Client Management in Jobs
Effectively manage client relationships and information within the job system to maintain accurate records and streamline communication.
Client-Job Relationships
Understanding how clients connect to jobs is essential for proper project management and communication.
Client Linking Basics
One-to-Many Relationships:
- Multiple jobs can be linked to the same client
- Client information is shared across all linked jobs
- Changes to client details affect all related jobs
- Historical job records maintain client associations
Many-to-Many Relationships:
- Single jobs can have multiple clients
- Useful for projects involving multiple stakeholders
- Each client maintains independent contact information
- Separate communication preferences per client
Image Prompt: Diagram showing client records connected to multiple jobs, and individual jobs connected to multiple clients, with connecting lines and relationship indicators.
Client Information Storage
Core Client Data:
- Company/organization name
- Primary contact person
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Physical addresses
- Website information
Extended Information:
- Contact preferences
- Service history
- Billing details
- Special requirements
- Notes and comments
Linking Existing Clients
Client Search Process
Search Methods:
- Name-based search (partial matches supported)
- Email address lookup
- Phone number search
- Company name search
- Advanced filter combinations
Search Tips:
- Use partial names for broader results
- Try different spelling variations
- Search by contact person name
- Use wildcard characters when available
Image Prompt: Screenshot of client search interface with search bar, filter options, search results list showing client cards with names, contact info, and "Select" buttons.
Multi-Client Selection
Selecting Multiple Clients:
- Use search to find first client
- Click "Add Client" or similar action
- Search for additional clients
- Repeat selection process
- Review all selected clients
- Confirm client associations
Client Roles:
- Primary client (main contact)
- Secondary clients (stakeholders)
- Billing contact (if different)
- Technical contact (for specialized work)
Client Validation
Verification Steps:
- Confirm client information accuracy
- Validate contact details
- Check for duplicate entries
- Verify company associations
- Update outdated information
Data Quality Checks:
- Email format validation
- Phone number formatting
- Address completeness
- Required field completion
- Conflict resolution
Creating New Clients
In-Line Client Creation
During Job Creation:
- Start creating new job
- Select "Add New Client" option
- Complete client information form
- Client is created and linked automatically
- Continue with job creation process
Quick Client Form:
- Streamlined for essential information
- Required fields only initially
- Can be expanded later for full details
- Immediate availability for job linking
Image Prompt: Screenshot of inline client creation form within job creation process, showing client information fields and save/cancel options.
Complete Client Profiles
Full Client Creation:
- Access through dedicated client management
- Complete all available fields
- Set communication preferences
- Configure billing information
- Add detailed notes and history
Client Information Categories:
Contact Information:
- Primary contact name
- Job title/role
- Direct phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Preferred contact methods
Business Information:
- Company name and type
- Industry classification
- Business registration details
- Tax identification numbers
- Website and social media
Address Information:
- Billing address
- Service addresses
- Mailing address (if different)
- Geographic service areas
- Location-specific notes
Service Details:
- Service level agreements
- Response time requirements
- Special handling instructions
- Equipment/system details
- Historical service notes
Data Validation Rules
Required Fields:
- Client name (company or individual)
- At least one contact method
- Service address (for field work)
- Basic company information
Format Validation:
- Email addresses must be valid format
- Phone numbers in accepted format
- Postal codes match country standards
- Website URLs properly formatted
Business Rules:
- No duplicate client names within company
- Contact information must be reachable
- Service addresses must be complete
- Emergency contacts when required
Client Information Management
Updating Client Details
Information Changes:
- Contact person updates
- Address changes
- Phone/email modifications
- Business information updates
- Service requirement changes
Change Impact:
- Updates affect all linked jobs
- Historical data preservation
- Audit trail maintenance
- Notification to relevant team members
Image Prompt: Screenshot of client editing interface with fields highlighted to show changes, version history sidebar, and confirmation dialog for updates affecting multiple jobs.
