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Pipeline: FAQ for Mobile & Desktop
Pipeline: FAQ for Mobile & Desktop

Explore Housecall Pro's Pipeline FAQs for managing jobs, estimates, and leads.

K
Written by Katie H
Updated over 2 months ago

Overview

Discover how to use Housecall Pro's Pipeline to manage your jobs, estimates, and leads more effectively. This FAQ guide provides simple answers to common questions, helping you understand key features and how to customize your board for better workflow. Whether you’re on your phone or using a computer, this guide will help you streamline your tasks and boost your productivity.

If you don't yet have the feature, you can visit our Pipeline Landing Page to learn more and sign up!


Customizing Boards in Pipeline FAQ

How do I access the Pipeline board customization settings?

To access the Pipeline board customization settings, log into your Housecall Pro account and click on 'Pipeline' in the top navigation bar to access your Pipeline tab. From the menu on the left side of the screen, click 'Customize boards' to open your Pipeline board customization settings.

Alternatively, you can access these settings through Account Settings. Click the gear icon in the upper right-hand corner to open Account Settings. From the left-hand menu, select 'Pipeline,' and then click 'Customize boards' to view and customize your boards.

Once you're on the Pipeline board customization screen, select the board you want to customize by clicking on Leads, Estimates, or Jobs at the top of the page.

How can I customize existing columns and statuses?

To customize existing columns and statuses, log into your Housecall Pro account and click on 'Pipeline' in the top navigation bar to access your Pipeline tab. From the menu on the left side of the screen, click 'Customize boards' to open your Pipeline board customization settings.

Alternatively, you can access these settings through Account Settings. Click the gear icon in the upper right-hand corner to open Account Settings. From the left-hand menu, select 'Pipeline,' and then click 'Customize boards' to view and customize your boards.

Once you're on the Pipeline board customization screen, select the board you want to customize by clicking on Leads, Estimates, or Jobs at the top of the page.

Once you've selected the board you want to customize, you'll see all the available columns for that board. Each column will be labeled at the top as either VISIBLE COLUMN or HIDDEN COLUMN. Use the on/off toggle next to the name of each column to switch its visibility. Turning the toggle on makes the column VISIBLE, while turning it off makes the column HIDDEN.

Please note, some statuses/columns are required for the Pipeline to work properly and cannot be turned off. These will have a padlock icon next to the status and will be labeled as Required Status. Their columns will always show as VISIBLE COLUMN at the top and cannot be changed.

Some statuses are required and cannot be turned off, indicated by a lock icon.

How can I create custom columns?

To create a custom column, first log into your Housecall Pro account and click on 'Pipeline' in the top navigation bar to access your Pipeline tab. From the menu on the left side of the screen, click 'Customize boards' to open your Pipeline board customization settings.

Alternatively, you can access these settings through Account Settings. Click the gear icon in the upper right-hand corner to open Account Settings. From the left-hand menu, select 'Pipeline,' and then click 'Customize boards' to view and customize your boards.

On the customization screen, select the board you want to add a custom column to (Leads, Estimates, or Jobs) by clicking the respective tab at the top of the page.

Next, click the 'Add Column' button in the upper right-hand corner of the customization screen. This will open an 'Add Column' pop-up window. In this window, choose the position for your new column—whether it will go to the left or right of an existing column—and enter a name for the new column. Click 'Add' to see the new column appear on your customization screen.

Note: This action will also create a status within the column with the same name.

Adding additional columns to the Jobs board helps you manage and track different aspects of your workflow more effectively. For example, you could add:

  • "Pending Parts/Materials": This status indicates there are jobs awaiting the necessary parts or materials.

How do I update or delete a custom column?

To update or delate a custom column, first log into your Housecall Pro account and click on 'Pipeline' in the top navigation bar to access your Pipeline tab. From the menu on the left side of the screen, click 'Customize boards' to open your Pipeline board customization settings.

Alternatively, you can access these settings through Account Settings. Click the gear icon in the upper right-hand corner to open Account Settings. From the left-hand menu, select 'Pipeline,' and then click 'Customize boards' to view and customize your boards.

On the customization screen, select the board you want to update or delete a custom column from (Leads, Estimates, or Jobs) by clicking the respective tab at the top of the page.

To edit a column, click the three stacked dots at the top left of the column. A drop-down menu will appear with 'Edit Column' and 'Delete Column' options.

By selecting 'Edit Column,' you can change the column's name, which will also update the status name. Click 'Update' on the status card to save your changes.

If you choose 'Delete Column,' a message will appear: 'By deleting this column, all the statuses inside of it will be removed as well. Are you sure you want to delete the column and contained child statuses?' Click 'Yes, delete it' to confirm the deletion.

