As an independent contractor that specialises in systems and software for the equipment rental industry, I have the privilege of working with businesses across Australian that turnover between from $5M to $500M.
I’m engaged to strategise and deliver projects that improve their bottom line, from streamlining operations, improving asset management and customer experience through to integrating and automating finance systems – my core focus is to set equipment rental businesses up for greater success by optimising process and software
I’ve been in the industry for 20 years and now, reflecting on the tumultuous pandemic-fuelled two years, 2022 marks an interesting point of time. It’s a step change. With COVID restrictions scaled back, the focus has now shifted to “living with COVID”.
But that too has been pushed to the back of our minds with recent weather events devastating Australia’s eastern seaboard. And while this has raised an entirely new set of challenges for business, they are some common themes and lessons we can take away.
So, here’s my thoughts on three (3) trends I’ve personally observed in the equipment rental industry over the past few months – and the questions business owners and operations teams need to be asking in 2022.
Improving Your Bottom Line in A Post Pandemic World
- Internal improvement projects back in the spotlight.
From small, independent outfits to big national businesses, there is a clear trend that businesses are eager to get the wheels moving again. Many projects that were put on the backburner in early 2020 have been reignited and are getting the attention – and investment – they need to get off the ground. So, if you’re not already looking ahead and evaluating your internal systems, expect to get left behind.
Question: What internal projects and improvements do you need to revisit and reprioritise?
If you’re not sure what to focus on, or if you’re overwhelmed by and endless list, our Review process is the place to start. This first step provides a comprehensive audit of your current systems, software and core business functions mapped against your goals and desired growth.
- Living with COVID, a long-term approach.
The sharp rise in COVID case numbers in December 2021 – February 2022 meant many businesses were short staffed while team members isolated and quarantined. This impacted their ability to service customers. However, these disruptions also highlighted many operational – not resourcing – flaws and inefficiencies that already existed in these businesses.
One of the biggest areas for improvement I see on a weekly basis with clients is the need to replace outdated, clunky or time intensive manual systems or procedures. This requires a longer-term view and investment into the right software, infrastructure, set up and training.
Yes, a band aid fix might be the quicker and “easier” route, but you’ll struggle to move forward and be facing the same headaches month after month.
Questions: What needs to be done to automate and streamline our business? How can we reduce the friction in our operations and customer service experience?
- Combating The Great Resignation with skilled, relevant contractors.
There’s been significant media coverage given to the ‘The Great Resignation’ (or ‘The Great Migration’) with businesses struggling to retain team members across various departments within the business as workers ‘explore’ the job market to see what else is out there. Equally the challenges to attract new team members can be time consuming and frustrating
Two things come to mind. Firstly, there’s a big workplace culture piece that underpins this trend, and secondly, it’s about having the right people in place to do the job at hand and if our systems and software make it easy to onboard new team members.
Take my role for instance, delivering software and systems projects that transform organisations. This requires specialist knowledge and experience, yet I often see businesses assign the project to someone in the team with little-to-no relevant experience (and it becomes a task that they dread every second off) based on no alternate choice to lead the project from within.
It’s the biggest driver as to why I offer flexible contractor arrangements with clients because every business has individual needs, and it may not warrant a full-time, in-house role.
Question: How do we best resource this task or project? And in the case of a business change project, do we need an experienced external contractor to drive this project?
Looking for an Independent Systems and Software Specialist?
My name is Trent Fallis and I am owner and Lead Contractor at Rental Services Queensland. We’ve recently launched our new website and you can find out more about how we help equipment rental businesses here: https://rentalservicesqld.com.au/
Headed up by independent contractor, Trent Fallis, Rental Services Queensland has been helping equipment rental business overhaul their operations for close to a decade. Prior to this, Trent held in-house roles spanning operations, management, commercial, IT and safety over a 20 + year career within the Rental Industry.
With strong project management skills and the ability to fit into any project space, Trent is not only tech-savvy but creates design solutions tailored to your needs based on his operational appreciation for the Rental Industry.
We offer end-to-end project management services – including Review, Implementation and Support – through to Ad Hoc support services as and when you need. Get in touch today!