Relying extensively on paper-based processes for their operations, Lake Restoration faced challenges in accurately collecting information at wet job sites, where field applicators struggled to record details effectively. The damp conditions often led to damaged or unreadable documentation which led the team to seek a digital form solution that could seamlessly integrate with their CRM platform, Acumatica.
By integrating GoFormz with Acumatica, Lake Restoration established a seamless flow of information between their office personnel and field applicators. This integration not only streamlines their internal processes but also enhances communication, improves customer satisfaction, and transforms their operations into a modern, mobile workforce.
Pond Treatment Form
Lake Treatment Form
Project Treatment Form
Located in Rogers, Minnesota, Lake Restoration has been dedicated to the restoration of lakes and ponds since 1977. Every year, they provide their aquatic plant management services to numerous home and cabin owners, encompassing swimming areas and ponds of varying dimensions. Their unique range of products empowers customers to address diverse pond weed issues through user-friendly, self-administered solutions.
For the last 45 years, Lake Restoration has conducted all of their business on paper. “But here we are in 2023 and it was about time we made a switch to digital,” noted Brian Kretsch, Vice President of Operations at Lake Restoration.
Lake Restoration has three variations of treatment records that are completed in the field. “We’re required by law to keep all our treatment records for seven years. Since every treatment we do has been on paper for the last 45 years, we’ve acquired many boxes in our warehouse,” explained Kretsch. Not only was there a rigid filing structure in place, but Kretsch also pointed out another complication of their paper-based process. “As we all know, paper and water don't mix too well. So when we’re out there on lakes and ponds every day, it’s a lot easier to move to a tablet with a waterproof case than having that issue of punching holes through the paper with a pen.”
“So when we’re out there on lakes and ponds every day, it’s a lot easier to move to a tablet with a waterproof case than having that issue of punching holes through the paper with a pen.”
– Brian Kretsch, VP of Operations, Lake Restoration
Recognizing a clear need to enhance their existing processes, Kretsch began looking for a record-keeping system that could integrate with Acumatica, their CRM system. “I was looking through the Acumatica Marketplace and came across GoFormz,” recalled Kretsch. “I started having conversations with the GoFormz team and I felt like they had a great understanding of what we needed and what they could provide. It felt like a great fit.”
Lake Restoration turned to GoFormz to digitize their paper-based processes. “All of our records that were stored in boxes are now in GoFormz, which makes it a lot easier, especially since there’s the ability to search online for the file rather than go find which box you need and locate the correct paper,” he continued. “GoFormz has been extremely helpful from an organizational standpoint.”
“GoFormz has been extremely helpful from an organizational standpoint.”
– Brian Kretsch, VP of Operations, Lake Restoration
With every new software, comes a learning curve. “Everyone in the office was switching from a 45-year-old process to a new, innovative software, which is never an easy task to take on,” pointed out Kretsch. “But as soon as we got the hang of it and completed a couple of forms, it was really straightforward.” Meanwhile, the applicators in the field had a seamless transition. “It was pretty much instantaneous on the applicator side - they loved it,” noted Kretsch. “They weren’t carrying around a stack of papers, it was all right there on the tablet. They loved everything about GoFormz from the get-go.”
“They weren’t carrying around a stack of papers, it was all right there on the tablet. They loved everything about GoFormz from the get-go.”
– Brian Kretsch, VP of Operations, Lake Restoration
With a seamless transition from paper to digital, Lake Restoration’s data capture capabilities skyrocketed. “Since we have three different types of treatments we capture - whether we’re on lakes, ponds, or projects - all these forms require different information,” explained Kretsch. “Whether it’s as simple as what time we started, the date we started, or as detailed as the wind or temperature that day, certain information is required for us to document.” He continued to explain, “Because we’re dealing with mother nature, being able to go back and say, ‘hey it was really windy that day or the conditions were perfect on this day when we did the treatment,’ is great because it makes sure we’re getting the right results.”
Since integrating with Acumatica was a crucial component of Lake Restoration’s digital form platform selection, they collaborated with an implementation partner, Asgard Alliance, to help facilitate the change. “Asgard Alliance did a great job of being prompt and knowing everything from the inside out on both the Acumatica and GoFormz side to make this a smooth transition,” expressed Kretsch. “They walked us through everything to make sure we knew everything we needed to know and to make sure we knew where the information was from coming and going to.” Facing a tight deadline, Lake Restoration needed swift completion of this implementation. “We were able to have a finalized product right before our busy season.”
With their integration configured, Lake Restoration’s internal processes were immediately improved. “Our digital record-keeping has helped bring more organization into our daily operations,” Kretsch explained. “The GoFormz-Acumatica integration has increased the communication between our office staff and our applicators in the field,” he continued. “If customers have any concerns, we can instantly update our applicators and make sure we’re doing exactly what our customers want. Increasing that communication across the entire platform has been one of the biggest improvements we’ve seen.”
“The GoFormz-Acumatica integration has increased the communication between our office staff and our applicators in the field.”
– Brian Kretsch, VP of Operations, Lake Restoration