You can also move custom columns and statuses by clicking the four-arrow icon next to the on/off toggle on the status card and dragging and dropping them to reposition columns, statuses within a column, or move statuses to a new column, allowing you to customize your Pipeline Leads, Estimates, or Jobs boards to better fit your workflow.

How can I create custom statuses?

To create a custom status, first log into your Housecall Pro account and click on 'Pipeline' in the top navigation bar to access your Pipeline tab. From the menu on the left side of the screen, click 'Customize boards' to open your Pipeline board customization settings.

Alternatively, you can access these settings through Account Settings. Click the gear icon in the upper right-hand corner to open Account Settings. From the left-hand menu, select 'Pipeline,' and then click 'Customize boards' to view and customize your boards.

On the customization screen, select the board for which you want to create a status (Leads, Estimates, or Jobs) by clicking the respective tab at the top of the page.

To add a status to a column, click the '+ ADD A STATUS' button at the bottom of the column where you want to add the status. A new status field will appear. Enter the name of the status and then click 'Create.'

Adding multiple statuses within a column allows you to track different stages or categories of progress more effectively. For example, in a Sent column, you might use a status like:

  • "Follow-Up Needed": This status indicates that a follow-up action is required after the initial response.

This approach helps in effectively managing and visualizing the different stages of communication and response within the Sent column.

How do I update or delete custom statuses?

To update or delete a custom status, first log into your Housecall Pro account and click on 'Pipeline' in the top navigation bar to access your Pipeline tab. From the menu on the left side of the screen, click 'Customize boards' to open your Pipeline board customization settings.

Alternatively, you can access these settings through Account Settings. Click the gear icon in the upper right-hand corner to open Account Settings. From the left-hand menu, select 'Pipeline,' and then click 'Customize boards' to view and customize your boards.

On the customization screen, select the board from which you want to delete a custom status (Leads, Estimates, or Jobs) by clicking the respective tab at the top of the page.

On the status you want to edit, click the 'Edit Custom Status' button next to the pencil icon. Here, you will have the option to rename or delete the status. To rename, update the name field and click 'Update.' To delete the status, click 'Delete.'

When deleting, a message will appear: "Are you sure you would like to delete this status?" Click Yes, delete it to confirm.

If the status is the only one in the column, you'll receive a message: "This status is the only one in the column. By deleting this status, the column will be deleted as well. Do you want to delete both?" Click Yes, delete it to delete both the status and the column.

How do I turn off a status that is currently in use?

To turn off a status that is currently in use, log into your Housecall Pro account and click on 'Pipeline' in the top navigation bar to access your Pipeline tab. From the menu on the left side of the screen, click 'Customize boards' to open your Pipeline board customization settings.

Alternatively, you can access these settings through Account Settings. Click the gear icon in the upper right-hand corner to open Account Settings. From the left-hand menu, select 'Pipeline,' and then click 'Customize boards' to view and customize your boards.

On the customization screen, select the board you want to adjust (Leads, Estimates, or Jobs) by clicking the respective tab at the top of the page.

If you encounter the message, "You must first remove any leads/estimates/jobs or automation related to it by moving them to a different column," follow these steps:

Start by navigating to the board containing the status you want to disable. In the upper right-hand corner of the 'Customize Boards' page, click the 'Go to Board' button. This will take you directly to the chosen board in the Pipeline.

Change the status for any cards that currently have the status you want to turn off by dragging and dropping them to a different status or using the status dropdown on each card.

After addressing the cards, access the automation settings by selecting 'Automations' from the Pipeline tab or through 'Account Settings' as previously described. Choose the board (Leads, Estimates, or Jobs) and review your automations. Turn off any automations related to the status by using the toggle to disable them.

Your changes will be saved automatically. After making these updates, return to the 'Customize Boards' page, select the board, and use the toggle next to the status to turn it off.


Video Guide: Customizing Boards with Preset Options


Pipeline Boards FAQs

Does the pipeline board automatically update when someone updates the lead, estimate, or job details page?

Yes, the pipeline board is synced with any actions that are taken on the lead, estimate, or job itself.

Why aren't all my estimates and jobs showing up on the pipeline board?

We pre-populate any estimates and jobs that were created in the last 180 days.

Also, approved/declined estimates and paid jobs will go into the Archived list after 7 days by default, but this can be customized.

What if a job has more than one segment?

Each segment will show up as its own card on the Pipeline Jobs Board and will move independently of the related segments.

What does the dollar amount on the estimate card mean?

If the estimate has one option, this number is the total for that estimate.

If the estimate has more than one option, it is range of estimate options from lowest to highest.

What does the dollar amount on the job card mean?

This is the total amount for that job or job segment.

What does the dollar amount at the top of the column mean?

This is the sum of all the dollar amounts in that column.


Pipeline Automations FAQs

When does an estimate go to the Archived list?

  • If an estimate has been approved and copied to a job, it will be sent to the archived list.

  • By default, if an estimate has been approved for 7 or more days (can be customized) it will go to the archived list

  • By default, if an estimate has been declined for 7 or more days (can be customized) it will go to the archived list.

For details on automations related to archiving items, please refer to our help article here.

When does a job go to the Archived list?

By default, if a job has been paid in full for 7 or more days (can be customized) it will go to the archived list. For details on automations related to archiving items, please refer to our help article here.

How do I specify the timeframe for an automation if I want to use hours, weeks, or months?

To set the timeframe in hours, convert the hours into decimal form. For example, if you want a 6-hour delay, enter it as 0.25 days. If you're working with weeks or months, first convert them into days. For instance, 2 weeks should be entered as 14 days, and 3 months should be entered as approximately 90 days. For guidance on editing automations, please visit our help article here.

Will Pipeline send automation messages to customers who have notifications turned off?

When editing individual automation rules, there is a box that will let you choose to send follow ups to customers with notifications off, or not to send them. This is not customizable on the individual customer level. For guidance on editing automations, please visit our help article here.

Why are the automations I have set up not going out for some leads, estimates, or jobs?

The job or estimate will need to fall within the automation cadence you currently have set, in order for the automation rules to be triggered.

For example, suppose you have two estimates—one sent out for the first time yesterday and the other three weeks ago. If you set up a rule today to automatically resend estimates and move them to first follow-up two days after they are sent, this rule will only apply to the estimate sent yesterday. The estimate from three weeks ago is outside the rule’s timeframe, so the automation won’t apply to it. You would need to manually resend the older estimate.

Will the automated follow-ups be sent as SMS or email notifications?

The follow-up message will get sent as either an email or text to the same email address or phone number to which you originally sent the estimate.

If the estimate was sent with both text and email originally, then the follow-up message will get sent based on what was last sent out - if it was last sent as a text, the automation will send a text and vice versa.


Mobile FAQ

Is Pipeline available on the Housecall Pro mobile app?

Yes, Pipeline is available on the Housecall Pro mobile app!

To access Pipeline on an iOS device:

First, download and log into the Housecall Pro app. Once downloaded, open the app and then tap the More button in the bottom right corner of the navigation bar. Next, select Pipeline from the menu. You can then choose from your Leads, Estimates, or Jobs board.

To access Pipeline on an Android device:

If you haven’t already, download and log into the Housecall Pro app on your mobile device. Once downloaded, open the app from your device’s apps menu. Next, tap the Pipeline icon on the app’s bottom navigation bar. On the Pipeline page, you can choose from your Leads, Estimates, or Jobs board.

Is Pipeline on mobile similar to the web version?

Yes, Pipeline on mobile is similar to the web version. Pipeline Mobile brings your lead, estimates, and job boards to you wherever you are! You can view all boards just as you can on the web portal. You can:

  • Drag and drop Lead, Estimate, or Job cards to update their status.

  • Use the status dropdown on each card to change its status.

  • Swipe left or right to navigate between columns on your Lead, Estimate, or Job board.

  • Tap on a card to view its details.

  • Create new Leads, Estimates, or Jobs directly from their Pipeline board

Please make sure you enable automatic updates in your app store to get the latest features!

Am I able to view my archived items on mobile?

At this time, archived items are only visible on the web portal. If you'd like to see an archived job or estimate, you can visit Pipeline on the web from your mobile browser or your computer. For more guidance on viewing archived items, please view our help article here.

Why can't my field techs see the Pipeline board in their app?

Currently, the Pipeline board is only available for Admins and Office staff. If you would like your field techs to have access, please be sure to provide your feedback through the Blue Chat Bubble with a Pro Vote!

How do I update leads, jobs, and estimates on mobile?

Similar to the web version, you can drag or use the drop-down menu to update a status on Pipeline.

  • To drag, go to the Pipeline page on your mobile device using the steps here, choose the board you wish to update, and then hold your finger on the card you'd like to move. Drag your finger along the screen until you reach the appropriate column and then release.

  • To use the drop-down option, go to the Pipeline page on your mobile device using the steps here, navigate to the board you wish to update, and then click on the drop-down menu from the column you wish to update. Next, you can choose the correct status from the drop-down options. You should see then the card move to the corresponding column.

How do I create a lead on mobile?

There are two options for creating a lead on Pipeline Mobile.

  • First, go to the Pipeline page on your mobile device using the steps here, and then you can click on the + button in the upper-right-hand corner of the Pipeline menu. This will navigate you to the create a new lead page.

  • Additionally, you can go to the Pipeline page on your mobile device using the steps here and then can click the + sign in the upper-right-hand corner of the leads board. This will navigate you directly to the create a new lead page.

