As lead technician at SunComfort Systems, see the system in action. Follow Jake mastering the Handshake in the Field—turning technical discoveries into solutions. Use the mobile app to justify work, capture evidence, and close deals or send them to the office.
Handling extra work outside the initial scope is tough. Doing favors can cause revenue loss. Formalizing these protects the business's margins and reputation. Variations offer a way to manage discoveries immediately. Capture extra labor or materials not in the plan. Instead of offering "freebies," create a proposal on your mobile device. This documents every minute and part, transforming you into a valued consultant.
Provide a quote, get a signature, and finish the work quickly. If the customer is unavailable or parts aren't on your van, the system sends the task to the office team. The app shifts responsibility, allowing you to move to your next job. All tasks are managed, no matter the on-site outcome.
For quotes on unrelated faults or upgrades, use Defects & Recommendations, not variations. This helps track the property's technical history and keeps you focused on the current job.
Standard variation: The AC Ductwork Discovery
The Standard variation is the go-to for everyday jobs — additional materials, extra labour, something that wasn't anticipated. You're at Mr. Okafor's to install a new AC, but the ductwork is crushed. You can't finish without replacing it first. Instead of calling the office to ask what to do, you add a variation.
The Warranty Check: The Underperforming Inverter
Let's talk about the Warranty check. This is for jobs where extra work might be needed and could be covered by a warranty. We need the office to confirm this. You don't want to tell a customer a price on-site, and then the office says it should have been free under warranty. Imagine you're on a call logged as Solar - Warranty Repair. The job was categorized correctly, so your app links the right Warranty Variation template. You find the solar inverter underperforming and needing replacement.