Field Services

Paper vs. Digital in Field Work: Real Savings for Construction Crews

GoCanvas Paper vs. Digital blog feature image.
Posted on by GoCanvas Team

Paper vs. Digital in Field Work: Real Savings for Construction Crews

| |

In construction, the debate of paper vs. digital isn’t just about convenience—it’s about real cost savings, efficiency, and accuracy. Field crews relying on traditional paperwork often face delays, misplaced documents, and errors that impact project timelines. On the other hand, digital solutions simplify workflows, improve accountability, and save businesses thousands annually.

The Hidden Costs of Paper-Based Processes

Fieldwork is fast-paced, and relying on paper forms slows everything down. From lost receipts to illegible handwriting, paper-based systems create inefficiencies that add up quickly. Studies reveal that paper-related inefficiencies can cost businesses up to $25 million annually per 1,000 employees—driven by lost productivity, misfiled documents, and time-consuming manual processes

Common issues with paper-based fieldwork include:

  • Data entry errors: Illegible handwriting leads to mistakes that require manual corrections.
  • Lost or damaged paperwork: Weather, dirt, and job site conditions make paper forms easy to misplace.
  • Time wasted on manual processes: Workers spend hours completing, sorting, and submitting paperwork instead of focusing on tasks that drive revenue.
  • Storage and retrieval issues: Finding old documents can be a nightmare, leading to costly delays and compliance risks.

Environmental Impact of Paper Use

Beyond the financial costs, paper-based workflows also have a significant environmental impact. The construction industry generates large amounts of paper waste, contributing to unnecessary deforestation and landfill overflow. Digital solutions drastically cut down on paper consumption, reducing a company’s carbon footprint and aligning with sustainability goals. Companies moving toward a digital field process contribute to greener operations and improved corporate social responsibility.

Digitizing Paper for a More Efficient Workflow

Switching to digital solutions eliminates paper-related inefficiencies. A digital field solution like GoCanvas® automates data collection to ensure accurate, real-time reporting from any job site. This means:

  • Instant access to critical data: No more digging through filing cabinets or waiting on physical reports
  • Automatic syncing with project management tools: Integrate QuickBooks with Gocanvas construction software.
  • Faster approvals and workflows: Reduce bottlenecks with real-time digital submissions and approvals.
  • Improved accountability: Keep records digitally secure, organized, and audit-ready.

Industry research shows that businesses using digital solutions can reduce paperwork-related costs via lower printing, storage, and administrative expenses, while also improving operational speed.

Improving Collaboration Across Teams

When crews use paper forms, there is often a disconnect between field workers and office staff. Important data gets lost in transit, approvals are delayed, and communication gaps cause costly errors. Digital solutions improve team collaboration by ensuring everyone has real-time access to updated records, reducing confusion and improving project coordination.

How a Digital Field Worker App Transforms Construction Crews

For construction professionals, a field worker app is a game-changer. Paper processes require multiple handoffs, creating opportunities for lost information and delays. A mobile app streamlines everything from time tracking to safety inspections, allowing workers to submit data from the field instantly.

Key Benefits of a Digital Field Worker App:

  • Improved safety compliance: Instantly capture and submit safety checklists, reducing risks and liability.
  • Improved communication: Connect supervisors and teams in real time, minimizing misunderstandings.
  • Automated expense reporting: Workers can snap photos of receipts, reducing reimbursement delays.

Switching to a digital system with GoCanvas means less time on paperwork and more time on productive work.

Reducing Errors and Boosting Productivity

Manual data re-entry is prone to mistakes, leading to costly project miscalculations and rework. A digital solution captures accurate information the first time, preventing miscommunication and ensuring efficiency. Studies show that companies implementing digital field apps see up to a 34% increase in productivity, as workers spend less time on administrative tasks and more time on essential job duties.

Actual Savings: Paper vs. Digital in Real Numbers

Still wondering if moving away from paper pays off? Here’s what the latest research shows:

  • Employees spend 1.8 hours per day searching for documents — nearly 20% of the average workweek lost to hunting through paperwork.
  • Filing a single paper document costs about $20 in labor, while retrieving a misfiled document costs around $120.
  • Lost documents cost businesses an average of $200 or more to recreate, not including the potential impact on customer service, compliance, or lost revenue.
  • Paper-related inefficiencies cost businesses up to $25 million annually in lost productivity for every 1,000 employees.

By digitizing forms and workflows with GoCanvas, companies dramatically reduce search time, filing costs, and the risk of lost information—freeing up employees to focus on higher-value work.

Paper vs. Digital: A Side-by-Side Snapshot

The Future of Construction: Going Fully Digital

As technology advances, the construction industry is rapidly moving towards full digitization. With the right construction software, field crews can eliminate inefficiencies, boost productivity, and ensure accuracy in every project. Companies using GoCanvas have seen significant improvements in:

  • Jobsite organization: No more stacks of paperwork cluttering the office.
  • Real-time reporting: Faster decision-making with up-to-the-minute data.
  • Financial savings: Lower administrative costs and increased profitability.
  • Stronger data security: Digital records prevent loss, theft, or unauthorized access.

Overcoming Resistance to Digital Change

While transitioning from paper to digital offers clear benefits, some workers may resist change. Training and demonstrating the ease of digital tools can help ensure a smooth transition. Companies that provide hands-on training and clear adoption strategies see a higher success rate when implementing new digital workflows.

Ready to Make the Switch?

By digitizing your workflow, your team can focus on what truly matters: building great projects, not sorting through paperwork. Make the move today and see firsthand how paper vs digital transforms your fieldwork into a seamless, cost-saving operation.The debate of paper vs digital is clear: digital solutions provide measurable cost savings, improved efficiency, and better accuracy for construction crews. Don’t let paperwork slow your business down. Request a demo today and experience how easy it is to streamline field operations with digital tools.

Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas®, part of the Nemetschek Group, is an all-in-one digital solution that transforms the way businesses connect their office and field teams. Our user-friendly platforms simplify and streamline tasks like scheduling, dispatch, inspections, daily reports, work orders, and invoicing—digitizing paper processes to enhance safety and ensuring maximum compliance with industry standards.

Like a Swiss Army knife for the field, it’s versatile, reliable, and built to handle any task—letting you focus on the work that matters.

Check Out Even More Resources

The ROI of Adopting GoCanvas for Field Service Management

Discover how GoCanvas streamlines field service, boosts productivity, and saves costs.

Read Blog

True Homes Streamlines Inspections & Increases Sales by $1,000,000

Learn how streamlining inspections with GoCanvas led to increased sales and improved efficiency.

Read Story

Service Electric Co. Sees $312,000 ROI, Saves 846 Hours with Mobile Forms

See how Service Electric Co. boosted efficiency and productivity with GoCanvas digital solutions.

Read Story

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

Summer Surge Prep: HVAC Scheduling and Dispatch

Feature Image for HVAC scheduling and dispatch
Posted on by GoCanvas Team

Summer Surge Prep: HVAC Scheduling and Dispatch

| | |
Feature Image for HVAC scheduling and dispatch

When the summer heat hits, HVAC companies face more than just rising temperatures; they face an overwhelming wave of service calls, emergency repairs, and last-minute appointments. It’s the busiest and most profitable time of year, but also the most chaotic if your business isn’t equipped with the right tools.