Client Communication Preferences
Contact Method Preferences:
- Primary communication channel
- Emergency contact procedures
- Business hours restrictions
- Response time expectations
- Language preferences
Notification Settings:
- Job status updates
- Appointment confirmations
- Completion notifications
- Billing communications
- Emergency alerts
Client History and Notes
Activity Tracking:
- Job history with client
- Communication logs
- Service incidents
- Billing history
- Performance metrics
Notes Management:
- General client notes
- Service-specific information
- Communication preferences
- Special requirements
- Escalation procedures
Advanced Client Features
Client Categories and Tags
Classification Systems:
- Client type categories
- Service level tiers
- Industry classifications
- Geographic regions
- Custom tag systems
Benefits:
- Improved organization
- Targeted communication
- Service customization
- Reporting capabilities
- Workflow automation
Client Relationships
Hierarchical Structures:
- Parent companies
- Subsidiary relationships
- Branch offices
- Department divisions
- Contact hierarchies
Network Connections:
- Related companies
- Referral sources
- Partnership relationships
- Vendor connections
- Competitive relationships
Image Prompt: Screenshot showing client relationship diagram with parent company at center, connected subsidiary offices, and relationship types labeled on connecting lines.
Client Analytics
Performance Metrics:
- Job completion rates
- Response times
- Client satisfaction scores
- Revenue per client
- Service frequency
Trend Analysis:
- Service usage patterns
- Seasonal variations
- Growth trajectories
- Problem areas
- Opportunity identification
Client Communication
Contact Management
Multiple Contacts:
- Primary contact designation
- Secondary contacts
- Emergency contacts
- Technical contacts
- Billing contacts
Contact Roles:
- Decision makers
- Technical liaisons
- Administrative contacts
- Billing representatives
- Emergency responders
Communication Tracking
Communication History:
- Phone call logs
- Email correspondence
- Meeting notes
- Service communications
- Issue resolution tracking
Documentation Standards:
- Consistent format requirements
- Date/time stamps
- Participant identification
- Action item tracking
- Follow-up scheduling
Automated Communications
System-Generated Messages:
- Job status updates
- Appointment confirmations
- Service completion notices
- Billing notifications
- Emergency alerts
Customization Options:
- Message templates
- Client-specific content
- Timing preferences
- Delivery methods
- Response handling
Troubleshooting Client Issues
Common Client Problems
Client Not Found:
- Check spelling variations
- Try partial name searches
- Search by alternate contact methods
- Verify company database
- Check archived clients
Cannot Link Client to Job:
- Verify client is active
- Check user permissions
- Ensure client belongs to same company
- Validate required fields
- Clear browser cache
Client Information Not Updating:
- Check edit permissions
- Verify required fields completed
- Look for validation errors
- Ensure network connectivity
- Try different browser
Data Quality Issues
Duplicate Clients:
- Identify duplicate entries
- Compare and merge information
- Update job associations
- Remove redundant records
- Prevent future duplicates
Inconsistent Information:
- Standardize data formats
- Validate contact information
- Update outdated details
- Reconcile conflicting data
- Establish data quality rules
Missing Information:
- Identify incomplete records
- Prioritize critical missing data
- Contact clients for updates
- Use data validation tools
- Implement completion requirements
Image Prompt: Screenshot of data quality dashboard showing client record completeness percentages, duplicate detection results, and data validation status with action items.
Best Practices
Client Data Management
Data Accuracy:
- Regular information updates
- Validation at point of entry
- Periodic data audits
- Client self-service updates
- Staff training on data quality
Privacy and Security:
- Secure information storage
- Access control implementation
- Data backup procedures
- Privacy compliance
- Confidentiality agreements
Client Relationship Management
Communication Excellence:
- Consistent communication standards
- Response time commitments
- Professional correspondence
- Clear expectation setting
- Regular relationship reviews
Service Quality:
- Service level agreements
- Performance monitoring
- Feedback collection
- Continuous improvement
- Client satisfaction measurement
System Integration
CRM Integration:
- Customer relationship management sync
- Lead management connectivity
- Sales pipeline integration
- Marketing automation links
- Support ticket coordination
External System Connections:
- Accounting system integration
- Communication platform links
- Document management sync
- Scheduling system connections
- Reporting tool integration
Related Documentation
Last updated: [Current Date] | For Buildefine v2.0+
