Ridgid, known for hand and power tools and video inspection cameras like the Ridgid SeeSnake Mini, announced today the launch of RIDGIDConnect — a first-of-its-kind online business tool designed for contractors and service professionals to allow them to securely share and store job site information via a computer, laptop or smart phone.
RIDGIDConnect creates a digital platform for professionals such as plumbers, HVAC technicians and facilities managers to store job site photos and videos, job reports and histories, maintenance records, customer lists, and other files needed for recordkeeping. The online tool enables subscribers to share information with customers, other contractors and third parties. Ridgid unveiled the new subscription-based service at the AHR Expo 2010, the international HVAC/R trade exposition which took place in Orlando, FL.
“Think of this online tool as the contractor’s version of an electronic medical record for each of their customers. We conducted hundreds of hours of research with contractors and maintenance professionals to identify their needs and make sure our online tool could easily and quickly be adopted to help manage their digital assets.“
– Jay Gatz, vice president of strategic planning, RIDGID
It looks like pricing for the service will run between $49 – $129/month according to information received on a conference call shared with industry professionals last week. For most companies this will be well worth it if the software proves to be as accessible and well-designed as Ridgid has proposed. RIDGIDConnect is available in four subscription plans to suit the needs of businesses and organizations of various sizes. Payments are made on a monthly basis. The subscription plans are:
- Basic ($49.99 per month)
- Plus ($79.99 per month)
- Premier ($129.99 per month)
- Enterprise (based on consultation findings)
RIDGIDConnect is designed to meet three primary contractor needs when it comes to handling information and digital media assets: Share, Store and Simplify.
RIDGIDConnect: Share
The “Share“ aspect of RIDGIDConnect enables professionals to overcome communication challenges previously associated with digital media assets. RIDGIDConnect subscribers have the ability to:
- Prepare and send detailed, professional job reports that include notes and customer details to multiple recipients.
- Edit and narrate digital media (videos and photos) to provide concise, easy-to-follow explanations.
- Control recipients’ access privileges.
RIDGIDConnect: Store
RIDGIDConnect stores and protects a professional’s digital assets on a secure and continually backed-up system, including:
- Detailed customer lists and job histories.
- Uploaded digital media from inspection tools (any manufacturer) and digital recording devices.
- Project files and records.
RIDGIDConnect: Simplify
RIDGIDConnect simplifies and bridges the technology gap by:
- Eliminating the need to copy digital files to DVDs, CDs or USB flash drives.
- Lessening the back-and-forth explanation between clients and/or co-workers.
- Providing around-the-clock access to records from any location.
- Utilizing RIDGIDConnect mobile to conduct business in the field via a smart phone.
RIDGIDConnect is available in four subscription plans to suit the needs of businesses and organizations of various sizes. To register for a free 30-day trial or for additional information about RIDGIDConnect, visit www.RIDGIDConnect.com.
