For home watch operators managing numerous properties across wide areas, the daily route order is a critical factor in operational efficiency. HomeLedger, the company behind the Watch Tower platform, has been analyzing how inefficiencies arise and how technology can address them.
Clem McDavid, founder and CEO of HomeLedger, notes that home watch companies vary widely in their operations. Some divide their territory by day without a systematic approach, while others schedule high-time properties consecutively or create gaps by grouping quick visits together. McDavid emphasizes that the solution often lies in utilizing existing data—such as knowing that one property takes twenty minutes and another two hours—to inform daily scheduling rather than relying on habit.
Watch Tower currently provides weather alerts for conditions occurring or recently occurring in service areas. McDavid clarifies that the goal is awareness rather than full automation, as not all operators want algorithm-driven routes, especially smaller ones. The platform offers optional structure without imposing it. Looking ahead, HomeLedger plans to integrate weather data to actively influence scheduling, prioritizing properties in storm paths or flood-prone areas. Currently, the alerts themselves often prompt operators to adjust their plans.
McDavid shared an example of a coastal Georgia customer who, upon seeing a weather alert, recognized the need to act even though the route hadn't changed. The value lies in surfacing critical information that might be overlooked during busy days.
Discussing the cost benefits of automation, McDavid suggests considering surge pricing tied to conditions like hurricanes or extreme heat, which operators might incorporate into contracts. For now, Watch Tower includes routing and weather features at no additional cost, as part of a flat fee, ensuring that operators who want enhanced awareness get it without extra charges.
This development is significant because it addresses a common pain point for home watch operators: the inefficiency of manual scheduling. By leveraging data and weather alerts, operators can improve their daily operations, respond proactively to weather events, and potentially adjust pricing models. This not only enhances their service quality but also their bottom line.
