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LMN job aid

Performing a Takeoff in LMN

Accurate estimating is the cornerstone of profitability in landscaping. Whether you’re bidding on a residential patio or a commercial maintenance contract, a proper takeoff is the first and most critical step. In LMN (Landscape Management Network), takeoffs seamlessly integrate into the estimating workflow—automatically turning measurements into material, labor, and equipment costs. This job aid outlines the step-by-step process and pro tips to help estimators achieve precision and efficiency.

What Is a Takeoff?

A takeoff is the process of quantifying the physical dimensions of a landscaping job—like square footage for turf, linear feet for edging, or cubic yards for mulch—and converting them into cost components within an estimate. In LMN, takeoffs automate the population of estimate items, saving time and boosting accuracy.

Step-by-Step: Performing a Takeoff in LMN

1. Navigate to the Dashboard and Access Jobsite Measurement

  • Log in to LMN and go to the Dashboard.
  • From the dashboard, click on Jobsite Measurement.
  • Select New Measurement.

Takeoff

2. Select the Measurement Type

  • Choose the appropriate type for the measurement.
  • Enter Name

Takeoff

3. Locate and Measure the Area

  • To select the area, go to Maps and identify the specific area or location.
  • Use the map tools to collect the measurement data accurately.

Takeoff

4. Return to the LMN Jobsite and Enter Measurement Details

  • After collecting the measurement, go back to the LMN Jobsite screen.

5. Select the Area for Takeoff

  • Click on Measure Site.
  • This action redirects you to the Takeoff Dashboard.

6. Save the Measurement

  • On the Takeoff Dashboard, select the measured area.
  • Click Save to confirm.

7. Repeat for Additional Areas

  • Follow the same procedure for any additional areas that need to be measured.

8. Review Cost Summary

  • As takeoff items are linked, LMN updates the estimate.
  • Review:
    • Total labor hours
    • Material costs
    • Markups and profit margins

 Why Takeoffs Matter?

Performing takeoffs in LMN helps:

  • Eliminate guesswork in estimating.
  • Improve bid accuracy and win rates.
  • Align field expectations with actual time and material requirements.

A precise LMN takeoff sets the stage for profitable, professional landscaping estimates. By following these structured steps, you ensure consistent estimating standards and streamline your bid process. Takeoffs are not just a technical step—they’re the bridge between job vision and job execution.

Download a PDF version of the job aide here.

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Metrics – Navigating, Editing, and Creating in Aspire

Metrics in Aspire allow you to track and visualize key data on your dashboard, helping monitor organizational performance. This guide provides a step-by-step process for understanding, creating, and editing metrics to ensure key data is effectively displayed and monitored.

Understanding Metrics

Metrics act like dashboard dials in a truck, allowing users to gauge business performance at a glance.

  • Locating Metrics: Metrics can be found in the middle column of your Aspire dashboard.
  • Purpose: They help track accounts receivable, work orders, labor hours, and other critical business aspects.

Steps:

1. Access Your Dashboard

  • Log in to your Aspire account.
  • Navigate to the main dashboard, where you can track and manage key metrics.

2. Open the “Purchase to Receive” Options

  • Locate the “Purchase to Receive” section in your dashboard.
  • Click on the three dots next to this section to open additional options.
  • From the dropdown menu, select New to begin creating a new metric.

Metrics

3. Choose “Advanced Search”

  • In the Element Type section, select Advanced Search to refine your search results and filter data efficiently.
  • Choose a saved list (e.g., work orders for the next 30 days).

Metrics

4. Apply the Search Filter

  • Navigate to the Search View section in the settings.
  • Select “Work Ticket | Irrigation Work Tickets Less Than 0% Gross Margin” to focus on underperforming tickets.
  • Ensure this selection helps identify trends and analyze work performance effectively.

Metrics

5. Define the Search Value

  • Go to the Search Value section.
  • Select “Actual Labor Hours” to track work effort and efficiency.
  • Metrics can be configured to track record count, price, or other business values.

Metrics

6. Set the Display Type

  • Navigate to the Display Type settings.
  • Choose from options like number, gauge, or progress bar to best visualize your data.
  • A gauge chart is recommended for tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) at a glance.

Metrics

7. Save and Review Your Settings

  • Review all selected options to ensure accuracy.
  • Click Save to finalize your metric setup.
  • Your new metric will now be available for monitoring and analysis.

Metrics

Editing Metrics

  • Modifying Existing Metrics: Hover over the metric, select “Edit”, and update search values or goals.
  • Adjusting Display Formats: Users can override ranges, set goals, and customize visual formats.

