A direct line to the factory: why integration is the key to installer efficiency
As installation businesses face increasing pressures, Emplas says closer alignment between its CRM system and the manufacturing operation behind it is delivering positive results in a market where time and accuracy cost money.
As margins reduce and customer expectations rise, window and door installers must run tighter, smarter operations to remain competitive and stay ahead of the game.
For Northampton-based trade fabricator, Emplas, the answer lies in closer digital integration between installers’ customer management systems and the manufacturing process itself.
Through EVA CRM, installers gain a front-end platform that connects directly with Emplas’ manufacturing facility, ensuring critical information flows seamlessly between the office, the site and the production line.
“We are the only CRM that links with the manufacturer,” says Jo-Anne Savant, Head of EVA CRM.
“That allows us to pull your data directly into our system and pre-populate your point-of-sale information, cutting out a lot of admin.
“It allows installers to operate far more efficiently, and everything is kept in one place.”
Communicating directly with the Emplas factory, EVA CRM automates the administrative elements of ordering from a fabricator.
This unique one-way integration with the manufacturing back end feeds product and price data from Emplas straight into EVA CRM, saving installers the trouble of typing in information or manually attaching PDFs from separate systems.
This means EVA can pull Emplas product data and configurations maintain a single contract record that runs from lead through to completion; and reduce the risk of mismatches between what was sold and what was ordered with the factory.
To match how installers actually work, a lot of development has also gone into EVA’s mobile app.
“A key feature is the ability to change who’s using it and what they see in accordance with their job roles,” says Jo.
For installers, that means sales reps and canvassers can create and update leads and quotes on the road, while surveyors and fitters can see their schedules, job details, documents and add photos in the field.
Site information flows back to the office and, critically, stays tied to the contract that is also linked to Emplas’ manufacturing data.
Because everything sits under a single job record, it becomes much easier to prove what was agreed, what was ordered and what was fitted – a key factor in reducing disputes and callbacks.
The Emplas-EVA integration also directly addresses three common pain points for installers concerning duplicate data entry, order accuracy and visibility and control.
Without integration, installers often quote in one system, then re‑enter orders into a separate ordering tool or manual form for the fabricator. EVA’s link to Emplas means product and pricing details are shared, so what you quote is ready for manufacture.
In addition, because the CRM links to EVA product definitions, there’s less risk of specifying something the factory can’t build – or mis‑typing a critical detail. Attachments, photos and notes sit with the contract, meaning Emplas and the installer see the same documentation if there’s ever a query, also maintaining confidentiality of your customers other data.
Joined manufacturing and CRM data also make it far easier to track orders through their lifecycle, from lead to survey, to manufacturing to installation. This means installers get a clearer view of upcoming work and can plan fitting teams and cashflow more effectively.
With a roadmap that mirrors Emplas’ own digital ambitions, installers are set to benefit from EVA CRM’s continued development.
This includes in‑app forms for on‑site risk assessments, vehicle checks, sign‑offs and snag lists, completed and signed on the app and stored against the job.
SMS and email marketing campaigns will also be driven from EVA’s existing customer data, turning installation history into repeat business and referral opportunities.
“We aim to help you use the data already in the EVA system for further marketing and lead generation,” confirms Jo.
“There will also be opt‑out and compliance management tools to ensure that everything is done within GDPR rules, and with proper consent tracking.”
With installer feedback crucial to EVA CRM’s future path, a quarterly customer forum is set to be launched, giving Emplas installers the opportunity to have a direct say in which features and factory‑side integrations land next.
“What we’ve done all along is listen to what our customers want,” says Jo.
“In our new quarterly forum, we’ll be discussing the top five to six elements for development and considering what’s going to impact our customers the most. That will have a direct influence on what we build next.”
As digital integration becomes increasingly important across the sector, this collaborative, integrated approach gives installers the tools they need to operate more efficiently, reduce errors and stay competitive in a demanding market.
