What are ISN Smart Scheduling Recommendations?
Inspector recommendations have been available in ISN, but now they’re smarter! This new feature makes it easier and more efficient to assign inspectors to orders. How did we do it? We improved how we recommend inspectors during the scheduling process to ensure the correct inspector gets to the right inspection at the right time.
To do that, ISN looks at your current settings and analyzes data behind the scenes to provide a ranked list of inspectors who are:
Close to the order being scheduled (based on zip code and calendar)
Available at the time of the order
Able to perform at least one of the services on the order
For agents, we're also unveiling ‘preferred inspectors,’ so if you're a preferred inspector of an agent on the order, this new algorithm takes that into account as well.
Note: Smart Scheduling is available in both the Order Form and the Online Scheduler v3 (OSv3).
How smarter scheduling benefits inspectors, agents, and clients
As an inspection company grows, so does the complexity associated with the scheduling process for inspectors and office staff. Fortunately, Smart Scheduling Recommendations eliminates the headache of pairing inspectors with bookings and benefits everyone involved.
Inspectors
For inspectors and staff who schedule orders using the Order Form, this functionality reduces the time spent checking the most common criteria (listed above) for assigning inspectors to an order. Inspectors and their staff will also save time re-booking or editing orders that may have been booked without taking the above factors into consideration.
Example: Smart Scheduling Recommendations in the Order Form
To see the Smart Scheduler, click the ‘Inspectors Date/Time’ tab for the order:
Agents and homebuyers
For agents and homebuyers using ISN's Online Scheduler v3, the new algorithm automatically recommends available inspectors nearby at the date and time of the order, an agent’s preferred inspector (if applicable), and who can perform the requested services. As a result, this helps reduce the number of contacts agents and homebuyers receive from their inspection company confirming the order or suggesting alternate dates and times for their order. A bonus is that it may lead to clients trusting their chosen inspection company more as well.
Example: Preferred inspector widget in an agent’s profile
To add a preferred inspector, visit the ‘Clients/Agents’ tab, click ‘Agents,’ and ‘Edit Agent:’
Required settings to enable Smart Scheduling Recommendations
Earlier, we mentioned that ISN “looks” at your current settings, and we want to assure inspectors that we mean exactly what we say – it LOOKS, it does not TOUCH. We will NOT in any way change or edit your settings – we leave that entirely in your hands.
In fact, to take advantage of the benefits of Smart Scheduling Recommendations, YOU will need to take action and update your own settings:
Schedule and calendar settings
Calendar > My Online Schedule: All settings must be enabled, and preferred options for distance calculations and inspectors' starting points (home address or office) should be entered. Note: if office address is used for inspectors' starting locations, it must be entered here: Settings > Office Settings > Contact Information
Online Scheduler version 3 (OSv3): You must use OSv3 to take advantage of this feature for your clients and agents.
OSv3 Settings: You must have this option enabled in the OS settings: ‘Display the Calendar after Package & Service selection, which is later in the scheduling process.’ This ensures that clients/agents have selected services/packages before selecting the date, time, and inspector.
Agent settings
Agents > Edit Agents: If agents have preferred inspectors (or those to exclude), the names should be reflected in each agent's profile to ensure that Smart Scheduling Recommendations reflect their preferences.
Settings > Office Settings > Agent and Agency Settings: Check the box labeled ‘Enable Users with Owner and Office Administrator permissions to choose preferred or excluded inspectors to work with.’
Feedback welcome
Whether you're an inspector, office staff, or an agent in the scheduling process, these new recommendations will save you time and improve your day-to-day operations. We’re excited to see you begin using the functionality in all your future orders and let us know what you think once you’ve tried it out. Keep the feedback coming because we love to see it!