Best Practices for Managing Metrics

  • Keep 8-10 metrics per role to avoid cluttering the dashboard.
  • Collaborate with your team to decide which metrics are most essential.
  • Click into metrics for deeper insights, similar to checking why a truck’s check engine light is on.

Following these steps ensures that your Aspire dashboard displays the most relevant and actionable data. By effectively navigating, editing, and creating metrics, users can optimize business performance and streamline decision-making.

Download a PDF version of the job aide here.

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Job Aides

Creating an Opportunity Template in Aspire

This job aid provides a simple, step-by-step guide to help users create an Opportunity Template in Aspire. Opportunity Templates streamline the estimating process for recurring or similar job types by standardizing labor rates, materials, and travel time. They also enhance consistency across proposals and save valuable time by eliminating the need to build estimates from scratch.

Steps to Create an Opportunity Template in Aspire

1. Go to Opportunities

  • Navigate to the Opportunities.

creating opp temp 1

2. Select the Source Opportunity

  • Search for and open the opportunity you want to use as a template.

creating opp temp 2

3. Open the Options Menu and Save as Template

  • Click the three-dot menu in the upper-left corner of the screen.
  • Select Save as Template from the dropdown options.

creating opp temp 3

4. Assign Template Access by Branch & Save the Template

  • In the Save Opportunity Template screen, choose the branches that should have access to this template.
  • For Work Order templates, optionally check the Quick Ticket Template box if applicable. This option is not available for Contract opportunities.
  • Click Save to complete the process.
  • The template will automatically adopt the name of the original opportunity. If needed, you can rename it later under the Administration settings.

creating opp temp 4

By following these simple steps, you can create Opportunity Templates that promote consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in your estimating workflow. Templates are a smart way to save time and improve proposal quality across your organization.

Download a PDF version of the job aide here.

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Job Aides

Issues – Creating, Updating, and Completing in Aspire

Managing issues efficiently in Aspire is crucial for smooth operations in accounts receivable. This guide outlines the steps to create, update, and complete an issue in the Aspire dashboard. Follow these instructions to ensure accurate issue tracking and resolution.

Creating an Issue

Issues in Aspire allow for efficient tracking and resolution. Below are the steps to create a new issue in the system:

1. Access Your Dashboard and Click on “New”

    • Log in to your Aspire account.
    • Navigate to the dashboard where you can manage issues.
    • In the Aspire dashboard, click on the “New” button.
    • Select “New Issue” from the dropdown menu to begin creating an issue.

Issues

2. Mention Assigned To, then Set Priority and Mention Due Date 

    • Specify the person responsible for handling the issue.
    • Choose the priority level for the issue (e.g., High, Medium, Low).
    • Enter the deadline by which the issue should be resolved.

Issues

3. Add What the Issue is Regarding, Select Category and Mention Opportunity (if applicable)

    • Provide relevant details about the issue to ensure clarity.
    • Choose a category for the issue (e.g., “Complaint”).
    • If applicable, select “Create New Opportunity” to associate the issue with an opportunity.

Issues

4. Enter Subject

    • Provide a clear and concise subject for the issue.
    • If client inclusion is needed, check the box at the top of the form.

Issues

5. Click Save

    • After filling out all the necessary information, click Save to log the issue into the system.
    • Review the issue created on the dashboard.

Issues

By following these steps, you can efficiently create, update, and complete issues in Aspire. Proper issue management helps maintain accuracy in accounts receivable, ensuring seamless workflow and improved resolution tracking.

Download a PDF version of the job aide here.

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Job Aides

Creating an Appointment in Aspire 

Appointments in Aspire help organize communication and task management, especially when handling accounts receivable. By scheduling clear and timely meetings with relevant stakeholders, you ensure better follow-ups, accountability, and workflow efficiency. This job aid walks you through the simple steps to create an appointment within Aspire.

Steps to Create a New Appointment in Aspire

1. Click on the Plus Icon on the Aspire Dashboard and Select New Appointment

  • Navigate to the main dashboard.
  • Click on the “+” icon.
  • Select New Appointment from the dropdown menu.

Appointment

2. Enter What It’s ‘Regarding’ and Add Attendees

  • Fill in the Regarding field to specify the appointment’s purpose.
  • Add relevant Attendees to ensure appropriate involvement.

Appointment

3. Enter Start and End Dates

  • Set the Start Date and End Date for the appointment.
  • Ensure the timeframe reflects the actual meeting or task duration.

Appointment

4. Enter the Subject Line and Then Write Notes

  • Type a clear Subject Line summarizing the appointment.
  • Use the Notes section for important details or discussion points.