For many HVAC service managers and dispatchers, staying on top of urgent requests while maintaining quality service can feel like a juggling act. And if you’re still relying on whiteboards, paper job sheets, or spreadsheet-based systems, your team is already a step behind. Manual processes lead to scheduling conflicts, miscommunication, and wasted technician hours, especially during the peak season rush.

The Summer Surge Challenge

Every HVAC business expects the summer spike in demand, but that doesn’t make it any easier. You’re often dealing with overlapping appointments, urgent system failures, and customers who need fast service now. Add in variable technician availability, changing routes, and a mix of planned maintenance and emergency calls, and your day-to-day scheduling can suddenly spiral into disarray.

These operational challenges are magnified if your team is still using manual scheduling methods. Double bookings, late arrivals, lost paperwork, and delays in office-to-field communication can quickly pile up, hurting your customer satisfaction and your bottom line. That’s where understanding the difference between scheduling and dispatch becomes crucial. In HVAC service management:

  • Scheduling is the process of deciding which job gets done, when, and by whom.
  • Dispatch is the act of actually sending out the technician with the job details and directions.

If scheduling is the strategy, dispatch is the execution, and both must work in sync to stay ahead during the summer surge. The good news? Scheduling and dispatch problems aren’t inevitable. The right HVAC scheduling program can help you streamline your entire process, from the first call to the final invoice.

Why HVAC Scheduling Software Is a Game Changer

HVAC scheduling software isn’t just about putting appointments on a calendar. It’s about bringing your entire workflow, technician availability, service types, time windows, and customer preferences into one connected, efficient system.

With modern HVAC scheduling tools like GoCanvas®, dispatchers and managers can:

  • View real-time technician availability across all jobsites
  • Assign and reschedule appointments with a simple drag-and-drop functionality
  • Dispatch technicians instantly with job details, directions, and updates sent right to their mobile device
  • Track progress throughout the day with live status updates
  • Avoid overbooking and ensure better time management across the board

By integrating both scheduling and dispatch into a single platform, you eliminate delays, reduce errors, and ensure every job moves smoothly from planning to completion. Instead of working from static schedules or relying on back-and-forth calls, your team can move with the pace of the season. Whether you’re handling 10 jobs per day or 50, a flexible, cloud-integrated platform helps you scale without losing control.

Digitize Job Forms to Eliminate Paper Pileups

One of the fastest ways to gain efficiency during peak season is to go paperless. In addition to getting lost, damaged, or left in trucks until the end of the week, paper job forms also require office staff to retype information, scan documents, and manually input job data into your systems, wasting valuable time and introducing the potential for errors.

With GoCanvas digital forms, HVAC technicians can complete all their paperwork on mobile devices in the field. From checklists and diagnostics to parts used and customer signatures, everything is captured in real time and sent instantly to the office.

This not only eliminates the administrative burden but also creates standardized, accurate records for every job. You can easily retrieve any form for billing, compliance, or service history purposes, with zero lag or confusion.

With digital forms, you can:

  • Capture service details, photos, and signatures on the spot
  • Standardize data collection across your team
  • Eliminate manual uploads and retyping at the office
  • Maintain accurate records for billing, compliance, or follow-up

Ready to streamline service calls, improve accuracy, and ditch the paperwork headaches? Make the switch to the HVAC mobile app and mobile forms today.

Cloud Integration: From Office to Field in Real Time

Even the best digital tools lose their edge if they don’t talk to each other. That’s why cloud-integrated HVAC scheduling software is essential for staying connected, especially when time is short and workloads are heavy.

GoCanvas integrates with platforms like Google Sheets and other cloud-based systems, allowing job information to sync instantly from the field to your back office. That means no more emailing attachments, chasing techs for missing forms, or manually uploading job sheets at the end of the day.

Dispatchers and office staff get immediate access to job status updates, parts used, customer signatures, and more. This live data feed allows your team to make faster decisions, provide real-time updates to customers, and reduce delays caused by missing or incorrect paperwork. When scheduling is synced with real-time dispatch and field reporting, your entire operation moves as one.

Streamline Customer Communication

Fast, transparent communication can make or break a customer’s experience, especially during high-stress HVAC emergencies. Today’s homeowners expect real-time updates, timely arrivals, and professional follow-up, and HVAC scheduling software makes it easier to meet and exceed those expectations.

With GoCanvas, your team can send automatic appointment reminders, job confirmations, and real-time notifications when technicians are en route. Customers stay informed, which helps reduce no-shows, cancellations, and repeat calls caused by miscommunication.

HVAC scheduling software helps you:

  • Send automated appointment confirmations and reminders
  • Update customers when technicians are en route
  • Provide accurate ETAs and job summaries
  • Minimize no-shows and callbacks

After the job, digital summaries and service records can be shared instantly, helping you build trust, maintain professionalism, and increase customer loyalty during your busiest season.

Get Ahead of the Heat with GoCanvas

Summer doesn’t have to mean chaos. With the right HVAC scheduling software and workflow automation tools, your business can turn peak season into a period of maximum productivity and growth. You’ll save time, improve service quality, and free up your team to focus on what matters most: delivering top-tier HVAC solutions to customers when they need them most.

GoCanvas helps HVAC teams:

  • Digitize field operations with mobile job forms
  • Schedule and dispatch technicians in real time
  • Integrate seamlessly with cloud tools for streamlined data flow
  • Eliminate manual paperwork and reduce admin time
  • Improve communication across the office, field, and customer touchpoints

Whether you’re a small service team or a growing operation managing multiple crews, GoCanvas offers flexible, scalable solutions built to handle your seasonal surges and your long-term success. Request your demo today!

REQUEST A DEMO
Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas®, part of the Nemetschek Group, is an all-in-one digital solution that transforms the way businesses connect their office and field teams. Our user-friendly platforms simplify and streamline tasks like scheduling, dispatch, inspections, daily reports, work orders, and invoicing—digitizing paper processes to enhance safety and ensuring maximum compliance with industry standards.

Like a Swiss Army knife for the field, it’s versatile, reliable, and built to handle any task—letting you focus on the work that matters.

Check out even more resources

Man inputting digital work order into a tablet from a work site.

How Digital Work Orders Impact Your Key Business Outcomes

Is your company still using paper sheets to manage work orders? The drawbacks of using paper forms are often hidden, making it difficult to understand the true impact of paper forms on a business…

Read Blog
Woman reviewing data via her mobile phone.

See How Centurion Got Amazing ROI from GoCanvas

Centurion is the largest heavy haulage provider in Australia. They deliver national supply chain solutions to the resources, energy, construction & retail sectors throughout Western Australia, Queensland & the Northern Territory…

Read Story
A man reviewing data on tablet collected by GoCanvas solutions.

5 Tips to Improve How Your Business Collects Data

Companies rely on collecting data in order to operate. In a fast-changing world, companies that focus on streamlining and improving their data collection processes will be able to do more. The good news is that it’s become easier than ever for businesses of all… 

Discover Tips

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

Peak-Season Prep: Stay on Track with Construction Scheduling

Blog share image for construction scheduling
Posted on by GoCanvas Team

Peak-Season Prep: Stay on Track with Construction Scheduling

| | |

As summer approaches, construction companies across the country gear up for their busiest time of year. Field crews expand, jobsites multiply, and deadlines get tighter. But while your team is preparing to ramp up hiring and operations, there’s one critical question: Is your construction scheduling system ready for peak season?

