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Transformational innovation in the pool industry Julian Brady CEO of PSQ, shares his thoughts on how the industry is embracing technology. By Julian Brady
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e are well into an age where we have become reliant on technology. There has been a huge transformation over the past three centuries starting with the Industrial Revolution (1760-1840), where humans began to utilise the power of machines to create goods as an alternative to using their hands. By the mid-1970s, the world had the first massmarket computers, and then in 2007, the famous tech trailblazer Steve Jobs unveiled Apple’s first iPhone. Now in 2022, innovation in technology is a crucial element in the advancement of business processes, improving all the desirable aspects of a successful business – efficiency, productivity, profitability and sustainability. The swimming pool and spa industry is benefiting from innovation in products, materials and services. Water treatment, heating, cleaning, lights, pumps, digital controllers, finishes and construction methods are all changing to suit modern technology. The SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show 2022 is an event we are anticipating, to witness the pioneering advancements in our industry. It’s exciting to see a continuation of investment into research and development to improve and transform innovative thought into reality. The demand from consumers seeking innovation is loud and clear. Consumers looking to put a pool or spa in their backyards is one of the driving forces demanding these advancements so they can reduce their maintenance time, running costs and operate the pool remotely and easily. Gone are the days when you had to go to the filter box to turn on the pool cleaner, lights, and other accessories. Consumers are also more in-tune and knowledgeable around the impact of the products and services they are buying, making sustainability an important aspect to be considered by innovators.
Easier quoting with SaaS
Software development in the pool and spa industry has expanded from product innovation to business processes. Today, SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) platforms are common across most industries, and the pool and spa industry in particular has transformed since the first cloud-based solution in the 1960s. 18
SPLASH!
June/July 2022
“The SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show 2022 is an event we are anticipating, to witness the pioneering advancements in our industry.”
However, it has only been within the past few years that there is an emergence of software solutions focused on streamlining sales processes within the pool and spa industry. The world’s first fully-integrated sales software specifically developed for pool builders is Pool Site Quote (PSQ), developed by pool professionals for pool professionals, meaning that experienced members of the industry have had complete control over the creation and implementation of the software. It is focused on streamlining the sales process for pool builders. Other software for the construction industry is developed for all different types of builders so as a result there are limitations in functionality as they try to create a general package solution for house builders, pool builders, landscapers and other trades. In the old days, pools and spas were quoted manually. When meeting a customer onsite, I took notes on the brief and then went back to the office to draw a design and type up a quote. I used a calculator and spreadsheet to work out calculations vital to generate a quote like perimeter, interior area and excavation volumes relative to natural ground levels. Then, I manually checked those calculations again to make sure they were correct. Some sales executives even rely on administration staff resources to type up the quotes for them. It’s a time-consuming process to generate a manual design and quote. When the quote is finally ready, sales executives often arrange a second meeting with the customer to present the quote – another car trip spending more time and money. The process usually doesn’t wrap up there, clients may request amendments to the quote sending the builder back to the first few steps. In this iteration, the sales process is inherently time-consuming and actively prevents productivity. The new technology offers you all the tools in the palm of your hand to design, quote, and contract a pool while you are at your first meeting with a customer on-site. It is cloud-based and accessed on any device. No need for calculators, no need for admin resources to type up your quotes and waste paper printing. It’s the ultimate time-saver. Time spent quoting is a cost and we all value our time, and PSQ can cut your pool quote time in half. Contact: www.poolsitequote.com n