Appointment

5. Click on Save

  • Review all filled fields.
  • Click Save to finalize and schedule the appointment.

AppointmentCreating appointments in Aspire ensures proper scheduling and documentation for accounts receivable activities. Following these simple steps helps maintain clarity, improve collaboration, and keep important financial tasks on track.

Download a PDF version of the job aide here.

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Job Aides

Creating a Change Order on Work Order Opportunities

This job aid provides a simple, step-by-step guide to help users create a Change Order on existing Work Order Opportunities in Aspire. A Change Order allows teams to add or update services after an opportunity is already in production. This is especially useful when your customer requests extra work beyond the original estimate. The following instructions ensure you can apply these changes quickly and accurately within the Aspire system.

Steps to Create a Change Order on Work Order Opportunities

1. Go to Opportunities and Search for the Opportunity

  • Go to Opportunities.
  • Search the opportunities by opportunity number.

Opportunities

2. Click on Add Change Order

  • Click the three-dot menu beside Save.
  • Select Add Change Order and click Save.

Opportunities

3. Enable the Change Order

  • Scroll down and tick the
  • Change Order checkbox.

4. Add Optional Enhancements

  • Go to Estimate → Optional Services.
  • Add each service: Enhancement: Enhancement                                                                                                                                                       Mulch Installation                                                                                                                                                                           Irrigation Repairs
  • For each, search “labor” and select Enhancement Labor (Hide) (E).

5. Update Quantity for Each Optional Service

  • Adjust the quantities for each of the optional services you added, as required.

6. Click on Estimate Complete

  • On the upper-right side, click the three dots.
  • Select Estimate Complete from the dropdown menu.

Opportunities

7. Click on Won

  • Again, click the three dots.
  • Select Won, and then click Confirm to finalize the change order.

Opportunities

By following these simple steps, you can create and process Change Orders in Aspire with ease. This ensures that updates or additions to work orders are reflected accurately in both your estimates and billing. Properly managing change orders helps keep your records clean, your customer’s expectations clear, and your accounts receivable accurate.

Download a PDF version of the job aide here.

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Job Aides

Creating Tasks in Aspire

Effectively managing tasks in Aspire helps streamline workflows and ensure important activities are completed efficiently. This job aid provides step-by-step instructions on how to create and track tasks in Aspire.

Steps to Create a Task in Aspire:

1. Log in to Aspire

  • Access your Aspire account.
  • Navigate to the Tasks section from the Quick Menu.

tasks

2. Add a New Task

  • Select the contact in the “Assigned To” field.
  • Choose the “Regarding” option from the dropdown menu.
  • Select the Start Date and Due Date for the task.
  • Choose the Priority and Category of the task.
  • Enter a Subject for the task.
  • Add a note if necessary.
  • Click “Save” to finalize the task. The task is now saved successfully.

tasks

3. Manage and Complete Tasks

Return to the Aspire dashboard and navigate to the “Activities” section to find created tasks.

  • Go to the “Activities” section.

Use the search function to locate the task by entering its “Regarding” details. This will display the task for tracking and management.

  • Select the newly added task.
  • Click “Save” to update the task status.

Managing and Completing Tasks:

  • Tasks will remain on your To-Do List until marked as complete.
  • Completed tasks stay linked to their associated records for tracking purposes.
  • Use dashboard views to monitor and manage tasks efficiently.

Effectively utilizing tasks in Aspire helps maintain organized workflows and ensures timely completion of internal activities. Following these steps will enhance task management within your organization.

Download a PDF version of the job aide here.

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Job Aides

Tracking Month-Over-Month Earned Revenue Percentage in Aspire

Managing earned revenue in Aspire helps track financial performance over time. By updating the earned revenue percentage for work tickets, accounts receivable teams can gain insights into revenue generated each month.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to modify and analyze earned revenue in Aspire.

Process Flow

1. Open Aspire Tab and Go to Work Tickets

  • Log in to Aspire and navigate to the main dashboard.
  • Go to the “Work Tickets” section to search for the relevant work ticket using the assigned Opportunity Number or Contract Number.

Revenue Percentage

2.  Enter Your Work Ticket Number

  • Use the search bar to enter the work ticket number and find the specific job-related ticket.

Revenue Percentage

3. Click on the Work Ticket and Access Options

  • Once the correct work ticket is located, open it and access additional options by selecting the three dots next to the “Save” button.

4. Edit Earned Revenue Option and Add Revenue Month and Amount One by One

  • From the dropdown menu, choose “Edit Earned Revenue” to update the revenue details.
  • Enter the revenue details by adding the month and corresponding revenue amount. 
  • Click “Save” to apply changes.

5. Click Save to Save the Work Ticket

  • Ensure all updates are stored by clicking “Save” on the work ticket.

6. Reopen the Same Work Ticket, Go to Edit Earned Revenue, and Then Edit and Increase Revenue Amount

  • Reopen the work ticket, navigate back to the “Edit Earned Revenue” option, and adjust the revenue amount as needed.

Revenue Percentage

7. Click Save and Save the Work Ticket

  • After making the necessary changes, click “Save” again and confirm the updates by saving the work ticket.

8. Review Revenue Percentage Updates

  • The updated revenue amount will reflect in the earned revenue percentage, showing the increase compared to the previous month.

By following these steps, users can efficiently track and update earned revenue in Aspire. This process ensures accurate financial insights, allowing accounts receivable teams to monitor month-over-month revenue changes and make informed decisions.

Download a PDF version of the job aide here.

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Over/Under Revenue Reporting in Aspire

This job aid provides a step-by-step guide for generating and adjusting Over/Under Revenue reports in Aspire’s accounts receivable module. It ensures invoiced amounts align with earned revenue. Use this guide to streamline your reporting tasks and maintain accurate financial records.

Steps to Generate and Adjust Over/Under Revenue Reports

  1. Click on Reports
  • Navigate to the “Reports” section from the main menu.

Over/Under

  1. Select Standard Reports
  • From the list of available reports, choose “Standard Reports.”

Over/Under

  1. Select the Date Range to All Time
  • Adjust the date range filter to “All Time” to include all records.

Over/Under

  1. Scroll Down to the Bottom and Select the Over/Under of the Last Report Revenue
  • Locate the “Over/Under” section at the bottom of the report page and select the relevant report.

Over/Under

  1. Click on the Display Icon Right Side of Filter
  • Use the display icon to open the report customization options.

  1. Delete the Field Names
  • Remove any existing field names to prepare for customization.

Over/Under

  1. Click on Select, Add Field Names Such As Job Type, Start Date, End Date, Adjust Over and Under, Then Click Apply
  • Select and add the following field names:
  • Job Type
  • Start Date
  • End Date
  • Adjust Over and Under
  • Click “Apply” to save the changes.

  1. Click on Sorting Icon  and Sort as Per Opportunity Number in Ascending Order
  • Open the sorting menu using the up and down arrow icon.
  • Arrange the report data by “Opportunity Number” in ascending order.

  1. Again Click on Sort Icon and Select End Date in Ascending Order and Click Apply
  • Perform a second sort by “End Date” in ascending order. Click “Apply” to finalize.

Following these steps ensures your Over/Under Revenue reports are accurate and customized for effective analysis. Properly adjusted reports provide clarity on earned and invoiced revenue, enabling better financial decision-making.

Download a PDF version of the job aide here.

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Job Aides

Sales Commission Report in Aspire

The Sales Commission Report in Aspire helps track commission payments based on sales performance. This report is essential for accounts receivable to determine unpaid amounts, payment dates, and commission eligibility. Follow the steps below to generate and export the report.

Steps to Generate the Sales Commission Report

1. Login to Aspire Dashboard then Go to Reports and Select Standard Reports

  • Log in to Aspire.
  • Navigate to the dashboard.
  • Click on the “Reports” section.
  • Select “Standard Reports” from the list.

Sales Commission

2. Click on Sales Commission

  • Find and select “Sales Commission” from the available reports.

Sales Commission

3. Sort and Select Default Search System Then Click on Filter

  • Choose the “Default Search System.”
  • Click on the “Filter” option.

Sales Commission

4. Enter Desired Field Name Such as Unpaid Amount And Date Paid Then Select the Duration and Click Apply

  • Type in the specific field name, such as “Unpaid Amount.”
  • Enter the “Date Paid.”
  • Choose the required time period for the report.
  • Apply the selected filters to generate the report.

Sales Commission

5. Click on the Icon Left to Three Dots, Now Click on Three Dots

  • Find the small icon located to the left of the three-dot menu and click it.
  • Click on the three-dot menu for additional options.

Sales Commission

6. Select Export to Excel All Fields

  • Choose “Export to Excel – All Fields” to download the complete report.

Sales Commission

By following these steps, you can efficiently generate and export the Sales Commission Report in Aspire. This report helps in tracking commissions, verifying unpaid amounts, and ensuring accurate payouts based on company policies. Once exported, the data can be reviewed, formatted, and sent for approval before processing payroll.

Download a PDF version of the job aide here.