For many operations managers and field supervisors, the real bottleneck isn’t the workload; it’s outdated processes. Relying on paper-based crew scheduling or disconnected systems can turn even simple tasks into costly delays. When every minute counts, manual paperwork and clunky workflows can hold back your entire operation.

Explore how digital forms and workflow automation can help you stay ahead of the curve during the busy season. From optimizing construction scheduling to eliminating admin delays, this guide will help you get organized, stay compliant, and keep every project on track—no matter how chaotic things get.

Why Peak Season Demands a Smarter Approach

Busy season means more jobs, more workers, and more moving parts to manage. But if you’re still juggling paper schedules, text message updates, or spreadsheets that live on one desktop, you’re setting yourself up for slowdowns. Some of the most common peak-season pain points include:

  • Missed or delayed job starts due to unclear scheduling
  • Field crews waiting for assignments or materials
  • Repeated data entry between paper forms and office systems
  • Compliance risks from incomplete or missing documentation
  • Lack of real-time visibility into job progress and crew status

This is where scheduling and dispatch make a difference. In construction, scheduling is the process of determining which crew or task needs to be executed next, at what time, and on which site, while dispatch is sending the right people, equipment, and instructions to the right place. Think of it like this: Scheduling picks the next move, and dispatch makes it happen. 

Efficient scheduling prevents downtime. Smart dispatch ensures the plan is carried out in the field without delays or confusion.

Sound familiar? The good news is that you don’t have to run your busiest months on outdated processes. With construction workflow management tools like GoCanvas®, you can digitize your operations and stay agile through every phase of the project.

Smarter Construction Scheduling Starts in the Field

Whether you’re managing one jobsite or 20, real-time field crew scheduling software makes it easier to coordinate people, equipment, and materials across multiple locations, ensuring the right resources are in the right place at the right time without the usual delays or confusion.

With GoCanvas, you can:

  • Create mobile-first digital forms for job check-ins, timesheets, equipment logs, and more.
  • Schedule crews and dispatch updates directly to their phones or tablets.
  • Eliminate the need for paper schedules and manual data transfers.
  • Track work completion, time on site, and resource usage in real time.
  • Standardize workflows and reduce training time for seasonal hires.

By streamlining crew scheduling and dispatch, your teams spend less time waiting and more time working, keeping projects moving forward even when things get hectic.

Eliminate Paperwork Bottlenecks with Digital Workflows

Peak season isn’t the time to be chasing down missing paperwork. With GoCanvas, your field data flows directly into your system of record—no scanning, retyping, or copying and pasting is required.

Whether you’re documenting daily logs, safety checklists, or inspection reports, you can:

  • Collect consistent data every time with required fields and logic controls.
  • Ensure instant access for office teams, supervisors, and stakeholders.
  • Keep a clear digital trail for compliance and auditing.
  • Eliminate lost forms and manual entry errors.
  • Analyze submissions for trends or delays in real time.

Are manual processes slowing your team down? GoCanvas has the solution! From safety inspections to jobsite reporting, our digital workflows are built to simplify your busiest season.

Peak-Season Planning That Actually Scales

The reality is, many field teams struggle with scale—not because of a lack of talent or tools on the ground, but because their systems aren’t built for growth. The more jobs you take on, the more friction you’ll feel from inefficient scheduling or disconnected data.

GoCanvas helps eliminate that friction by giving you a flexible, scalable solution that grows with your business.

  • Start with your most paper-heavy processes, like crew check-ins or safety audits.
  • Customize forms to match your workflow without any coding.
  • Integrate with Google Sheets or other systems to centralize reporting.
  • Instantly roll out updates across jobsites.
  • Maintain full control over your construction workflow management, no matter the season.

Just like a CPU scheduler chooses the next task and a dispatcher executes it, GoCanvas gives you both the control and execution power you need to run smoother projects. When you combine field crew scheduling software with workflow automation, your operations become leaner, faster, and more responsive.

Ready to See What You Could Be Saving?

Every hour your team spends managing paper schedules or chasing updates represents time and money you could put toward actual work. GoCanvas makes it easy to see how much time you’re losing and how much more you could get done.

Final Thoughts

Peak season doesn’t have to mean chaos. With the right tools, your construction team can scale up operations, reduce downtime, and hit every deadline without the paperwork headaches. Whether you’re looking to improve crew scheduling, boost efficiency with construction workflow management, or gain real-time visibility into field operations, GoCanvas gives you everything you need to stay on track. Request a demo today and learn more about how GoCanvas supports construction scheduling and field efficiency.

REQUEST A DEMO
Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas®, part of the Nemetschek Group, is an all-in-one digital solution that transforms the way businesses connect their office and field teams. Our user-friendly platforms simplify and streamline tasks like scheduling, dispatch, inspections, daily reports, work orders, and invoicing—digitizing paper processes to enhance safety and ensuring maximum compliance with industry standards.

Like a Swiss Army knife for the field, it’s versatile, reliable, and built to handle any task—letting you focus on the work that matters.

Check out even more resources

Three inspection workers on job site.

The Ultimate Guide to Quality Control Inspections

Discover essential steps and best practices for effective quality control inspections. Ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency today!

Read the blog
A man using GoCanvas for the digital transformation of his workflow.

Next-Gen Project Management for Construction

In this on-demand webinar, we showcase GoCanvas’ latest product release, which is designed for construction and trade professionals.

Watch Now
A electrician inspecting equipment.

VIP Lighting Gains Business Efficiencies with GoCanvas

See how VIP Lighting streamlined operations and improved efficiency with GoCanvas, improving data collection speed and accuracy.

read their story

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

Storm Season Prep: Stay on Schedule with Roofing Software

Posted on by GoCanvas Team

Storm Season Prep: Stay on Schedule with Roofing Software

| | | |

When severe weather rolls in, so does the surge of roofing service calls. Hail, wind, and heavy rain can leave entire neighborhoods needing inspections, estimates, and urgent repairs all at once. For roofing contractors, that can mean a flood of job requests, tight turnarounds, and high-stress coordination between teams in the field and staff in the office.

The question is: Do you have the right systems in place to stay on top of it all?

Modern roofing software helps your business respond faster, streamline field reporting, and keep every job on track, even during the busiest storm seasons. From conducting storm damage inspections to generating real-time estimates and managing mobile work orders, digital tools give your team the visibility and flexibility to stay in control when it matters most.

Whether you’re handling five emergency repairs or 50, cloud-connected roofing solutions make it easy to scale operations without sacrificing speed, accuracy, or service quality.

Why Storm Season Demands a Smarter Workflow

Storms don’t just damage roofs; they overwhelm workflows. After a major weather event, roofing companies are often inundated with back-to-back service requests, insurance inquiries, and urgent repairs. The sudden spike in demand can stretch your team thin, strain your scheduling process, and expose the inefficiencies in your current system.

You’re not just responding to individual jobs—you’re coordinating crews, tracking inspections, submitting estimates, and trying to keep communication clear across multiple job sites, all while managing customer expectations in high-stress situations. Without the right systems in place, things can quickly fall through the cracks: Appointments get missed, paperwork piles up, and opportunities slip away.

To stay ahead during storm season, roofing businesses need tools that can adapt in real time, automate repetitive tasks, and bring order to the chaos. Roofing software becomes not just helpful but essential when companies encounter:

  • A spike in incoming calls and inspection requests
  • Delays caused by handwritten notes or manual scheduling
  • Miscommunication between field crews and office staff
  • Backlogged estimates and slow approvals
  • Missed opportunities due to outdated tracking methods

And when every job is urgent, the cracks in your system become obvious. If your crew is still relying on paper forms, spreadsheets, or disconnected software, you’re likely losing valuable time, missing key updates, and struggling to deliver fast and professional service.

