A look back: What to ask before adding technology

This issue includes our Innovation & Technology Guide where we profile the latest software and technological solutions to help your business.

(Photo: Landscape Management archives)

In the August 2000 issue, Landscape Management covered how mobile technology helps landscapers do their jobs faster and quicker. While the technology contractors and crew members use has changed throughout the years — from PalmPilots to smartphones — one thing that hasn’t is the need to find solutions to help team members work more efficiently.

Even back in 2000, Tom Davis of Bozzuto Landscaping in Laurel, Md., was exploring the addition of GPS fleet tracking to help boost his company’s fleet efficacy.

“With increased fuel costs, it’s huge to be able to conserve wherever possible,” Davis said.

Increasing response times was part of the motivation behind Larry Brinkley’s move to the latest tools, including mobile phones and laptops — anything to help his team contact clients swiftly.

“We get one-third of our business from getting back to clients quickly,” said the president of BLT Landscape Services in Dallas, Texas. “We get calls in the spring and fall from people who say we were the only one to call them back.”

As part of the feature, experts offered a few suggestions to help contractors decide whether a new piece of technology was a fit within the operation.

Before deciding whether to invest in the latest technology for your operation, ask yourself a few questions:

1. Is it right for my service mix?
2. Is it cost-effective?
3. Can it be as effective outside the office as inside?
4. Will it help the overall operation become more efficient and productive?
5. Is it a top priority now or can it wait?