Guide
Install vs Repair Workflows: Keep Them Separate
Installs and repairs need different workflows: different prep (site prep vs diagnostic), time estimates (installs often 2–3 hours, repairs 1–2), and follow-up (warranty vs callback check). Create separate job types (Install vs Repair) and separate checklists so techs and customers see the right sequence; mixing them causes delays and wrong expectations. When you're ready for software, look for job templates and workflow rules that route by type so estimates and follow-up match the job.
For teams mixing install and repair jobs and losing time because the same template and estimates don't fit both.
Next: Create separate Install and Repair job types and run them for two weeks; then see if your FSM can assign templates by type.
The situation
Install jobs and repair jobs get mixed up in the same workflow. Installs need different prep (e.g. site prep), different time estimates, and different follow-up (warranty vs callback); mixing them causes delays and confusion for techs and customers.
Create separate job types (Install vs Repair) and separate checklists so techs and customers see the right sequence. Installs often need 2–3 hours and site prep; repairs need 1–2 hours and diagnostic steps. When you're ready for software, job templates and workflow rules that route by type keep estimates and follow-up matched to the job. Label every job clearly so techs know what to expect and the office can assign the right template. Run separate Install and Repair types for two weeks and then see if your FSM can assign templates by type.
What usually causes it
- Using the same job template for installs and repairs so prep and steps don't match the work.
- Same time estimates for both even though installs usually take longer and repairs are more variable.
- Same prep checklist when installs need more site prep and repairs need diagnostic tools.
- Same follow-up when installs need warranty info and repairs need callback check.
Quick fixes you can try this week
- Create separate job types: 'Install' vs 'Repair'.
- Use different time estimates: installs get 2-3 hours, repairs get 1-2 hours.
- Separate prep checklists: installs need site prep, repairs need diagnostic tools.
- Different follow-up: installs get warranty info, repairs get callback check.
- Label jobs clearly so techs know what to expect.
If you're ready: what to look for
- Job templates that separate installs from repairs.
- Workflow rules that route installs vs repairs differently.
- Time estimates that adjust by job type.
- Follow-up automations that match the job type.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using the same template for installs and repairs.
- Same time estimates for both job types.
- Not separating prep requirements.
- Mixing follow-up workflows.
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Take the FSM quick checkRelated templates
Copy-paste scripts and checklists for this pain: