XCELERATE VS. NEXT GEAR

April 5, 2022 Ember Davis

XCELERATE VS. NEXT GEAR

Did you know that by using the right restoration software, you can streamline most components of your job management workflow? From various integration opportunities, financial tracking and reporting, to job tracking and scheduling, there are multiple areas of this type of software that are used across different functions of your operations.

 

If you’re a restoration contractor, then you know that the industry is changing and technology is key to your success. You need software that can help you manage projects, aid communication, automate regular tasks, job cost, and keep track of your finances. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.

We’re going to compare two popular restoration software programs, Xcelerate and Next Gear’s Dash product. We’ll discuss the similarities and differences of each program, and help you develop a good understanding of both platforms. Interested in finding the right system to match your workflow? Read on to learn more.

 

WHAT IS RESTORATION SOFTWARE?

If you manage a restoration company, then you know that time is essential, especially when it comes to handling a variety of projects, all with different deadlines. Every job is different, and every client has unique needs. This is one reason why restoration software can be such a valuable tool for your business.

Overall, the purpose of this software is to assist restoration contractors in managing their leads and progress of active jobs. It’s a cloud-based tool that can streamline job management processes while keeping everyone in the company involved and on the same page.

 

WHAT ARE ITS BENEFITS?

There are many benefits to restoration software programs, but some of the most important ones include the ability to;

  • Manage projects and track progress with ease

  • Schedule technicians and set reminders

  • Create workflows and tasks to keep the job progressing

  • Store customer information and contact details

  • Job cost and keep track of the profitability on the job

  • Keep everyone on your team in sync through notes and milestones

  • Monitor different aspects of projects

  • Integrations with 3rd party softwares/apps 

 

Let’s take a closer look at each program to see how they compare.

 

ABOUT XCELERATE

Xcelerate Software is an innovation leader in the restoration industry with automated time tracking through geo-fencing, customizable integrations, conditional workflows, and more. Xcelerate is paving the way to make life easier for restoration contractors. The software helps users manage their jobs in a quick and easy way by offering an intuitive job management system that helps to increase operational efficiency, improve profitability, and elevate both job and team management.

 

Since Xcelerate is a product of experienced restoration professionals as well as software designers, engineers, and developers, you’ll notice that the way the software’s created, is very intuitive to real-world needs. The company was meticulous in creating the tool to only require a 20-minute learning curve for new users and be simple for field technicians to learn and utilize. This is a useful benefit, as it can alleviate any frustration or misunderstanding of how to work the product. They also made the user interface very simple so that users can accomplish what they need to without getting bogged down in cumbersome navigation. 

 

THE BENEFITS OF XCELERATE

There are many benefits to using Xcelerate restoration software. Some of the key benefits include: 

 

  • Increased Operational Efficiency

  • Improved Profitability

  • Elevates Job and Team Management

  • Digital Scheduling Workflow

  • Customizable Forms

  • Conditional Task Workflows

  • KPI Tracking

  • Cloud Based 

  • Automated work flows

  • Project Management and Scheduling Benefits

  • Push Notifications and Electronic Signatures

  • Enhanced Business Analytics and Insights

 

XCELERATE’S ADVANTAGE

Xcelerate was designed from the ground up for restoration professionals by restoration professionals. It offers a number of features that you may not see in other restoration software as a key differentiator. The combination of simplicity as well as complex and effective growth tools creates a powerful platform to help scale and streamline growing contractors.  In addition, Xcelerate has taken the stance to be open to  integrations, something that has been lacking in the space for a decade.  Some more notable ones include Matterport DocuSketch, QuickBooks, Encircle, Zapier,, and RingCentral. 

 

Some huge differentiators that don’t appear in any other market platform are KPI tracking. Key cycle times such as length of time to arrive on site, length of dry out or time equipment is onsite, number of days it takes to get billing out the door, and more are highlighted not only on the job level but also in aggregate.  This gives teams the ability to improve performance and execution which is a big advantage with all of the increased competition from Private Equity money entering the space.  

 

Xcelerate Software makes it easy to view lists of all current (and past) job records, along with comprehensive customer contact info, insurance details, insurance agent and adjuster details, documented job notes, photos from the job site, and much more – all captured within a single digital record. 

 

The platform also provides a robust form builder that allows you to create and customize your forms in ways that are sure to fit any of your current form needs. Work authorizations, emergency services, job checklists, or certificates of completion to name a few. Electronic signatures are a breeze to capture in the field utilizing the powerful Xcelerate app.

 

Xcelerate makes it easy for management teams to schedule crews on a job at any time; users can easily view their current daily schedule from their mobile device wherever they may be – in the office, at home or on the job site. The convenience of a digital scheduling workflow is an asset in itself.

 

When you open the dashboard you know immediately how you’re performing and how each person is measuring up and progressing on his or her targets thanks to the workflow tasks & KPIs that are regularly tracked. It’s like a restoration company scoreboard that has all the information you need for your team. 

 

Beyond KPI’s, you can see with confidence which jobs are profitable and which jobs are wasting your time and money. Xcelerate provides the ability to make yourself adaptable and shift your focus when reports in the platform alert you to missed opportunities. Having really accessible and relevant data analytics is a game changer.

 

Additionally, Xcelerate offers multiple perks to the way they are built, which sets them apart from similar products being that they offer a few extras. Take a look at some of the features you would have access to use. 

 

  • Mobile-friendly capabilities 

  • Automated and Customizable Workflows

  • Time Tracking for accurate Job costing via Geo-Fencing

  • Reports and Forecasting

  • Real Time Updates

  • Designated Project Dashboards

  • Conditional Task Workflows

  • Digital Scheduling Workflow

  • KPI Tracking and Reporting

 

With each of these options, contractors can customize their report generation process, capture real time job costing through time tracking utilizing geo-fencing technology, and manage all data captured in real-time. 

 

If you’re looking for an efficient, reliable restoration software package, Xcelerate offers a solution that could fit any scale of project. With its intuitive job management and powerful tools for managing and tracking jobs, Xcelerate makes it easy to get the job done quickly and efficiently. This is how you can tell the product was built by contractors, considering the types of tools and features that were built into it. 

 

ABOUT NEXT GEAR

The Next Gear restoration software is a tool that helps manage restoration jobs in an efficient and effective way. It allows users to create project files, track the progress of jobs, and produce reports on the work that’s been done. 

 

One of the key benefits of using this software is its ability to integrate with a variety of accounting packages. This means that job costs can be easily tracked and monitored, which can help with budgeting and forecasting. 

 

The Next Gear restoration software also offers several features that are specifically designed for restoration companies. These include: 

 

  • Job costing and invoicing 

  • Material tracking

  • Job tracking and specific task management

  • Customer management and report generation

  • Compliance management tools

 

The company also highlights a few small yet helpful features in the design of its products. Some of those features are:

 

  • Job pinning capabilities

  • VPASS scoring

  • Job division icons

  • Offline functionality

 

NEXT GEAR

There are a few areas where Next Gear may shine and it’s within the smaller tools. The compliance management tools in the Next Gear restoration software can help companies stay compliant with regulations. This can help protect the company and its customers. Aside from that, the software also has additional add-on options.

A few examples would be MICA which is a popular water mitigation suite used for restoration. The other is Moisture Mapper, which does exactly how it sounds. It allows contractors to document and report on any water mitigation projects.

DASH RESTORATION LOGIN INFO.

One of the major disadvantages to Next Gear, however, is their login page. Many users report having difficulty just locating the user portal login. Additional effort is required to look for the login page on a search engine and wastes valuable time.

 

WHAT ARE THEIR SIMILARITIES?

There are a few key similarities between Next Gear and Xcelerate. Both are types of restoration software that offer multiple features geared toward simplifying job processes.

 

Both Next Gear and Xcelerate come with the ability to customize their experience in ways to  get the most out of specific features. 

 

Have a look at a few other things they may have in common:

 

  • Real-time data and documentation

  • Project management tools

  • Job scheduling

  • Report generation

 

Additionally, they both offer free trials so you can try them before you buy them. Xcelerate and Next Gear’s free trials are great for beginners that are starting to use restoration software. It gives them a chance to dive in head first and test it out. However, Xcelerate does have an advantage on their design, workflow capabilities, integrations, and much more for beginner users. This makes them appealing to contractors who want the most needed features in front of them, in a simple and easy-to-operate way. 

 

HOW ABOUT THEIR DIFFERENCES?

If we are looking at differences in both companies, we will notice that Next Gear puts a lot of emphasis on their smaller tools, such as their four-digit PIN security options and specialized icons for different job divisions. 

 

Xcelerate does the same, as they put a lot of attention on their specialized differentiators that set them ahead of other software. Such as their ultra flexible and customizable task workflow system. This gives an owner heightened control of their business and trains their team as they deliver superior results. 

 

The software’s precise 20-minute learning curve for contractors that are new to the platform and their true approach to user-friendliness is another key feature that reels in users. In contrast to Next Gear, Xcelerate really helps contractors speed up the restoration process with crucial features like automating crew assignments. It is ideal for smaller projects with teams of up to 75 users, although they have specialized plans for larger operations and larger teams, making them the more adaptable option.



REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS

Next Gear and Xcelerate are both construction restoration software programs that contractors can use in the field. Next Gear is a program that can help contractors manage their projects, while Xcelerate is a program that can help manage projects, as well as help speed up contractors’ work by automating certain tasks.

There are many reasons why contractors would benefit from using a restoration software in their workflow. Next Gear can help contractors stay organized and on track, which can save them time. Meanwhile, Xcelerate can automate tasks, which can help contractors save time AND energy.

The main difference is that in a market where job management software has become overly complex, outdated and overpriced, Xcelerate Software is placing renewed emphasis on delivering a simple, yet comprehensive solution that benefits all employees within a restoration organization. 

Xcelerate helps contractors streamline their restoration work, and in the end, provides faster, and more efficient work for everyone involved.

 

MORE ON APPLICATION

So, how can each system help under certain circumstances? Keep in mind that restoration contractors often work on specialized projects that may have stemmed from an accident, a disaster, or anything similar. This means that they work under different circumstances. Oftentimes, restoration contractors will respond to a few situations:

When there has been a natural disaster and the area needs to be rebuilt. In this case, a contractor would use restoration software to help plan out the new construction and make sure that everything is in order.

When there is damage to a building, it needs to be repaired. Here, the contractor would use restoration software to help plan out the repairs and figure out what needs to be done for the project.

When there is an architectural project that needs to be completed. In this case, the contractor would use restoration software to help with the design of the project and make sure that everything’s ordered, aligned, and assigned according to the project’s needs.

When there is a construction project that needs to be completed in a quicker way. The contractor would use restoration software to help speed up the process and make sure that everything’s done on time.

Overall, you could think of both systems as helpful, which they are, but pick out the differences based on what you have to have in the product that you use. Next Gear and Xcelerate are both great options for restoration software. Next Gear could be good for contractors who need to plan out complex construction projects with multiple phases. Xcelerate could be a great option for those needing to speed up the entire process and allow team members to go through project workflow at a certain speed without sacrificing quality work in between.

TESTING OUT THE PRODUCTS

Both companies allow you to request a demo product. This is going to be a way for contractors to actually test the product before they commit to anything. 

If a contractor is using Next Gear’s restoration business management tools, they are able to create jobs from scratch. Contractors can also track their equipment, and upload voice notes and images into specific job files. The company also offers a demo of its cloud-based solution to contractors.

Xcelerate does the same in that they also offer the opportunity for contractors to request a demo version of their product. If a contractor uses Xcelerate, they can expect to be able to work from the field with an intuitive mobile application that offers time tracking. They will also be able to reduce their administrative workloads in a significant way with automated, customized, and conditional workflows. In turn, giving more time to identify performance metrics and other important analytics. As well as upload and access documentation, or images associated with projects.

HOW XCELERATE COMPARES TO NEXT GEAR

Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of restoration software, let’s take a closer look at two popular programs: Xcelerate and Next Gear. These programs have some similarities, but they also have some key differences. So how do you choose between them?

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each program to help you decide.

THE PROS AND CONS OF EACH RESTORATION SOFTWARE PROGRAM

Since we’ve looked at both platforms in-depth, let’s focus more on potential pros and cons for each.

XCELERATE:

PROS

  • Most user-friendly option on the market

  • 20- minute learning curve for anyone new to the software

  • Easy to navigate

  • Conditional Task Workflows

  • Digital Scheduling Workflow

  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

  • Integrations with Matterport, QuickBooks, Encircle, Zapier, DocuSketch, and RingCentral

  • Transparent about the price upfront

  • Offer customizable capabilities

  • Ability to integrate with financial tools to allow for financial tracking at the project level

  • Ability to adjust to any size team

  • Responsive Development Team

CONS

  • Work Orders are not currently an offering but are being considered in the development roadmap.

  • CRM functionality is basic and will be enhanced soon in the development roadmap. 

  • Users have had issues tracking equipment as a primary part of the platform but integration with Encircle makes this possible.

NEXT GEAR 

PROS

  • Featured smaller tools such as job pinning and VPASS Scoring

  • Custom job division icons

  • Offline Functionality

  • Third-Party Integrations

  • The workflow builder is beneficial and easy to use

CONS

  • Less transparency with pricing upfront; consultations are the main way to get accurate pricing

  • The user interface may also not be able to save filters on any of the grids offered within the program

  • Difficult to set up and sync with accounting software

  • Long learning curve

Unfortunately, these small issues could make some functions difficult. As with anything, everything has a few bugs.

WHAT TO EXPECT

If we are taking a look at Next Gear, there is not an area to see pricing options, although they do list their products. They offer main products including DASH, LuxorCRM, MICA, and ProAssist. They go into detail about what their products offer, but there is not a price list that corresponds with the services.

They do, however, provide the option for interested contractors to schedule a consultation. This is likely to give customers prices based on what the customer needs. Both companies do, however, offer a free trial option.

Potential contractors that are interested in the services have the ability to reach out to either company’s customer support.

When you are scheduling a consultation with Next Gear to get more information on their services, they ask for basic information. They will want to know if you are a restoration contractor, or if you currently use any of Next Gear’s products.

As mentioned earlier, this is more than likely because the consultation is often used as an opportunity to understand the client’s needs and draft a design proposal including price estimates for the services that will best suit them and their workflow.

 

WHICH RESTORATION SOFTWARE IS THE BEST FOR YOUR BUSINESS

So, you may be wondering which software is best for your business. Well, because both platforms offer some similar features but with different design approaches, it depends on what you need. Both Next Gear and Xcelerate offer a lot of features and benefits, but as we know some key differences between them can help you decide which is better for you.

Take Next Gear for example. You may be able to say that it’s designed for contractors who want to manage their business more efficiently. However, Xcelerate, on the other hand, is aimed at contractors who need to speed up their workflow in an innovative way and manage their business more efficiently, because it has it all.

It includes features like powerful job management, data gathering, and report generation, along with efficient task workflows. All of which can save time and improve accuracy.

If you need to do a lot of heavy lifting in a short amount of time, Xcelerate is the better choice. You should also consider the time it takes to not just learn how to use each system, but how to master each tool within the platforms; and remember, Xcelerate designed their product to only have a 20-minute learning curve.

 

NARROW IT DOWN

Think about the type of work you usually take on or the projects that you usually accept. Determine which system has the tools that you need. Especially if you have multiple complex restoration tasks at once. Or if you need something more tailored to keeping track of job site tasks with large teams. Even if they are in multiple locations.

Each project is different and requires different things. This means that you need a product that is simple to use, adaptable, and easy to grasp in terms of functioning and operation.

What it all comes down to is, Xcelerate’s industry-revolutionizing software allows contractors to reduce administrative workloads and overhead, as well as simplify and expedite information input and retrieval to make the whole team faster and more efficient. Xcelerate has analytics built right into the software to give an at-a-glance assessment of productivity goals, job completion rates, and other key performance indicators. Unlike other software offerings, Xcelerate was built from an in-the-field perspective and sets it completely apart from the rest. 

 

GET WHAT YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS

Both Next Gear and Xcelerate offer powerful tools that can help you streamline your restoration business. However, Xcelerate will work better for businesses that want to take advantage of technology, streamline their business, and restore their power to succeed. 

Request a demo and contact Xcelerate today to see how a solution from Xcelerate could benefit your restoration business!

 

 

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