Turbocharged with SmartDraw

Cory searched for a software product that would work well on a tablet PC and allow the assessors to create professional looking and accurate maps on site. He also needed functionality that could incorporate data cells and tables and convert all information to a usable format seamlessly.

He first looked to a dedicated AutoCad product because of its familiarity, but it was not compatible with a PC and didn't have the integration and management functions he wanted.

He then discovered SmartDraw.

"SmartDraw software was incredibly intuitive. I was surprised by the wide array of templates available that allowed me to integrate and streamline all processes and documentation," he says. "The ability to input data fields into all documents and to save those documents as PDFs helps the company achieve additional efficiencies."

Cory credits SmartDraw with helping Perma-Pier fulfill their 24-hour promise to customers while also saving the company thousands of dollars in valuable workday time.

"With SmartDraw, we've reduced the time assessors and other team members spend at their desks doing additional and somewhat repetitive paperwork."

Another significant benefit of SmartDraw is the assessors' ability —on the tablet PCs— to create professional-looking, digital maps and floor plans of the owner's building while on site (Figure 1).

"The investment in SmartDraw has directly and favorably impacted our bottom line. It has not only saved Perma-Pier thousands of dollars due to increased efficiency, but our customers also tell us how impressed and satisfied they are on a regular basis.

As an assessor finalizes a map, both the customer and our office can immediately see the digital output. The customer can review the map, scope of work and sign a digital contract all on site. The assessor can then spend more time with the customer instead of doing paperwork in the office," Cory explains.

By using SmartDraw, Perma-Pier assessors can also spend more time in the field developing leads. When Cory started working at Perma-Pier, the company had twice as many assessors as they currently have. Now, half as many assessors can do the same amount of work with the increased focus on relationships thanks to SmartDraw.

"I know we have secured many new contracts as a result of the expanded capabilities SmartDraw has given us." Cory went on to say, "Our assessors are very impressed with SmartDraw and love using it. Our customers are also impressed with what the assessors show them and our on-the-spot sales figures represent that fact."