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Looking for Non-cloud based Management software to buy.

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John Schnauzer

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Does anyone know of any lawn-care management, software programs, that can be bought? I would like all the data to be kept on my own computer, not the cloud. I don't want some other company, who can lock me out, to own my business data.
I started my business around 20 years ago when you could buy the simple Lawnpro software outright. I have used version 3.14 for around 17 years now, & still do. It worked well, so I never updated it. Why fix what isn't broken? I back it up regularly to an external drive & It has years worth of data at this point.
Most of the systems I see now, are just way more complex than they need to be and I DO NOT like the cloud-based Idea. This data would be a nightmare to replace If anything happened to whatever company you were using or whatever server your data was on.
I am now launching another lawn care company for a partner of mine and I am looking for something similar to the Lawnpro 3 that I am used to. I would rather buy software instead of renting.
Does anyone know of such a program that can still be bought?
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
I don't mind backing up to the cloud, but I want the info on my server first. I want a software program, not an app. I want to own and run the software just like retail companies across the nation, not a 3rd party. If other companies can get this, why not lawn care?
 
#4 ·
John Schnauzer said:
I don't mind backing up to the cloud, but I want the info on my server first. I want a software program, not an app. I want to own and run the software just like retail companies across the nation, not a 3rd party. If other companies can get this, why not lawn care?
Click to expand...
You aren’t big enough business.
And those big businesses pay companies to customize programs to fit their needs. I know. I’ve worked in management in big business. Even back 8 years ago, the system was cloud based.

I do believe that you have the rights/ability to make copies of your data. You also for sure have the right to print hard copies of everything. But what you want, an actual program you buy and install….. they phased those types of programs out. Even Quickbooks Desktop is no longer supported.

I get your apprehension to cloud based data and computing, I really do. But your choice is get over it, or do it “by hand” (spreadsheet).
 
#5 ·
Fork out the $12-$20k in development and get the proprietary rights you’re looking for. Option 2… learn sql and json… create a zapier account… gpt4 code interpreter…. And get to work
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
I am also looking for a simple system like Lawn Pro used to be, even if it was cloud-based.
Recently I looked into Photoshop & they too had gone to a monthly service platform. BUT there was still a simple version, called Photoshop Elements, that could be bought at Best Buy, installed on your pc & used without the internet. This is why I thought there would still be such a program for lawn care businesses.
The internet doesn't make it easy, but I have found 1 such program. It is called Groundskeeper Pro, by Adkad tecnologies. It sells for $579.
I am considering this program, but it can't be the only one out there, & I am trying to figure my options. I am even okay with older programs as long as they can still be bought & would still work. (I am still using Lawn Pro 3.14 for instance)
Does anyone know of any other such programs?
 
#9 ·
John Schnauzer said:
I am also looking for a simple system like Lawn Pro used to be, even if it was cloud-based.
Recently I looked into Photoshop & they too had gone to a monthly service platform. BUT there was still a simple version, called Photoshop Elements, that could be bought at Best Buy, installed on your pc & used without the internet. This is why I thought there would still be such a program for lawn care businesses.
The internet doesn't make it easy, but I have found 1 such program. It is called Groundskeeper Pro, by Adkad tecnologies. It sells for $579.
I am considering this program, but it can't be the only one out there, & I am trying to figure my options. I am even okay with older programs as long as they can still be bought & would still work. (I am still using Lawn Pro 3.14 for instance)
Does anyone know of any other such programs?
Click to expand...
I am going to venture to guess you are in a small minority that want this. As such it is not likely profitable for a company to put in the time to develop this.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
It's not as profitable as monthly & data space charges for sure. I guarantee there are a lot of us who remember simpler times who would want this, but the popular options that are pushed, don't just follow what people want so much as they follow the way to make big money. The companies made the customers change by only supporting subscriptions. Lawn Pro pissed off a lot of people when they made this switch.
I have to figure something out according to what is available, bugetable & trustworthy though.
I did look into service autopilot. It looks like you are familiar with it. It is probably one of the front-runners of my considerations. I am used to old Lawn Pro though, and looking for an auto-scheduling to invoice system that is similar. (Lawn pro now charges a lot to back up and store your data though, on top of the regular fees).
So in your opinion, If simple and streamlined for lawn care is what I am looking for, is SAP the program to go with?
And what is co-pilot?
 
#11 · (Edited)
If it's been working seamlessly for 17 years, why change a good thing, right? And I totally get your sentiment about not wanting to ""fix what isn't broken."" Plus, your habit of regularly backing up to an external drive is spot on!As you embark on this new lawn care venture, it makes perfect sense that you'd want a similar solution – one that you can buy outright instead of renting and one that doesn't overcomplicate things.I'd recommend checking out the blog post about the best IT Asset Management Software at bluetallyapp.com. While it might not be directly related to lawn care, it could have some valuable insights and recommendations that align with your needs.
 
#12 ·
"Does anyone know of any lawn-care management, software programs, that can be bought? I would like all the data to be kept on my own computer, not the cloud. I don't want some other company, who can lock me out, to own my business data.
I started my business around 20 years ago when you could buy the simple Lawnpro software outright. I have used version 3.14 for around 17 years now, & still do. It worked well, so I never updated it. Why fix what isn't broken? I back it up regularly to an external drive & It has years worth of data at this point.
Most of the systems I see now, are just way more complex than they need to be and I DO NOT like the cloud-based Idea."

Ditto, I cannot stomach the thought of losing all my client data. But I think you already brought up Adkad. I have looked high and low for non-subscription based options recently, and Adkad is about it. I am even considering Quicken for Home and Business, but its mobile app doesn't help me do what I want which is invoices and payments in the field. Currently I am still running my 2016 Quickbooks, and it's now like owning gold...lol. Dang, things have gotten a little crazy if you ask me. Right now it's looking like Service Autopilot would be a nice upgrade, but at $50/mo, I don't know if it would be worth it. I am not really trying to grow any longer, but it looks to me like SA is perhaps the best subscription option for me unless I want to try some foreign company like incomee.

How much do you like Lawn Pro?
 
#15 ·
ShowCaseLawnCare said:
I use a pen n paper to track my expenses. And for routing I write out my stops on a note pad and schedule everything around lunch and bathroom stops. For mapping I use Rand McNally. It’s not a cloud based system but it’s cheap and works for me.
Click to expand...
Thought you were retired.
 
#19 · (Edited)
I’ve been in a similar situation with software where I’ve relied on an old program that just works, but newer versions or cloud-based options often feel overwhelming and unnecessary. For the lawn-care business, I know there are a few programs like Jobber or LawnStarter, but they can lean toward cloud-based setups, which I get might not be ideal. I ended up going with a more traditional software for my own business that allows local storage, and it’s been working fine. Oh, and speaking of keeping data safe, I’ve also explored Best GRC Software like CyberArrow GRC for managing compliance and risk—it’s not specifically for lawn care, but it really helps keep business operations on track, especially with all that valuable data!
 
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