That’s where software for roofing companies changes the game.

Mobile Roofing Software Keeps You Agile After the Storm

In fast-moving situations, mobility is everything. GoCanvas® roofing software gives your team the ability to assess, report, and respond directly from the job site using mobile devices—with no trips back to the office, no scanning paperwork, and no delays in updating the rest of the team.

With mobile-first tools, roofing teams can:

  • Complete on-site roofing inspections with checklists, photos, and digital signatures.
  • Automatically sync data with office systems for instant visibility.
  • Assign and track work orders from the field.
  • Access job history, customer info, and material needs from any device.
  • Streamline compliance documentation and insurance reporting.

This isn’t just convenient; it’s essential during peak demand. When your teams are equipped with tools that work wherever they are, they can complete more jobs in less time while delivering a better customer experience.

Streamline Storm Damage Inspections and Estimates

After a storm, every homeowner wants an inspection ASAP, and they expect fast answers. The pressure to respond quickly is high—but without a fast, consistent way to document findings, capture photos, and deliver accurate quotes, your team can quickly fall behind.

Manual processes like handwritten notes, delayed uploads, or phone-based estimates not only slow things down, they also increase the risk of errors and missed opportunities. Customers may turn to competitors who can provide quicker, more professional responses.

To stay competitive, your inspection and estimating process needs to be seamless, mobile, and capable of handling a high volume of requests without sacrificing accuracy or service quality. That’s where a powerful roofing estimating app gives you the edge.

Using a roofing estimating app like GoCanvas, inspectors can:

  • Capture damage photos directly from the field.
  • Automatically generate estimates with pre-set pricing fields.
  • Email quotes to customers instantly, no matter where they are.
  • Reduce rework and manual entry errors by syncing everything back to your system.

Instead of relying on handwritten notes or post-job paperwork, your entire inspection and estimating process becomes faster, cleaner, and more professional.

Manage Work Orders with Cloud-Based Roofing Software

Once estimates are approved, speed matters. Jobs need to be scheduled, materials ordered, crews dispatched, and timelines tracked. GoCanvas functions as a roof manager software solution that connects every step of your workflow in one place.

Here’s how it keeps your operation moving:

  • Work orders are automatically created from approved estimates.
  • Job assignments and updates are pushed directly to field techs.
  • Progress is tracked in real time with digital checklists and photos.
  • Office teams have full visibility into active and upcoming jobs.
  • Data is stored securely and accessible for future reference or reporting.

Because everything is synced through the cloud, there’s no lag between the field and the office. Your teams stay in sync, your paperwork stays organized, and your jobs stay on schedule even when the storm season chaos is in full swing.

Get the Competitive Edge During Storm Season

Storm season doesn’t just test your roofing skills, it tests your ability to stay organized under pressure. Companies that rely on outdated methods often get overwhelmed, while those that use integrated, mobile-friendly tools can scale quickly and serve more customers without sacrificing service quality.

With GoCanvas roofing software, you can:

  • Respond faster to storm-related service requests.
  • Standardize storm damage inspections with customizable mobile forms.
  • Deliver professional estimates in real time.
  • Keep field and office teams aligned with cloud-connected workflows.
  • Eliminate paperwork delays and reduce admin overhead.

GoCanvas is designed to scale so that you can start small with your busiest workflows and expand across crews, regions, or services as needed. Whether you’re responding to emergency roof repairs or ramping up post-storm inspections, the right tools make all the difference. Request a demo and explore how GoCanvas supports roofing teams with mobile solutions built for speed and compliance.

REQUEST A DEMO
Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas®, part of the Nemetschek Group, is an all-in-one digital solution that transforms the way businesses connect their office and field teams. Our user-friendly platforms simplify and streamline tasks like scheduling, dispatch, inspections, daily reports, work orders, and invoicing—digitizing paper processes to enhance safety and ensuring maximum compliance with industry standards.

Like a Swiss Army knife for the field, it’s versatile, reliable, and built to handle any task—letting you focus on the work that matters.

Check out even more resources

Two people in an office looking at a tablet.

Improving Your Operations with Field Service Management Software

Whether you have two or 200 employees, your business’ success depends on their hard work. Passionate, motivated team players are the difference between…

Read the Blog
Two people in hard hats looking off camera.

Should You Connect Field Service Management Software with QuickBooks?

Field service management software has shown to increase productivity both for employees in the field and operations teams in the office. You may be wondering how field service…

Read the Blog
Person in safety vest smiling.

How the Best Field Services Businesses Use Mobile Apps

Mobility and field service: the talk has been happening forever. The idea that real-time information improves customer service and boosts technician productivity is changing…

Read the eBook

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

Inside the GoCanvas Release: CPO Pete Schulz on Quick Start, Follow-Ups, and API Power

Posted on by GoCanvas Team

Inside the GoCanvas Spring Release: CPO Pete Schulz on Quick Start, Follow-Ups, and API Power

| | |

We’re excited to announce that Pete Schulz, formerly VP of product, has stepped into the role of chief product officer for both GoCanvas and SiteDocs! Pete has been a driving force behind our product innovation for years—and now, as CPO, he’s setting the course for our next big chapter.

In this Q&A, Pete shares his perspective on our latest release—featuring Quick Start, Follow-Ups, and enhanced API capabilities—and how these updates represent just the beginning of new features in our approach to building and managing digital workflows.

Q&A with Pete Schulz, Chief Product Officer

Q: First off—congrats on the new role! What does stepping into the CPO position mean for you?

Pete: Thanks! It’s an exciting next step. I’ve been deeply involved with the product side of GoCanvas® for a while, and this new role gives me the opportunity to drive innovation across both GoCanvas and SiteDocs at a broader level. We’re building tools that empower field teams to work smarter and faster—and now I get to help shape that vision more holistically across both platforms. As we mentioned last July, we are now a part of Nemetschek Group, and this will allow us to accelerate innovation. We are also looking forward to integrations with some of our other brands as well. Stay tuned… 

Q: What excites you most about this spring release at GoCanvas?

Pete: This release is a big deal. We are leveraging the power of technology to bring new innovation to market that will make our customers more efficient. With Quick Start, Follow-Ups, and our upgraded API, we’re not just launching features—we’re giving our customers a better way to build, connect, and act on their field data.

Quick Start makes it easier than ever to go digital. Follow-Ups bring accountability and clarity to field issues. Our updated API opens the door to tighter, more flexible integrations. These are the kind of tools that make a real difference in everyday operations.

Q: Let’s talk about Quick Start. What problem is this solving for our users?

Pete: Time. Quick Start helps users create mobile forms in minutes by converting their existing paper forms (or PDFs) into digital forms, while keeping the original layout and branding. That’s huge for companies who want to digitize their processes without starting from scratch. There’s no learning curve, and the familiarity makes adoption easier for teams in the field.

Q: Follow-Ups seem like a powerful tool for managing jobsite issues. How do you see this changing the game for field teams?

Pete: Follow-Ups close the loop between the field and the office. A worker can flag an issue, assign it, and track progress all from one place—while the office gets visibility into what’s happening in real time. It’s a smarter way to manage open tasks, reduce miscommunication, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Q: We’ve also made big strides with the GoCanvas API. What’s new here for our more technical users?

