CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. - Peter Douglas believes he’s found a way to help the owner-operator contractors improve their efficiency with less paperwork and keep them on the job site (and out of the office) longer.
And in doing so, save them time and money.
In the next couple of months, Douglas, the owner and CEO of JobSite 360 in Charlottetown, is planning to launch his cloud-based bookkeeping and business management system designed specifically for contractors.
Once launched, the product will be available for download on the App Store, Google Play and the JobSite 360 website.
“It’s time to go, and the product has been super impressive,” said Douglas.
Douglas has been working on the product since starting the company in 2012.
He explained it takes time to develop secure software from scratch, work on improvements and make sure the security and accounting features are right.
“It’s just the kind of software that needs to be perfect from day one,” said Elie Kassouf, a computer programmer and the company’s chief technology officer.
Douglas explained the product is best suited for small to medium sized contractors. It is comprised of four mobile iOS and Android apps – owner, foreman, staff and client.
The owner-operator can enter data into a mobile device and synchronize that data with a desktop computer through the cloud “ecosystem.” The technology even allows users to work offline, and then have the data synchronized once they are back online.
The apps allow users to perform various tasks, such as inputting data for bookkeeping and accounting calculations, create cost estimates and invoices and retrieve data for pricing.
Other functions include calculating workers hours and expenses as well as a utilizing a job diary that allows a worker to take photos, video, voice memos or written notes and share that information. The job diary can also keep clients up to date (through the client app) on how a project is progressing.
Also, the owner and CEO of a residential and commercial design and construction company for the past 12 years – Douglas Design Build – Douglas understands the need for contractors not to get bogged down in paper work, and to have accurate and timely information available for clients.
“I’ve built multiple cottages where the people are living in Calgary or somewhere, and you get a call every two days: ‘Where are we at? Can you send me some pictures?’ Well, they can access (that information) through this app anytime they want. They don’t have to call you. They can see what the current statement balance is for the job and they can see what you’ve been doing every day,” said Douglas.
Recently, it was announced the business received a $50,000 repayable contribution through ACOA’s Business Development Program and $48,500 from Innovation P.E.I. The business is also a resident company at Charlottetown’s Startup Zone.
More information on the company and the product can be found at jobsite360.com.
