The maintenance app that allows you to have peace of mind
I don’t know about you, but I have the hardest time trying to remember the last time I filled up my gas tank let alone when I last replaced the brakes or tires. I’m grateful every day for that little sticker in the corner of my windshield that reminds me when it’s time for that all-important oil change. Fortunately, just like so many things these days, there is an app for that and it’s called Directive.
DETAILS
Directive is a new app for iPhone, iPad and Mac. It’s designed to help users stay up-to-date with routine maintenance so that they avoid costly emergency repairs.
Directive helps with maintenance in 3 primary ways.
- It makes maintenance easy to remember. Directive includes dozens of templates to help you set up the maintenance tasks you want to complete. Then, it sends you notifications when it’s time to complete routine maintenance.
- It makes maintenance easy to complete. Directive allows you to store details in the app like filter sizes, or the type of oil your car uses, and so on. So, when the time comes, you’ll know all the things you need.
- Makes Maintenance Easy to Track. A couple of taps let you log a task as complete, and Directive will keep a record of it, along with any notes you saved, and then set up a reminder for the next time it’s due.
Starting May 12, 2020, Directive is available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. It is a free app that allows you to track up to 10 different maintenance tasks without any advertisements. There is a pro option for the app that is available as an auto-renewing subscription for $3.99 annually. There is a special launch price of $1.99 annually that is available until May 17, 2020. The pro version of the app, gives users access to track unlimited maintenance tasks, plus, it backs up and syncs your data across all your devices. Users can also share data from the app with a partner and customize the app more.
USER EXPERIENCE
The first thing you see when you start up the app is a welcome screen. It reads: Welcome to Directive. Directive helps you remember and complete routine maintenance to safeguard the important things in your life. To access the next step in the start up process, you swipe across the screen. I do want to note that users have the option of signing into the Pro version of the app right from the first screen. The first step for set-up is to choose some directives. Some of the options include Change Home Air Filter, Test Smoke Detector, and Change Oil. Once you choose an option or two, the app will then ask you to enter the information of the last time the maintenance was completed. For example, the last time the oil was changed in my car was January 10. So, I entered that information and swiped on the screen to enter more information for the Directive. On this screen you can change the category, next due date, repeat interval, add details, and add actions like a BUY FROM AMAZON button or a website for the Directive.
Once all the information is entered you save the Directive and then enter information for another one. As described above, a user can only save 10 Directives in the free version of the app. The Pro version allows you to have unlimited Directives and the ability to customize different parts of the app. Since I am using Directive for long term maintenance projects, 10 items is fine for now. I do think that if you plan to use the app on both Mac and mobile devices and want to be able to share it with others in your family, it would make sense to pay the yearly subscription fee. As I was testing the app I found that it was a little cumbersome to bounce back and forth between my iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Pro. Now, I also think it’s important to consider whether or not you need it on a mobile device. True it’s good to be able to pull up a service record when you take a care in for service, but other than that, do you really need to be able to carry maintenance reminders with you everywhere? It’s just something to consider when thinking about whether or not to subscribe for the pro version.
CONCLUSION
Directive is an interesting app and it solves a problem I know that I’ve struggled with for quite some time. I like how user-friendly the app is and how developer Little Fin included lots of details in the app like adding in a link for purchasing HVAC accessories from Amazon when you add a Directive for Changing the Home Air Filter. I also really like that there is a free version and a pro version so you can select which will work best for you. Directive is an inventive app that works really well. I am looking forward to using it for ongoing maintenance issues.
For more information, visit directiveapp.com, Facebook, and Twitter.
