Compare / Lode and Zapier
Keep Zapier. Improve the work around it.
Start with one task around your existing tool. Review a sample result, then confirm the records and access it needs.
Zapier links app events and workflow steps. Lode is built around the questions and decisions on a service job. Start with one task, the records it needs and the person who reviews the result.
When to add Lode
- A workflow sends notifications but someone still has to investigate the job.
- A decision needs the quote, drawing and supplier reply together.
- A regular check needs a reviewer and a clear next step.
Choose one of these tasks for a walkthrough. Review a sample output, then confirm which records and account permissions it needs. See how Lode runs and the operating examples.
When Zapier fits
Use Zapier when you want to choose the app triggers, define the steps and maintain that workflow. Its API reference describes public APIs and says most use OAuth 2.0. The existing registry links Zapier app pages for ServiceTitan, Simpro, Jobber and Housecall Pro.
Zapier's webhook documentation identifies the plan requirement for webhook triggers. The source and its pricing page should be checked for the workflow you intend to build. An app listing does not guarantee that every field or operation is available in your account.
A different operating question
An app event can start the process. The next decision may still need the job history, drawing, customer promise and supplier reply together. Lode is built to prepare that review with the records behind it.
Lode is built to shape a workflow around your firm's bottleneck, with the relevant records and a clear approval step.
Plan a workflow alongside Zapier
Bring one job and the messages around it to a walkthrough. We assess the records available from Zapier, your inbox and accounting tools. Your account administrator confirms access before any connection is planned.
Explore the tasks under what Lode runs.
What Lode is built to add
These workflow examples show the records to connect and the work your team can review. Confirm access before planning a connection.
| Task to review | Records to connect | Prepared output |
|---|---|---|
| Unbilled change orders (variations) | Site notes, quoted scope and invoice records | Extra work needing a price decision |
| Changed drawings | Transmittals and active job references | Affected jobs and the source of each revision |
| Supplier bill checks | Purchase order, bill and delivery record | Quantity or price differences for review |
| Plans after a schedule change | Materials, crews, access and customer commitments | A proposed plan and related messages |
| Regular job checks | A job question and the records needed to answer it | Repeating reviews with a named owner |
| Workflows around your tools | The firm's bottleneck and approval rules | A proposed tool around existing records |
Related workflows
The drawing revision and variation guide explains the review file behind a change order. The facilities page covers multi-site coordination. The landscaping page covers crews, materials and site handovers. Compare the other systems in the comparison hub.
Book a walkthrough
Book a walkthrough to choose a time in Google Calendar.
Sources
Use these vendor sources to check the features and access available to your account.
- Zapier API reference, public APIs and authentication: https://docs.zapier.com/api-reference/overview
- Zapier help, webhook triggers and plan requirement: https://help.zapier.com/hc/en-us/articles/8496288690317-Trigger-Zaps-from-webhooks
- Zapier pricing, current plan details: https://zapier.com/pricing
- Zapier ServiceTitan app listing: https://zapier.com/apps/servicetitan/integrations
- Zapier Simpro app listing: https://zapier.com/apps/simpro/integrations
- Zapier Jobber app listing: https://zapier.com/apps/jobber/integrations
- Zapier Housecall Pro app listing: https://zapier.com/apps/housecall-pro/integrations