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Each year, more NZ tradies are turning to digital tools and software to streamline their work both on-site and in the office. From electricians to plumbers, carpenters to landscapers, those with efficient systems and processes – especially digital ones – are building stronger, more resilient businesses that can tackle any challenge.

If you’re still buried in paperwork or losing time on repetitive tasks, now is the time to explore the latest tech solutions designed to simplify your operations. Go digital and set your trade business up for success in 2025.

Here are some of the top tools to help you get ahead:

PROTRADE United

Business advisory and coaching

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the trades and construction industry by improving efficiency, problem-solving, and customer satisfaction. PROTRADE United, Australia and New Zealand’s leading business advisory and coaching organisation for trades and construction, provides awareness around AI, ensuring businesses optimise communication, streamline project management, and enhance customer experiences. 

With over 20 years of experience, PROTRADE United provides tailored strategies and support to leverage AI responsibly, enabling trades businesses to reduce costs and increase profitability. Their expertise ensures that tradespeople make the most of tool and business advancements, like the use of AI, to stay competitive and grow sustainably. 

Learn more at PROTRADE United

Simpro

Field service management software

Simpro field service management software is built to streamline workflows, connect office and field teams, and fuel your trade business growth.

Designed to handle even the most complex workflows, Simpro is the go-to solution for multi-phase projects, preventive maintenance contracts, and service jobs across residential and commercial settings.

With an end-to-end platform, Simpro automates resource-intensive tasks, including:

• Job estimates
• Dispatch and scheduling
• Asset tracking
• Inventory management
• Job costing
• Workflow management
• Invoicing and payments
• Plus much more.

Simpro empowers businesses to plan and manage projects, contracts, and jobs efficiently, keeping teams connected in real-time – whether on-site, in the office, or on the go.

Seamlessly integrating with popular accounting software, Simpro ensures accurate financials, reduces admin time, and provides real-time data insights to help leaders make better decisions.

With over 250,000 users globally, Simpro is a trusted provider of field service software, offering dedicated training, local support, and innovative tools to help your business grow.

Learn more about Simpro today and discover how it can transform your trade operations.

Hnry

Accounting service for sole traders

Running your own business is difficult enough, without having to manage all your own tax and financial admin.

That’s where Hnry comes in – they’re an award-winning tax and financial admin service, designed specifically for sole traders.

For just 1% +GST of your self-employed income (capped at $1,500 +GST annually), they’ll keep all your admin in check, including:

• Calculating, deducting, and paying all taxes as you earn
• Completing and lodging your tax returns and BAS
• Chasing up overdue invoices (politely of course)
• Managing your expenses, so you get tax relief in real time.

You also get unlimited access to the Hnry app, so you can create and send invoices and quotes on the go. Plus, if you use their Hnry Debit Card, your purchases will be automatically raised as expenses – no more hunting for lost receipts come tax time. Easy!

Save time, money, and energy. Join Hnry, and never think about tax again.

Learn more about Hnry.

HazardCo

A simple health and safety system

HazardCo is a health and safety system that makes WHS simple, giving you the confidence you’re keeping your crew and business safe while cutting the time you spend on paperwork.

HazardCo’s aim has always been to give their members the systems and advice they need to make their job safer and easier to do. Their digital tools do exactly that. It’s what you need, when you need it… all from your back pocket!

• Guided Task Analysis
• Incident reporting and more
• Site specific safety plan generator
• Hazard boards with QR codes
• Automated contractor management
• Free app for easy crew inductions
• 24/7 incident support
• Phone advice

Find out more about HazardCo.

Fergus

Job management software

Fergus is a powerful job management software designed to help tradies run their business smarter, simpler, and more profitably. Built specifically for trade businesses, Fergus streamlines day-to-day operations by simplifying quoting, scheduling, reporting, and payments – all in one powerful platform.

With Fergus, collecting payments is easier than ever. Clients can pay directly through the platform, reducing admin time and improving cash flow. Plus, Fergus integrates seamlessly with leading accounting and supplier tools, automating admin and eliminating manual data entry.  

The Fergus Go mobile app keeps teams productive on the go. From tracking job progress to capturing real-time information on site, it ensures everyone stays on the same page, no matter where they are.

Whether you’re a plumber, electrician, or builder, Fergus empowers you to focus on what matters most—delivering great work—while driving business profitability and efficiency.

Learn more about Fergus.

Dext

Pre-accounting software

Dext provides automated accounting solutions for the construction industry, simplifying bookkeeping for more accurate, efficient and productive financial reporting and performance. Rather than expecting employees to spend hours manually entering expenses data into spreadsheets, professionals can use Dext Prepare to capture documents quickly and accurately. This not only makes records more accurate and consistent but it also frees up time for teams to focus on other valuable tasks.

This solution enables business owners to snap paper receipts and financial documents with one click using the mobile app, forwarding paperwork via email or uploading it directly into the software. Dext does the hard work of capturing, extracting and categorising the relevant data, so it’s ready to be published into their accounting software of choice. This makes it easier for builders, plumbers, electricians and any industry workers to ensure their accounts are organised, keep track of expenses, accurately quote projects and make informed decisions to boost revenue and productivity.

With Dext Prepare, construction business owners can enjoy:

• Paperwork extraction with 99% accuracy;
• Smooth accounting processes;
• Records kept in a standardised, digital format;
• More time to focus on value-adding work.

Find out why businesses owners of all industries choose Dext Prepare.

Xero

Accounting software

Xero is online accounting software for your building company which makes it super easy to automate your admin. Plus, you can work from anywhere, even your ute!

When it comes to construction accounting, if you don’t do it regularly it’s easy to fall behind and things can quickly get out of control. By building accounting into your regular workflows you’re always on top of it. Xero is cloud-based and simple to use. Whether you are on-site or in the office you can access Xero on your smartphone or tablet so you’ll never get behind.

Xero connects to your bank, bookkeeper, accountant and other financial apps you might use such as Dext.

Find out more about Xero.

Cartrack NZ

Fleet management solutions

Cartrack NZ is a leader in delivering comprehensive fleet management solutions, with a strong emphasis on enhancing health and safety across New Zealand’s business sectors. It distinguishes itself with a flexible approach, offering its vehicle tracking and fleet management services without any fixed contracts,  gaining customers’ loyalty through exceptional service rather than binding agreements. Dedicated account managers provide tailored support, focusing on leveraging Cartrack’s robust GPS tracking technology. 

This system is crucial for ensuring real-time monitoring of vehicle locations, which is essential for improving safety and operational efficiency. Furthermore, Cartrack’s  Auto-RUC solutions simplify compliance with regulations, aiming to reduce administrative burdens and streamlined fleet management. Additionally, Cartrack’s advanced fuel management features offer critical insights, aiding in the detection and prevention of fuel fraud, further enhancing operational integrity and cost-efficiency. By prioritising health and safety in its suite of services, Cartrack NZ empowers businesses with the tools needed for safer fleet management and compliance, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding employees and assets.