Pete: Our new API updates make it easier than ever for developers to build custom integrations that fit their workflows. We’ve improved functionality, added more robust documentation, added oAuth authentication, and provided sample calls to help teams get up and running quickly. Whether you’re pushing data into your ERP, syncing with your CRM, or triggering workflows in a third-party tool, the GoCanvas API now offers more flexibility and control.

Q: Last question—what’s your big goal as CPO for GoCanvas and SiteDocs?

Pete: My goal is simple: Build tools that make a real impact for the people who use them. Whether that’s saving time, preventing errors, working safer, or getting paid faster, I want our customers to feel like GoCanvas and SiteDocs are helping them run a smoother, smarter business. That’s what drives everything we’re building.


With Pete stepping into his new role and our spring release officially live, the future of GoCanvas is looking bright. Dive into Quick Start, Follow-Ups, and our upgraded API today.

Explore the Spring Release
Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas®, part of the Nemetschek Group, is an all-in-one digital solution that transforms the way businesses connect their office and field teams. Our user-friendly platforms simplify and streamline tasks like scheduling, dispatch, inspections, daily reports, work orders, and invoicing—digitizing paper processes to enhance safety and ensuring maximum compliance with industry standards.

Like a Swiss Army knife for the field, it’s versatile, reliable, and built to handle any task—letting you focus on the work that matters.

Check out even more resources

Two people in an office looking at a tablet.

Improving Your Operations with Field Service Management Software

Whether you have two or 200 employees, your business’ success depends on their hard work. Passionate, motivated team players are the difference between…

Read the Blog
Two people in hard hats looking off camera.

Should You Connect Field Service Management Software with QuickBooks?

Field service management software has shown to increase productivity both for employees in the field and operations teams in the office. You may be wondering how field service…

Read the Blog
Person in safety vest smiling.

How the Best Field Services Businesses Use Mobile Apps

Mobility and field service: the talk has been happening forever. The idea that real-time information improves customer service and boosts technician productivity is changing…

Read the eBook

See how GoCanvas can help your business streamline operations, improve efficiency, and drive results.

Book Your Demo

Spring-Clean Your Workflows: How Automated Solutions Simplify Operations

Posted on by GoCanvas Team

Spring-Clean Your Workflows:
How Automated Solutions Simplify Operations

| |

Spring isn’t just for deep-cleaning your home—it’s the perfect time to refresh and optimize your business processes. If your team is overwhelmed with paperwork, struggling with outdated processes, or facing communication gaps, it’s time to declutter your operations with automated workflow solutions.

Switching to digital workflow software eliminates inefficiencies, improves accuracy, and facilitates collaboration between field teams and office staff. Let’s explore how automation can streamline your workflows and set up your business for long-term success.

The Hidden Costs of Outdated Workflows

Still relying on manual processes? You may be facing challenges like:

  • Time-consuming data entry: Paper forms require manual input, leading to delays and human errors.
  • Lost or damaged documents: Physical paperwork can be misplaced, lost, or destroyed.
  • Compliance risks: Inaccurate records increase the risk of regulatory violations and fines.
  • Communication breakdowns: Field teams struggle to efficiently relay information to the office.
  • Inefficient resource allocation: Without real-time data, decision-making slows down.

These inefficiencies lead to unnecessary costs and operational bottlenecks. The good news? Digital workflow solutions provide a smarter, more efficient way to manage operations.

How Digital Solutions Transform Workflows

Modern businesses are adopting workflow automation solutions to improve efficiency and maintain compliance. Here’s how going digital can revolutionize your operations:

1. Eliminate Paperwork with Digital Workflows

While paper-based processes are prone to errors and inefficiencies, automated workflow solutions enable teams to collect, process, and instantly share data. With GoCanvas®, businesses can:

  • Capture signatures, images, and GPS data.
  • Automate form submissions and data processing.
  • Reduce administrative workload by eliminating stacks of paperwork.

2. Improve Communication with Real-Time Data Sharing

Miscommunication between field and office teams leads to costly errors. Digital workflow platforms ensure seamless, real-time data transfer, allowing teams to:

  • Respond faster to urgent tasks.
  • Improve efficiency across departments.
  • Reduce the need for back-and-forth emails and phone calls.

3. Automate Repetitive Tasks

Manual data entry and approval processes slow down productivity. With automated workflow solutions, businesses can:

  • Route reports automatically to the right departments.
  • Generate real-time reports and alerts.
  • Eliminate bottlenecks in approval processes.

4. Improve Compliance and Safety Tracking

For industries like construction, logistics, and facility management, compliance is critical. Digital tools make it easier to maintain regulatory standards with:

  • Digital safety checklists
  • Real-time compliance tracking
  • Automated OSHA reporting

5. Integrate Your Systems for Seamless Operations

Digital transformation isn’t just about adopting new tools—it’s also about ensuring they work together. Workflow automation software integrates with:

  • Accounting systems
  • Project management platforms
  • CRM tools and other business software

6. Expand Your Business with White Labeling and Embedding

Want to offer your own branded workflow solutions? White Labeling and Embedding options let businesses customize digital workflow tools under their brand to create seamless, personalized solutions for clients.

Pa(in)perwork

❌ Slow

❌ Frustrating

❌ Costly

Go Digital

Make the Switch

Implementing Workflow Automation Software

A smooth transition to workflow automation involves:

  1. Auditing current processes: Identify inefficiencies and areas for digital optimization.
  2. Choosing the right tools: Select automation solutions tailored to your needs.
  3. Training your team: Ensure employees are comfortable with digital tools.
  4. Monitoring and optimizing: Continuously evaluate and refine workflows.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Integration

  • Start small: Test automation with a pilot program before full implementation.
  • Involve your team early: Encourage adoption by involving employees in the transition.
  • Measure success: Track improvements in time savings, error reduction, and compliance rates.
  • Ensure system compatibility: Verify seamless integration with existing software.

Future-Proofing Your Workflow Automation

Automation is an ongoing process. To maximize efficiency:

  • Regularly update automation rules to align with evolving business needs.
  • Invest in employee training to ensure adoption and effective use.
  • Stay compliant with regulations by updating workflows accordingly.
  • Leverage analytics to uncover additional areas for improvement.
  • Scale automation by expanding workflows to new departments or services.

Choosing the Right Workflow Automation Tool

Not all automated workflow solutions are created equal. When selecting a tool, consider:

  • Ease of use: No-code automation options allow quick setup without IT support.
  • Integration capabilities: Ensure the tool syncs with your existing systems.
  • Scalability: Choose a solution that grows with your business.
  • Automation capabilities: Look for customizable automation features.
  • Reporting and analytics: Gain insights to optimize workflows over time.

GoCanvas integrations ensure seamless workflow automation, eliminating inefficiencies and reducing manual effort across your organization.

Real-World Workflow Automation Success Stories

Construction and Field Services

Problem: Paper-based safety checklists caused OSHA compliance delays.
Solution: Digital safety inspections enabled real-time compliance tracking.
Results: Our client reduced paperwork errors and improved response times.

Logistics and Transportation

Problem: Manual fleet inspections led to overlooked maintenance issues.
Solution: Automated maintenance tracking improved vehicle uptime.
Results: Our client reduced maintenance-related delays.

