WebCitz started working with this client in 2023
- Client: Howcroft Field Service
- Platform: WordPress
- Industry: Manufacturing / Industrial
- Services: Digital Marketing, Maintenance / Support, Web Development, Web Hosting
The Challenge
In the industrial service sector, efficiency is driven by the speed of data and the ability to control hardware remotely. Howcroft faced several modern challenges:
- Outdated Digital Presence: Their legacy site didn’t reflect their high-tech capabilities or professional service standards.
- Manual Pump Management: They needed a way to control the gas pumps at their physical location remotely, improving safety and operational control without requiring a technician to be physically at the pump.
- Paper-Heavy Logistics: Drivers were relying on manual processes for Bills of Lading (BOL), leading to potential data entry errors and delays in billing.
The WebCitz Solution
We delivered a three-pronged solution that modernized their brand, their facility, and their fleet:
- WordPress Migration & Redesign: We successfully migrated their content into a modern, custom-themed WordPress environment. The new design emphasizes their “Full Service” capabilities, with professional imagery and a mobile-responsive layout that makes it easy for fleet managers to find and contact them.
- Remote Gas Pump Control Portal: This was a high-level IoT integration. We developed a secure, web-based portal that allows authorized users to remotely toggle the gas pumps at their location on and off. This required a deep understanding of secure remote access and hardware-to-web communication protocols.
- Custom Mobile BOL Tool: To streamline their logistics, we built a bespoke Bill of Lading (BOL) mobile tool. Designed specifically for their drivers to use in the field, this tool:
- Allows for digital entry of shipment details.
- Standardizes data collection across the fleet.
- Integrates with their internal systems to accelerate the billing cycle.
- Managed Hosting & Security: We provide the secure, high-performance hosting environment required to run both their public-facing site and their mission-critical internal tools.
The Result
By 2024, Howcroft Field Service transformed from a traditional service company into a tech-forward operation. The custom tools we developed have drastically reduced manual errors in the field and provided a level of facility control that is rare in the industry. Our ongoing relationship ensures that as their service fleet grows, their digital infrastructure is ready to scale alongside them.
