1-800-GOT-JUNK? launches mobile app to improve business efficiencies

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The next evolution of junk removal has arrived for the world's largest junk removal company. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? has unveiled its new mobile application prototype to franchise partners attending the company's annual conference in Vancouver. MobiJunk is the result of several months of hard work by software developer, Gargoyle Software, Inc., and the business technology team at 1-800-GOT-JUNK?. The app was funded in part by a research and development grant designed to support enterprises to increase productivity growth through adoption of digital technologies.

"We needed a solution to remain efficient and customer-focused in a business landscape that's rapidly growing when it comes to technology," explains 1-800-GOT-JUNK? Vice President of Business Technology, Andy Parkins. "Junk has to be mobile if we are to succeed in this new environment, and to that end we have developed this platform to give our front-line employees the tools to provide superior customer service and responsiveness."

Truck team members have traditionally followed a paper schedule. SMS messaging dispatches new jobs and updated job information is available via a rudimentary WAP interface.  Paper and pencil are common utensils and customers are still given carbon copies of hand-written receipts. MobiJunk  will change all that, providing a rich interface to deal with job information on the front lines in real time.

1-800-GOT-JUNK?'s operational mobility strategy for 2013 includes 3 phases. Phase 1 focuses on key business functions, including invoicing and dispatching; route journal completions; customer data access; and commercial account details. Phase 2 adds mobile reporting analytics to the application, which will provide the team members and franchise partners real time metrics to easily capture revenue. Phase 3 will bring media focus to the mobile service by adding in even more useful functions, such as before and after photos. MobiJunk is currently available on the iPhone and android platforms.

Parkins says a key goal of the project is to provide a modern usability experience – the right tools, at the right time, in the right place -  for franchise partners and their teams. "We are striving to develop a product in which usability meets gamification to make the experience more fun and encourage user engagement."

When 1-800-GOT-JUNK? began franchising more than 10 years ago it was considered a relatively low tech company. Now, it's anything but, as Parkins explains. "This company is all about innovation. It's one of our four pillars of success. When you think you can't do something, think again until you realize you can. That's what will position us for the technology explosion that's coming."

About 1-800-GOT-JUNK?
1-800-GOT-JUNK? is pioneering an industry that is helping residents and businesses remove junk and regain space. Whether it's a pile of household junk in the garage or a warehouse full of office furnishings, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? removes it for you, making the ordinary business of junk removal exceptional. We are passionate about recycling and donating to charity. 1-800-GOT-JUNK? was founded in 1989 and now operates throughout North America and Australia. For more information, visit www.1800gotjunk.com.

SOURCE 1-800-GOT-JUNK?