At Chariot, we understand the importance of efficiency in your operations. That's why we've introduced the Hourly Rate Sync feature, designed to simplify inputting estimates and ensure accurate billing for your services. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to leverage this feature effectively.
We’re gearing up to roll out a new feature that allows you to sync your crew size with a set hourly rate field, automatically updating your rate, depending on the crew or truck size entered for your job.
What You'll See
You'll see a new toggle appear on the estimate tab called "Sync Crews and Hourly Rate." Click to activate this feature, allowing you to synchronize hourly rates with specific truck or crew sizes. You can choose to use this on a job-by-job basis.
Understanding the Displayed Values
Once enabled, you'll notice a new magical "Hourly Rate" charge displayed in your charges section. This charge will be accompanied by a description based on the crew size inputted in the Work Date section above. Additionally, you'll see the quantity synced with the total number of hours and the corresponding rate set for the specific crew and truck size.
Streamlined Crew Experience
For your crews, entering work times on the bill of lading becomes a breeze with the Hourly Charges Sync feature. They have two options:
Manually set the hourly rate (same process as now)
Import hourly rates synced with the correct number of hours directly from the estimate (NEW)
Now, your when entering your work times, your crew won't need to add in a charge for the correct number of movers and hours for the job.
They'll now be able to toggle on the "Set Hourly Rate" toggle while entering their work times. As long as the date and crew size match up, crews can then select the corresponding option that was inputted on the estimate, and the hourly rate will be used. Once the work times are entered, the system will automatically calculate the total charges automatically!
Using it on the Estimates Tab in Action
Toggling On Hourly Rate Sync
To begin, navigate to your dashboard and locate the toggle labeled "Sync Crews and Hourly Rate." Click to activate this feature, allowing you to synchronize hourly rates with specific truck or crew sizes. You can choose to use this on a job-by-job basis.
Understanding the Displayed Values
Once enabled, you'll notice a new hourly rate charge displayed in your charges section. This charge will be accompanied by a description based on the crew size inputted earlier. Additionally, you'll see the quantity synced with the total number of hours and the corresponding rate set for the specific crew and truck size.
Entering Work Times
Entering work times and crew sizes becomes a breeze with the Hourly Rate Sync feature. Once you enter it in the Work Date section, ti'll automatically update the crew size below in the charges.
Crew Experience In Action
For your crews, entering work times becomes a breeze with the Hourly Rate Sync feature. They have two options:
Manually set the hourly rate.
Import directly from the estimate.
To ensure smooth synchronization, ensure that the "Set Hourly Rate" option is enabled. Crews should input the corresponding movers and number of trucks accurately as per the estimate. Once the work times are entered, the system will automatically calculate the total charges
Syncing Work Hours and Rates: When your crew is out in the field, they can easily sync the number of work hours and the corresponding hourly rate from the estimate to the bill of lading. This ensures accuracy and saves valuable time during data entry.
To start: click on + Add Work Time on the Bill of Lading.
Entering Crew and Equipment Details: As your crew logs their work times, they have the option to input the total number of movers and trucks involved in the job. Additionally, they can specify the team members and trucks assigned to the task, along with the date and start/end times of the move.
Managing Non-Billable Hours: In instances where non-billable hours, such as lunch breaks, are taken, your crew can easily account for them within the system. By toggling the appropriate settings, these non-billable hours can be recorded accurately.
Using the Set Hourly Rate toggle: to enable the feature (option), the mover will need to toggle this feature on.
Automatic Rate Calculation: Once the crew selects the hourly rate associated with the job from the estimate, Chariot automatically calculates the charges based on the hours worked. This ensures that the billing process is consistent and eliminates manual errors.
Streamlined Billing Process: By automating the syncing of hourly rates and work hours, our aim is to streamline the billing process for your crew. This not only saves time but also ensures that the billing information is always up-to-date and accurate.
Total Transparency: Throughout the process, the system provides transparency by displaying the calculated charges and allowing for easy verification. Any additional charges from the estimate can also be imported seamlessly into the bill of lading.
Reviewing and Finalizing
After submission, crews can review the updated total hours for the job. If needed, charges can be deleted to provide a clear overview of the total charges incurred. Rest assured, the calculations will be accurate based on the information provided.
Impact on Estimate Templates
This new feature will impact the way your current estimate templates work if you decide to use this feature. Your templates will work normally if you decide to enter charges the traditional way, however, you'll need to build new estimate templates to accommodate this new feature.
If you need any help or assistance adjusting your templates, please reach out to Chariot Support.
Assistance and Support
Should you require any assistance in setting up or using the Hourly Rate Sync feature, don't hesitate to refer to our documentation or reach out to Chariot Support. We're here to ensure that you make the most of this time-saving tool.
In conclusion, by utilizing the Hourly Rate Sync feature, you can streamline your estimation process, enhance accuracy in billing, and ultimately optimize your business operations.