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

Client-Job Relationship Diagram - Placeholder for visual showing client and job connections

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

Client Search Interface - Placeholder for screenshot showing client search functionality

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:

  1. Use search to find first client
  2. Click "Add Client" or similar action
  3. Search for additional clients
  4. Repeat selection process
  5. Review all selected clients
  6. 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:

  1. Start creating new job
  2. Select "Add New Client" option
  3. Complete client information form
  4. Client is created and linked automatically
  5. 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

New Client Creation Form - Placeholder for screenshot showing client creation during job setup

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

Client Update Interface - Placeholder for screenshot showing client editing with change tracking

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

Client Relationship Mapping - Placeholder for screenshot showing client relationship visualization

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

Client Data Quality Dashboard - Placeholder for screenshot showing data quality metrics and issues

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+