Less Paperwork, More Electrical Jobs: How to Make it Happen
- FieldPal Team
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
As an electrician running your own small business, paperwork can often feel like a never-ending chore. You started your business because you're great at electrical work—not because you love paperwork! The good news is there are easy ways to cut down on admin, giving you more time to focus on your actual job. Here’s how to make it happen:
Step 1: Switch to Digital Job Sheets
Paper job sheets might seem simple at first, but they quickly pile up, become messy, and get lost easily. Switching to digital job sheets is a smart move that saves you loads of time.
Why this helps:
Digital sheets don’t get lost or damaged.
They can be updated instantly from your phone or tablet.
Job details are clear, organised, and easy to find.
Tip: Use simple apps like FieldPal designed specifically for electricians. It takes just a few taps to add job details, update progress, and store notes clearly.
Step 2: Capture Digital Customer Signatures
Chasing customers for signatures is one of the biggest time-wasters in small businesses. If you finish a job and the customer isn't around, you have to come back later—wasting valuable working hours.
Digital signatures solve this problem instantly. Customers can quickly sign your phone or tablet on-site or even remotely.
Why this helps:
No need to waste time returning to a job site.
Instant proof of job completion.
Speeds up invoicing and payment.
Step 3: Take and Store Photos Easily
Photos are often quicker and clearer than written notes, especially for electricians. You can easily document your work, show problems clearly, and provide instant proof of what’s been done.
Apps like FieldPal let you take and store photos with each job instantly.
Why this helps:
Reduces the need to write lengthy notes.
Quickly resolves disputes or customer questions.
Provides clear evidence for invoicing and follow-ups.
Step 4: Automate Your Invoicing
Manually writing or typing up invoices can take a lot of time, especially when you're busy with multiple jobs. Digital invoicing, especially when linked to your job management app, can automate much of this process.
Benefits:
Create and send professional invoices in seconds.
Fewer mistakes because details are auto-filled from job sheets.
You get paid faster.
Step 5: Use Easy Customer Management Tools
Keeping track of customer details, addresses, and notes can become complicated with paperwork. Digital tools help keep customer information organised, accessible, and secure.
Why this helps:
Quick and easy access to all customer information.
Less chance of losing important details.
Helps provide better customer service.
Step 6: Keep Track of Job Progress Digitally
Knowing exactly where you're up to with each job is crucial. Paper systems make this tricky, especially if you have multiple jobs in progress.
Digital job management tools let you update job progress instantly from your phone. You’ll always know exactly what stage each job is at.
Why this helps:
Keeps your workday organised and efficient.
Allows you to give accurate updates to customers.
Helps you plan your schedule better.
Step 7: Set Up Notifications and Reminders
Running your own electrical business means keeping track of lots of different tasks and appointments. Missing a job or forgetting an appointment can lead to unhappy customers and lost money.
Setting up simple notifications and reminders on your phone through job management apps ensures you never miss important tasks again.
Why this helps:
Prevents costly mistakes or missed jobs.
Reduces stress knowing your phone will remind you.
Helps you keep customers happy.
Step 8: Clear, Easy Communication with Customers
Clear communication makes your business run smoother. Digital tools allow you to quickly message customers with updates, confirm appointments, and send job details.
Why this helps:
Customers stay informed and happy.
Reduces confusion and follow-up questions.
Makes your business look more professional.
Step 9: Easy Access to Job History
When customers call back for repeat work or ask about previous jobs, finding paper records can take ages. Digital job records let you instantly find past jobs, notes, photos, and invoices.
Benefits:
Quick response to customer questions.
Helps plan future jobs based on past work.
Provides proof and clarity if there’s ever a dispute.
Step 10: Keep Learning Simple Ways to Save Time
Once you start reducing paperwork, keep looking for more ways to simplify. The less time you spend on admin, the more time you spend doing electrical work, earning money, and growing your business.
Why Reducing Paperwork Matters
Cutting down on paperwork isn't just about tidying up—it directly impacts your success. You'll spend less time stuck behind a desk, have clearer records, happier customers, and more time to take on new jobs.
Start today. Choose one or two of these simple steps and see the difference it makes. Soon, you'll be spending less time on paperwork and more time doing the work you love.