Facility Management

Problem: Disorganized service requests slowed down response times.
Solution: Automated task management instantly assigned work orders.
Results: Our client enjoyed faster response times and reduced downtime.

Partner with GoCanvas for Smarter Workflows

Spring is the perfect time to refresh and optimize your business workflows. Say goodbye to paperwork, reduce inefficiencies, and partner with GoCanvas. Our automated workflow solutions help businesses improve compliance, streamline operations, and improve productivity. Request a demo today!

Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Two people in an office looking at a tablet.

Improving Your Operations with Field Service Management Software

Whether you have two or 200 employees, your business’ success depends on their hard work. Passionate, motivated team players are the difference between…

Read the Blog
Two people in hard hats looking off camera.

Should You Connect Field Service Management Software with QuickBooks?

Field service management software has shown to increase productivity both for employees in the field and operations teams in the office. You may be wondering how field service…

Read the Blog
Person in safety vest smiling.

How the Best Field Services Businesses Use Mobile Apps

Mobility and field service: the talk has been happening forever. The idea that real-time information improves customer service and boosts technician productivity is changing…

Read the eBook

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

GoCanvas Integration with QuickBooks for Field Workers

Posted on by GoCanvas Team

GoCanvas Integration with QuickBooks for Field Workers

| | |

Simplifying Financial Management with QuickBooks for Field Workers

Managing finances is a crucial yet complex task for field service businesses. Manually tracking invoices, payroll, job expenses, and project costs can lead to inefficiencies, errors, and financial losses. That’s why many companies rely on QuickBooks—an accounting solution designed to streamline bookkeeping, payroll, and expense tracking.

But what if financial management could be even more seamless? Thanks to the GoCanvas® integration with QuickBooks, field teams can sync real-time jobsite data with accounting software, eliminating paperwork and manual data entry while ensuring financial accuracy.

Why Field Service Businesses Use QuickBooks for Accounting

Accounting needs in field service industries differ from other businesses. Teams must track expenses and sales, manage time and payroll, process invoices accurately, and ensure profitability per project. QuickBooks—especially QuickBooks Enterprise and QuickBooks Online Advanced—offers specialized features tailored to these needs.

Key Features of QuickBooks for Field Service Accounting

  • Automated invoicing: Generate and send invoices instantly.
  • Payroll management: Process payroll, calculate overtime, and track union rates.
  • Job cost tracking: Monitor labor and material costs to maintain profitability.
  • Custom financial reporting: Gain insights into profits and expenses to inform better decision-making.
  • Cloud access: Work from anywhere with real-time financial updates.
  • Industry-specific tools: QuickBooks’ contractor edition includes job costing and specialized reporting.
  • Seamless integrations: QuickBooks works with field service apps like GoCanvas to capture jobsite data.

However, even the best accounting software needs accurate, real-time data from the field to be truly effective. That’s where GoCanvas comes in.

How GoCanvas Improves QuickBooks for Field Service Businesses

While QuickBooks helps businesses manage finances, GoCanvas provides the missing link by automating data collection from jobsites. This reduces errors, speeds up processing, and gives businesses better financial oversight.

1. Automating Data Entry from the Field

Manually tracking materials, logging hours, and recording job progress can be time-consuming and error-prone. With GoCanvas:

  • Field teams submit jobsite data using mobile forms.
  • Data syncs instantly with QuickBooks, eliminating manual entry.
  • Business owners and accountants can access real-time financial data without discrepancies.

2. Streamlining Expense and Invoice Management

Many field service businesses struggle with tracking expenses and managing invoices efficiently. Integrating GoCanvas with QuickBooks helps by:

  • Capturing expenses on-site: Employees submit receipts and costs via mobile devices.
  • Automating invoice generation: QuickBooks instantly creates invoices based on job completion data.
  • Improving cash flow: Faster invoicing means reduced payment delays.

3. Improving Payroll Accuracy and Time Tracking

Managing payroll in the field service industry can be complex, with different rates, overtime, and compliance requirements. With GoCanvas and QuickBooks Time, businesses can:

  • Accurately track employee work hours in real time.
  • Automate wage and overtime calculations.
  • Reduce payroll disputes and ensure timely payments.

4. Keeping Financial Reports Up to Date

Real-time financial insights are critical for field service businesses. The GoCanvas–QuickBooks integration helps by:

  • Generating reports on job expenses and profitability
  • Identifying cost overruns before they affect the bottom line
  • Providing accurate forecasting for future business planning

Why Integrate QuickBooks and GoCanvas?

Field service businesses need a complete financial management solution. By integrating GoCanvas with QuickBooks, companies can:

  • Reduce admin work: Automate bookkeeping and eliminate manual data entry.
  • Improve accuracy: Eliminate duplicate forms and accounting errors.
  • Improve cash flow: Streamline invoicing and expense tracking.
  • Stay compliant: Reduce audit risks with accurate financial records.
  • Customize workflows: Tailor QuickBooks features to specific business needs.

Choosing the Right QuickBooks Version for Your Business

The best QuickBooks version depends on your business size and needs. Your options include:

  • QuickBooks Online Advanced: Ideal for businesses needing cloud-based access and easy integration with GoCanvas.
  • QuickBooks Enterprise: Best for larger businesses requiring advanced reporting and job costing.
  • QuickBooks Desktop: A solid choice for businesses preferring on-premise software with robust accounting tools.
  • Contractor Edition: Designed for field service businesses needing job-specific reports and cost tracking.

How to Set Up QuickBooks and GoCanvas for Your Business

  1. Choose the right QuickBooks version: Select the one that fits your accounting needs.
  2. Download the GoCanvas app: Equip your field teams with mobile access.
  3. Sync GoCanvas with QuickBooks: Automate data transfer from jobsites to accounting records.
  4. Train your team: Ensure employees know how to log expenses, time, and project updates.
  5. Get support if needed: Work with our team to ensure a smooth integration.

The Future of Field Service Accounting with GoCanvas and QuickBooks

More businesses are shifting to cloud-based financial management for flexibility and accessibility. Unlike QuickBooks Desktop, cloud solutions enable owners to collaborate with accountants and access financial data anytime. GoCanvas improves this by capturing real-time field data, ensuring QuickBooks remains up-to-date.

Key Questions to Consider When Choosing an Accounting Solution

  • Does it integrate with existing field service apps?
  • Can it track expenses and job costs in real time?
  • Does it automate invoicing and payroll processing?
  • Is it customizable to match your business operations?
  • Does it include features like job management and time tracking?

Go Digital with GoCanvas—Say Goodbye to Paperwork

You don’t have to rely on outdated, paper-based processes anymore. QuickBooks automates accounting, while GoCanvas ensures accurate real-time data submission from the field. Think of QuickBooks as your financial hub and GoCanvas as the bridge connecting jobsites to your accounting system. Learn more about our QuickBooks integration and see a demo in action.

Ready to simplify bookkeeping, invoicing, and payroll?

Request a custom demo today—because managing your business finances should be as efficient as your field operations!

Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas®, part of the Nemetschek Group, is an all-in-one digital solution that transforms the way businesses connect their office and field teams. Our user-friendly platforms simplify and streamline tasks like scheduling, dispatch, inspections, daily reports, work orders, and invoicing—digitizing paper processes to enhance safety and ensuring maximum compliance with industry standards.

Like a Swiss Army knife for the field, it’s versatile, reliable, and built to handle any task—letting you focus on the work that matters.