Can I update my automation settings on mobile?

Currently automation settings can only be accessed via the web portal. The Pipeline automations are not available on the mobile app. For guidance on editing automations, please visit our help article here.

Can I personalize my columns and statuses on mobile?

You can only customize your columns and statuses via the web portal at this time. The Pipeline settings are not available on the mobile app. For more guidance on customizing columns and statuses, please view our help article here.

I'm having issues with the Pipeline on my mobile device, what do I do?

Please make sure you are using the most recent version of the Housecall Pro mobile app (turn on auto-updates to get new versions pushed to your phone). If you are on the latest version and still having issues, please chat with customer support via the Blue Chat Bubble with specific details on the issues you are having.

How do I provide feedback?

If you have feedback for other features you'd like to see on Pipeline Mobile, please chat into the blue bubble and ask to submit a 'Pro Vote'. Additionally, you can click the 'Give Feedback' button on the main Pipeline menu.


Other Pipeline FAQs

Does Pipeline integrate with other tools?

What happens when a lead is assigned to somebody within Pipeline? Does the assignee have a way to view their leads on the app?

The lead is visible in the pipeline and that list can be filtered down to the specific employee.

Can I create new Pipeline columns or rename existing columns?

Yes, you can create new columns as well as rename existing columns! Learn more about Pipeline Board Customization here.

How does HCP Assist interact with Pipeline?

Pipeline will work with HCP Assist with no conflicts, but note that while HCP Assist Agents can save leads, estimates, and jobs to Pipeline, the HCPA agent won’t be able to access Pipeline.

Is a proposal sent from the sales proposal tool tied to the Pipeline?

Yes, that proposal will show up as an estimate in the sent column of the Pipeline. When a proposal gets sent it creates an estimate (not a Pipeline thing, this happens regardless of if they have Pipeline or not)

If a pro has invoice reminders on, and sends the invoice from the pipeline, will this still trigger the cadence for invoice reminders?

Yes, sending an invoice from the Pipeline will prompt those reminders to go out.

If a pro calls a customer using Voice to follow up, does the Pipeline know to update the status of that job, lead, or estimate?

At the moment the two features don’t communicate in that way. The pro would want to let the automation rules make changes to the job, lead or estimate, or make those changes manually when using Voice to follow up.


Pipeline: Bulk Archive

Learn how to quickly clean up messy data with the Bulk Archive feature in Pipeline!

Managing your workflow efficiently is crucial for your productivity and customer satisfaction. To enhance your experience with our Pipeline feature, we are excited to introduce the new Bulk Archive functionality. This feature allows you to archive multiple items simultaneously within the table view, streamlining what has traditionally been a time-consuming part of managing your jobs, estimates, and leads.

Benefits of Using Bulk Archive

The Bulk Archive feature is designed to save you time and reduce the manual effort involved in managing your data. By enabling you to clean up your workspace quickly, you can focus more on high-value activities that drive your business forward. Here’s how Bulk Archive can enhance your workflow:

  • Reduce Clutter: Quickly clear out completed or outdated items from your list.

  • Increase Efficiency: Spend less time on administrative tasks and more on customer engagement and service.

  • Improve Organization: Maintain a cleaner and more organized table view, making it easier to focus on current priorities.

How to Access and Use Bulk Archive

Using the Bulk Archive feature is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

  1. Access the Table View: Navigate to the Pipeline feature in your Housecall Pro dashboard and switch to the Table View where your items are displayed.

  2. Select Items: Check the boxes next to the items you want to archive. You can select as many items as you need.

  3. Initiate Bulk Archive: Look for the 'Bulk Actions' menu at the top of the list. Click on it and select 'Archive' from the dropdown options. You will be prompted to confirm your action. Once you confirm, all selected items will be moved to the archive.

  4. Review Archived Items: If you need to review archived items, you can access them by selecting the 'Archived items' view on the left hand side of the page.

    *Note: You can restore any archived items by locating them in the 'Archived items' and selecting the arrow icon on the right side of the page.

Best Practices

To make the most out of the Bulk Archive feature, consider the following tips:

  • Regular Cleanup: Schedule regular times to review and archive completed or inactive items to keep your list manageable.

  • Archive in Batches: Group related items (e.g., completed jobs, old leads) and archive them together to maintain continuity and organization.

  • Use Filters: Utilize filters to sort items before archiving to ensure that no active or necessary items are accidentally archived.

Conclusion

The Bulk Archive feature is part of our ongoing commitment to improving the functionality and usability of our Pipeline tool. By allowing you to efficiently manage your data, we hope to help you optimize your workflow, enhance your productivity, and ultimately drive greater satisfaction for you and your customers.

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