About Richard's Lock n Safe
Richards Lock N Safe, formerly known as Hurtado Locksmith's, has been securing South Australia for over 30 years. The head office is based in Whyalla, with regular service to Port Pirie and the surrounding areas. The company has earned a reputation for first-class locksmith services, excellent customer support, and competitive pricing. With most work coming from repeat business and referrals, it's clear that something is being done right.
Industry
Locksmith
Employees
20+
Location
Whyalla, South Australia
Case Study
Job Management
The Challenge
Before implementing Ascora, Richard’s Lock N Safe relied on a manual system for managing job cards. Each job card was printed and then sorted into either a daily or weekly pile. This process required significant manual effort, with staff members responsible for ensuring that each job card was placed in the correct pile. The system depended heavily on the accuracy and organization skills of the staff, making it prone to human error.

If a job card was not placed in the right pile or was misplaced, it could lead to delays and complications in updating job details. Misplaced job cards, whether lost in the office or left in the service van, hindered the ability to track and manage ongoing tasks efficiently. This system presented challenges in maintaining seamless operations, highlighting the need for a more streamlined and reliable job management solution.
The Solution
Increased efficiency on the job
Richard says that since implementing Ascora, the process has become as simple as opening the tablet, entering the necessary descriptions and pricing, and the job is done! He adds, 'I save 90 seconds per job and per variation, which has given me 10% more time for productive work, bringing in more revenue—that's an extra 4 hours a week!
Streamlining Admin
Before Ascora, my admin staff spent 90% of their time on paperwork. Since implementing Ascora, she now has time to serve at the counter and decode keys, tasks that would have previously required my time or that of my technicians, Richard says.
Digital Safety Form Solution
According to Richard, "Before Ascora, we had to print out the JSEA, fill it out manually, and remember to bring it to the job site. If we forgot the form, we sometimes had to drive back to the shop to retrieve it before starting the job, which caused unnecessary delays and wasted time."

"Now, this problem is completely eliminated. The form is always available in the Ascora app on our phones. It can be completed directly on the phone, saved against the job, or emailed to the client if needed."

Efficient SMS Management
Richard says, "Another thing I love about Ascora is that when my technicians send SMS to customers, the replies go back to my admin central. Not giving customers my technicians' mobile numbers ensures they aren't interrupted while working, while my admin can immediately address any urgent items. The $0.10 per SMS is totally worth it."
Faster and Easier Invoicing
“Invoicing is much quicker now. Changing pricing is exceptionally fast and much easier, saving me an additional 90 seconds per invoice”, Richard says.
The Results
Increased efficiency on the job
The implementation of Ascora has had a significant overall impact on the business. It saved Richard's Lock n Safe the need for an additional half a headcount, leading to an approximate $20,000 in savings. Additionally, the elimination of $360 in printing costs every four months has streamlined operations. With everything now emailed instantly, the business has become much more efficient. Overall, since adopting Ascora, I’ve seen a 10% increase in our bottom line, demonstrating the clear benefits of this system.
“If your staff are stretched to the maximum, invest in implementing Ascora to give more time back to your business. Ascora has definitely given us back more time and increased our profitability.”