means the ability to collaborate or have multiple user accounts is of less importance.
It’s important that this type of buyer consider whether their company will be expanding. In this case, they may require more user eventually.
Benefits of contractor scheduling programs
Next, let’s look at the benefits of using a dedicated contractor scheduling program to run your business.
Tailored tools and metrics
A dedicated contractor scheduling program will give you access to tools and metrics you won’t find with spreadsheets. You’ll be able to see key performance indicators (KPIs) without having to create complex formulas on your own.
Improved collaboration
Contractor scheduling software is also typically designed in a way that’s easy-to-use. That way, non-technical users can access relevant data.
Better document management
Many construction companies continue to use pen and paper for scheduling, which makes the permanent loss of documents very likely. Cloud-based scheduling software greatly reduces this risk. It also ensures that documents stay organized and are available to anyone who goes looking for them.
10 best contractor scheduling apps
Now that you know a bit more about what these programs do, let’s look at the 10 best options for construction scheduling.
#1. Bridgit Bench
Bridgit Bench is a construction resource management program featuring a number of tools contractors find useful for scheduling. One particularly notable tool is Bridgit Bench’s Gantt chart view, which clearly displays interdependencies between workers and tasks. This helps you avoid allocating resources ineffectively and is updated in real time.
Bridgit Bench also includes a number of workforce analysis tools as well as a mobile app. These tools help contractors visualize how today’s allocations will affect your future construction project schedule.
Additionally, Bridgit Bench integrates well with your current software stack thanks to an open API.
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#2. Jobber
Jobber is one of the most popular contractor dispatch software programs on the market – and for good reason.
It helps contractors manage client relations, dispatch teams, and invoice jobs from within a single app. Jobber is designed specifically for specialty contractors such as:
HVAC technicians
landscapers
painters
roofers
janitors
window cleaners
elevator technicians
Its extensive suite of services helps contractors provide a consistent, cohesive customer experience.
#3. FieldEdge
FieldEdge is a contractor dispatch software program designed specifically for the HVAC and plumbing industries. This makes it popular among contractors who find something like Jobber too generic and wide-reaching.
It’s also the preferred choice among contractors who already have a customer relationship management (CRM) tool.
#4. GSMtasks
GSMtasks shines in its ability to help contractors manage their fleet operations. For example, it comes with vehicle tracking and routing functionality that helps companies maintain security while also minimizing fuel costs.
On the scheduling side, GSMtasks helps technicians identify their ideal route based on the locations of their service calls throughout the day. The software’s developer promotes this as allowing technicians to make up to three more sales calls per day.
#5. BlueFolder
BlueFolder offers all of the typical contractor dispatch software features like invoicing and work order tracking. It also goes one step further by offering asset management as well.
For example, the app notifies contractors when a customer’s equipment is due for maintenance. It also includes other useful information related to warranties and service histories.
As such, it’s a very popular contractor scheduling software program among companies that install physical hardware (i.e. HVAC equipment).
#6. Houzz Pro
Houzz Pro is designed to streamline marketing and client management for residential contractors. It comes with a suite of local advertising, website analytics, and project estimating tools.
Houzz Pro identifies its software as being ideal for interior designers, architects, specialty contractors, and general contractors.
The software is also notable for offering basic lead management functionality at its free tier.
#7. Service Fusion
Service Fusion combines service scheduling features with GPS fleet tracking. This serves as a great single solution for contractors in need of both.
The program also integrates with QuickBooks, allowing contractors to utilize their scheduling data for accounting purposes.
As you’d expect from a modern contractor scheduling app, Service Fusion also works on mobile devices.
#8. JobProgress
JobProgress is another contractor scheduling app designed specifically for home improvement companies. Its suite of features includes:
workflow management
customer relationship management
estimating tools
cloud storage for important documents
marketing resources
JobProgress works on desktop machines along with smartphones and tablets.
#9. ServiceTitan
ServiceTitan is a very popular residential and commercial contractor scheduling app. It caters to contractors working in industries such as HVAC, plumbing, water treatment, landscaping, and pest control.
Among ServiceTitan’s most notable features are:
call booking
technician dispatching and scheduling
customer experience management (i.e. notifying clients when a technician is nearby)
instant customer financing through lenders like GreenSky and Service Finance
payroll
timesheets
ServiceTitan truly aims to be a one-stop-shop for any specialty contractor’s dispatch needs. It does a pretty good job in this regard. However, general contractors will likely find the software lacking in terms of complexity.
#10. Appointment-Plus
Last on our list of contractor scheduling software, we have AppointmentPlus. It’s not designed specifically for contractors but rather any business that needs scheduling.
As such, Appointment-Plus is ideal for contractors that are already happy with their existing tech stack and simply need a robust appointment scheduling solution.
What to look for in a contractor scheduling app
Those are our picks for the best contractor scheduling apps. Let’s look at some tips for choosing the ideal solution.
Caters to your needs as a construction contractor
Bridgit Bench ranks highly on any list of contractor scheduling programs because we built it specifically for construction professionals. As such, it includes tools that address construction project management concerns.
As great as general programs like Appointment-Plus are, their wide-reaching nature means they don’t always deliver what construction professionals need. Still, such programs have their place in construction companies with robust existing systems that handle the construction-specific aspects of the business.
Integration with your existing software suite
Most construction companies today are using some form of software. Unless you’re dissatisfied and looking to completely overhaul your software suite, choose a scheduling program that integrates well within it. For example, accounting software and project management tools are ideal for seamless transfer of data.
By doing so, you’ll save yourself (and your colleagues) from a world of frustration trying to get systems to cooperate.
Reasonable pricing
While the importance of a contractor scheduling app may make you open to spending liberally, you don’t need to go overboard. Compare rates between various options and you’ll find the market rate for scheduling software to be fairly reasonable.
Note, however, that it’s common for scheduling app developers to charge on a per-user basis.
Promotes collaboration
Construction resource management is a collaborative effort. Scheduling software is among the most important tools for facilitating collaboration since it serves as a platform for much of your team’s work.
As such, choose a program that lets your team members work together. Look for features such as easy document sharing, cloud access, and useful integrations.
Contractor scheduling and dispatch software is a crucial digital tool for many construction companies. In this article, we presented some solid options for you to consider along with some food for thought when it comes to selecting the right one.
For more construction project management and construction software-related resources, visit our blog.
Michel Richer
Michel Richer is the Content Marketing Manager at Bridgit. He got his start in the construction industry at an early age with a local restoration company. Michel is driven to propel the construction industry forward by helping to eliminate outdated, ineffective processes.
