Always Adapting

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

I hate the phrase "you can't teach an old dog new tricks." To me, that insinuates that you shouldn't learn something new just because you have been doing it a long time. Luckily here at SERVPRO we don't apply that logic. Although we have been performing restoration for many years we are always looking for ways to improve our processes. Today's blog focuses on how we have used technology to improve our scoping and estimates. 

A variety of data technology innovations over the years have led the way to new and improved processes in the property claims/risk assessment space. Those innovations have aimed to improve the manual functions routinely conducted in the field. Many have lived up to expectations and have become current standards.
If we take the time to truly examine the iterative tasks associated with an effective claim/risk assessment in the field, it becomes apparent that a great scope report leads to a better final estimate. Let’s not take this lightly. How many times have we seen a poor initial assessment report lead to an estimate for repairs that had to be reexamined, adjusted multiple times or didn’t match the initial inspection of the claimed damages? Probably way too many. Smart restoration businesses realize that work assignments and higher ratings in customer service start with professional, comprehensive and accurate initial inspections. Digital and mobile inspections help make this possible. 

If you’re evaluating options, best-in-class inspection solutions have the following qualities:

• Ease of use: Allows anyone to conduct an efficient, quality inspection, regardless of experience level and prior training.
• Transparency: Ensures a legible and consistent digital inspection report.
• Optimized for adjusters and contractors: Facilitates collaboration and remote workflows for more advanced claim-handling tasks like estimate writing.
• Value-add: Provides opportunity for improvement via data collection and analytics.
• Flexibility: Technology that works well in a variety of inspection scenarios, including insurance and non-insurance related projects.

Keep in mind that today’s flexible, cloud-based solutions enable a step-change to occur in operations without a massive investment required in technology, training or internal change management. A number of the new solutions in this area can be useful to an organization within a few weeks.

We have now entered the age of digital inspection. Those who embrace it will find profoundly positive growth in their businesses, develop operational efficiencies and increase overall customer service ratings to bolster business expansion. Technological innovation in the property industry is constant and provides opportunities to improve bottom lines, add value to existing business relationships and pave the way for even more advancement in the future.