Check out even more resources

Man inputting digital work order into a tablet from a work site.

How Digital Work Orders Impact Your Key Business Outcomes

Is your company still using paper sheets to manage work orders? The drawbacks of using paper forms are often hidden, making it difficult to understand the true impact of paper forms on a business…

Read Blog
Woman reviewing data via her mobile phone.

See How Centurion Got Amazing ROI from GoCanvas

Centurion is the largest heavy haulage provider in Australia. They deliver national supply chain solutions to the resources, energy, construction & retail sectors throughout Western Australia, Queensland & the Northern Territory…

Read Story
A man reviewing data on tablet collected by GoCanvas solutions.

5 Tips to Improve How Your Business Collects Data

Companies rely on collecting data in order to operate. In a fast-changing world, companies that focus on streamlining and improving their data collection processes will be able to do more. The good news is that it’s become easier than ever for businesses of all… 

Discover Tips

See how GoCanvas can help your business streamline operations, improve efficiency, and drive results.

Book Your Demo

Introducing The Studio: Next-Generation Form Building with Brent Nieder

Posted on by GoCanvas Team

Introducing “The Studio”:
A Conversation with Brent Nieder,
VP of Product at GoCanvas

| |

At GoCanvas, we’ve always strived to push the boundaries of mobile data capture. After 16 years of innovation, we’re proud to introduce our latest feature: The Studio. To give you an insider’s perspective, we sat down with Brent Nieder, our VP of product, who has been a driving force behind GoCanvas for over 13 years.

Q: Brent, can you give us a quick overview of what The Studio is and why it’s such a big deal for GoCanvas® customers?

Brent: Absolutely! The Studio is our next-generation form and workflow-building platform. It’s a modernized, all-in-one tool that combines the power of our Builder, Designer, and workflow collaboration features. We’ve built it from the ground up to deliver a streamlined, intuitive experience for our customers. The first feature we’re rolling out in The Studio is Quick Start, which allows users to upload a PDF of their existing forms, drag and drop fields, and test their mobile data capture solution all within the same space. It’s fast, super simple, and designed to get teams who are new to digital data collection up and running in minutes.

Q: What inspired the creation of The Studio?

Brent: We know how painful it is to be asked to take time out of your busy workday to learn another new tool. Over the last 17 years, we’ve learned a lot about our customers’ mobile data capture needs. The Studio was born out of a desire to combine everything we’ve learned and deliver a new solution that’s the easiest to use in the industry without sacrificing the powerful flexibility our customers know and love. With Quick Start, we’re addressing a key pain point: “Make it way easier for businesses to start filling out digital forms.”

Q: Who will benefit the most from Quick Start?

Brent: Quick Start is perfect for anyone who wants to simplify mobile field data capture. It’s especially great for:

  • Workers with simple forms who don’t want to spend hours on setup
  • Teams with existing PDF reports who want to maintain their look and feel
  • New users who are just starting their journey with mobile tools

If you have a straightforward form and want to deploy it quickly to your field workers, Quick Start is the ideal solution.

Q: How does Quick Start make form building easier?

Brent: It’s all about simplicity. You start by uploading a blank PDF copy of your existing form. Then, you drag and drop fields like dropdowns or photo capture directly onto your PDF. You can customize field placement, font styles, and settings (like making fields required). You can even preview how your form will work on mobile devices and download a sample report to make sure everything looks just right—all without leaving The Studio.

Pa(in)perwork

❌ Slow

❌ Frustrating

❌ Costly

Go Digital

Make the Switch

Q: Are there any limitations with Quick Start that users should be aware of?

Brent: Yes, Quick Start is designed for simplicity, so it doesn’t include some advanced features like conditional logic, loops, or GPS fields. It’s perfect for straightforward forms but not ideal for complex workflows. That said, we’re continuously evolving The Studio, so users can expect more advanced features to be introduced over time.

Q: What about AI? How does it fit into the future?

Brent: We’ve identified a handful of areas we believe AI can help our customers turn 5-minute processes into 5-second processes. Assisting in building forms and workflows, helping review and interpret your data, and making it easier to fill out forms are three areas we’re actively exploring. To be clear, we have no interest in adding AI for the sake of adding AI. We’re only interested in investing in AI solutions that will genuinely help our customers. Much more to come on this soon!

Q: What’s next for The Studio?

Brent: This is just the beginning. We’re planning to add even more functionality, including an AI form-building assistant that will make creating complex forms and workflows faster and easier than ever. New field types, more robust report designing, more flexible processes, and even better API support are all coming. Our goal is to make The Studio the go-to platform for all mobile data capture needs, whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise.

Q: Any final thoughts for our readers?

Brent: We’re incredibly excited about what The Studio represents for GoCanvas and our customers. It’s a culmination of years of experience and feedback, and we’re confident it’ll make a huge difference for teams looking to streamline their workflows. I encourage everyone to give Quick Start a try and see how it can transform the way you work.

Ready to see Quick Start in action?

Take the interactive tour below to explore its features or book a free demo with one of our product experts to learn more.

Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas®, part of the Nemetschek Group, is an all-in-one digital solution that transforms the way businesses connect their office and field teams. Our user-friendly platforms simplify and streamline tasks like scheduling, dispatch, inspections, daily reports, work orders, and invoicing—digitizing paper processes to enhance safety and ensuring maximum compliance with industry standards.

Like a Swiss Army knife for the field, it’s versatile, reliable, and built to handle any task—letting you focus on the work that matters.

Check out even more resources

Two people in an office looking at a tablet.

Improving Your Operations with Field Service Management Software

Whether you have two or 200 employees, your business’ success depends on their hard work. Passionate, motivated team players are the difference between…

Read the Blog
Two people in hard hats looking off camera.

Should You Connect Field Service Management Software with QuickBooks?

Field service management software has shown to increase productivity both for employees in the field and operations teams in the office. You may be wondering how field service…

Read the Blog
Person in safety vest smiling.

How the Best Field Services Businesses Use Mobile Apps

Mobility and field service: the talk has been happening forever. The idea that real-time information improves customer service and boosts technician productivity is changing…

Read the eBook

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

5 Best Practices for Small Business Data Collection

Posted on by GoCanvas Team

5 Best Practices for Small Business Data Collection

| |

Data collection is critical for any small business. After all, the data you collect can help you make better decisions about your customers, your marketing strategy, and even your overall business strategy. But collecting data can be a challenge, especially for small businesses.

No matter what industry or niche you’re in, one of the things that can make or break you is how you handle data collection. There are many different types of data collection such as survey questions, demographics questionnaires, customer data, web analytics, and more—the important thing is that you have a system in place to collect this data so you can use it to improve your business.

Failing to follow the best practices for data collection can have serious consequences, such as decreased customer satisfaction, lower data quality, and even legal issues. Small businesses should focus on data collection as much, if not more, than bigger businesses because they don’t have the same resources to fall back on. A big business might be OK with losing a few invoices a month and missing out on $10,000 in potential revenue. But can you afford to do the same?

Here are a few best practices for small businesses to follow for successful data collection:

1. Create a Process for Data Management

There are many different methods of data collection, so the most important thing is to have a process in place. Whether you’re just getting started with your data collection efforts or refocusing your approach, this process should be repeatable and scalable so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel as your company grows.

There are many aspects to consider when creating your process for data collection, such as:

  • How will you collect the data?
  • Who will be responsible for collecting the data?
  • When will the data be collected?
  • How often will the data be collected?
  • What format will the data be collected in?

