No matter what your goals for the year are, it’s likely you already have the tools at hand to help you achieve them, particularly when it comes to your practice technology. For example, the software your practice uses on a daily basis isn’t just useful for performing clinic tasks, it’s also a powerful tool that – when used to its full capability – can help make significant advances towards your practice goals.
The software you’re using comes with an array of sophisticated functionality. However, if you’re like most veterinary professionals, you’re probably under-utilising it and not using it to its full potential. If harnessed properly, your practice software makes it significantly easier for your team to perform tasks, improving the overall efficiency in your practice.
There are likely specific features in your software or integrated with your software that align with a specific goal you’ve made for your practice. Unlocking these tools will help you reach that particular goal. Here are some examples:
Goal: Increasing customer numbers
If your goal is to increase customer numbers there will are features and tools you can utilize to reach this goal. With client acquisition, this could include launching a modern website with an online booking portal, which will make it easier for new customers to learn about your practice and book their first appointment. This would then be supported by the right reporting that allows you to track new customer numbers against your goal.
Goal: Increasing revenue
Similarly, if your goal is to increase practice revenue, this could require a more detailed inventory management process that enables you to accurately track stock levels, usage and wastage against incoming revenue so you can adjust pricing accordingly. Covetrus research has found that the average practice can lose almost $50,000 over three years without the proper utilization of inventory software.
Goal: Increase customer retention and compliance
If your goal is to increase customer retention and compliance levels, you’d want to leverage your practice software for automated communications for recall and reminder notifications. Ideally, these should link to an online booking portal so customers can easily schedule appointments for when it suits them, as well as manage their bookings. An integrated tool like Rapport reduces the admin work from staff and syncs directly with your software.
Software is a powerful tool that can help your practice be more effective and efficient. By utilizing the right features, this will help make it easier for your practice to achieve its goals.
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that no matter how state-of-the-art and powerful the technology is, it’s not much help if your team is not able to use it to its full capacity.
As part of your half-yearly goals review, make sure your team has received adequate training and is comfortable using your current software for everything they’re hoping to do or already doing. It also pays to offer the opportunity for your staff to do refresher courses and upskill if wanted. And, if you’re looking to use a new tool or part of the software that your team isn’t familiar with, make sure they get training to get up to speed.
Covetrus offers a range of training options to fit in with your team’s needs and capabilities. To learn more about the training Covetrus provides and how to book your team in, contact us today.