Avoiding time-consuming and costly mistakes is essential for small businesses across the board, and data collection is no exception. Defining the data set you need and how you will collect it from the outset will help save time and money down the line.

2. Be Consistent with Data Integrity

Data integrity is essential for small businesses. This means that the data you collect needs to be accurate and consistent. There are a few ways to ensure this:

  • Use the same method of data collection each time: This could be surveys, customer feedback forms, web analytics, or something else.
  • Create a data dictionary: A data dictionary is a reference tool that defines all of the data points you’re collecting and how they should be used. This is especially helpful to ensure consistency if you have multiple team members responsible for data collection.
  • Use templates: Templates help ensure that the data is collected in a consistent format, which will make it easier to analyze and use the information later on.
  • Stick to a time frame: Timing is everything when it comes to data collection. Collecting data at the same time each day, week, or month will help you spot trends over time.

Being consistent with your data collection methods is crucial so you can track your efforts and unlock the ability to make data-informed business decisions.

3. Collect and Store Your Data Securely

You are probably collecting various types of information from your customers, partners, and employees, in addition to the data you track about your own business. At GoCanvas®, we help our clients store their data securely in the cloud, so there’s no need to worry about file cabinets or physical storage space.

4. Make Data Collection Simple

Another best practice for small business data collection is to make it as simple as possible for your workforce and/or your customers to get you the information you’re looking for. No one wants to fill out a 20-question survey, so try to keep things short and sweet. You can also use incentives to encourage participation in surveys or feedback forms.

Instead of asking people to fill out paper forms, why not use online surveys? You’ll get your raw data back quickly, securely, and in real time, and you won’t have to deal with terrible handwriting, torn pages, or lost forms.

Pa(in)perwork

❌ Slow

❌ Frustrating

❌ Costly

Go Digital

Make the Switch

5. Evaluate and Improve Your Data Collection Process

As a business owner, it’s important to set time aside to take a step back and evaluate your data collection efforts—as well as the data itself. Ask yourself what’s working and what’s not working, Using Analytics features and technologies (signature capture, integrations, GPS recording, barcode scanning, calculations, etc.) can help you improve the quality of your data and highlight any elements of your data collection process that are holding you back. As you know, tightening the sales cycle in a small business is incredibly important for growth and sustainability.

Modernize the Way Your Small Business Collects Data

Whether you are looking to improve your data handling processes or advance reporting, we hope you consider using GoCanvas as your data collection tool. Sign up for GoCanvas free and give our platform a try today!

Back to Top

Check out even more resources

Two people in an office looking at a tablet.

Improving Your Operations with Field Service Management Software

Whether you have two or 200 employees, your business’ success depends on their hard work. Passionate, motivated team players are the difference between…

Read the Blog
Two people in hard hats looking off camera.

Should You Connect Field Service Management Software with QuickBooks?

Field service management software has shown to increase productivity both for employees in the field and operations teams in the office. You may be wondering how field service…

Read the Blog
Person in safety vest smiling.

How the Best Field Services Businesses Use Mobile Apps

Mobility and field service: the talk has been happening forever. The idea that real-time information improves customer service and boosts technician productivity is changing…

Read the eBook

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together

New Year, New Efficiency: 5 Ways GoCanvas Can Help You Dominate 2025

Posted on by GoCanvas Team

New Year, New Efficiency: 5 Ways GoCanvas Can Help You Dominate 2025

| |

Is your field service team ready to thrive in the new year? Forget the old hassles of paperwork, delays, and inefficiencies—this year is all about working smarter, not harder.

With GoCanvas® in your toolkit, you’ll have the power to simplify your processes, save time, and grow your business. Let’s dive into five game-changing ways GoCanvas helps you hit the ground running in 2025.

1. Ditch the Paperwork: Go Mobile and Stay Connected

Fieldwork shouldn’t feel like dragging a filing cabinet around. With GoCanvas’s mobile-friendly forms, your team can capture real-time data anytime, anywhere—even offline. Whether you’re wrangling daily reports or work orders, everything’s digitized and ready when you are.

2. See the Big Picture: Centralized Dashboards at Your Fingertips

Say goodbye to siloed data and hello to total visibility. GoCanvas centralizes all your field data, making it easy to track, analyze, and act on insights. Now, your team is always on the same page (even if there’s no paper involved!).

3. Real-Time Updates: Keep Your Team in the Loop

In field service, speed and communication are everything. With GoCanvas’s dispatch feature and workflow, your team is always connected and ready to respond faster than ever.

4. Digital Documentation: Risk Less, Do More

Lost paperwork and compliance worries? Not this year, because GoCanvas digitizes your forms and boosts documentation with photo and video capture. This results in less stress, better records, and more time to focus on what matters.

5. Streamline Everything: Integrate Your Tools

Your tools should work for you, not the other way around. GoCanvas integrates with platforms like QuickBooks and Google Sheets, automating workflows and keeping your data in sync. That means less busywork and more productivity.

Pa(in)perwork

❌ Slow

❌ Frustrating

❌ Costly

Go Digital

Make the Switch

Real-Life Wins: How NAC Mechanical Services Transformed Its Workflow

NAC Mechanical Services, a full-service mechanical contractor specializing in HVAC systems, faced significant challenges with outdated paper processes that slowed things down. After adopting GoCanvas, NAC saw transformative results:

  • $405,000 in saved billable hours annually: With GoCanvas, NAC eliminated the need for technicians to make weekly paper form drop-offs at the office, freeing up an average of two hours per technician per week.
  • $47,940 in annual payroll processing savings: GoCanvas streamlined payroll processing, cutting down time and costs for NAC.
  • Improved customer satisfaction: Thanks to new, detailed digital forms, NAC’s customers now receive clear, transparent service breakdowns, strengthening trust and loyalty.

NAC’s story shows the real impact of going digital: saving time, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction.

Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet with GoCanvas

Efficiency, growth, and peace of mind are just a few clicks away. Start the year strong by simplifying your workflows, cutting costs, and keeping your team ahead of the curve.

Let’s make it happen:
👉 Request a demo now and discover how GoCanvas can help you dominate in 2025.
👉 Try GoCanvas for free—your best year yet is just one download away.

Back to Top

About GoCanvas

GoCanvas® is on a mission to simplify inspections and maximize compliance. Our intuitive platform takes care of the administrative tasks, freeing our customers to focus on what truly matters – safeguarding their people, protecting their equipment, and delivering exceptional quality to their customers. 

Since 2008, thousands of companies have chosen GoCanvas as their go-to partner for seamless field operations.

Check out even more resources

Two people in an office looking at a tablet.

Improving Your Operations with Field Service Management Software

Whether you have two or 200 employees, your business’ success depends on their hard work. Passionate, motivated team players are the difference between…

Read the Blog
Two people in hard hats looking off camera.

Should You Connect Field Service Management Software with QuickBooks?

Field service management software has shown to increase productivity both for employees in the field and operations teams in the office. You may be wondering how field service…

Read the Blog
Person in safety vest smiling.

How the Best Field Services Businesses Use Mobile Apps

Mobility and field service: the talk has been happening forever. The idea that real-time information improves customer service and boosts technician productivity is changing…

Read the eBook

Connect with an Expert Today.

We’ll help you put together the right solution for your needs.

Let’s Build A Plan Together
>