Site-tracking software for a building company has to start from what was sold: the work items on the signed quote become the tasks on the schedule, hours, photos and observations are recorded on site, and snags stay tracked until they are cleared. That is where the contractor's liability sits, since under article 1792-6 of the French Civil Code the one-year completion warranty runs from handover and covers the defects reserved in the acceptance report as well as those notified in writing after it. At Argile, we built this tracking for energy-renovation businesses (heat pumps, insulation, solar PV, ventilation): the quote, the sizing note, the grant files and the PDF site report share the same client record, and the homeowner follows progress from their own portal.
Why centralise quotes, invoices and grants in a single tool
The problem: re-entry, errors and wasted time between tools
On a renovation job, the same information flows between 4 or 5 different tools: the spreadsheet for estimating, the quoting software, the MaPrimeRénov' platform, the CEE portal, and sometimes a site-tracking tool. At every step, you re-enter surface areas, references, amounts. Every re-entry is a source of error, and every error can block a grant file or trigger a dispute.
What an integrated tool changes: from estimate to invoicing, without a break
With an integrated tool, data from the technical site visit feeds directly into the quote, which feeds the invoice, which feeds the grant file. No copy-pasting, no intermediate Excel file. The gain isn't just time: it's data consistency that secures the whole chain, from the first client contact through to the grant payment.
Argile as a business hub: connecting the technical, commercial and administrative
Argile centralises the three dimensions of a renovation project: the technical dimension (3D reconstruction, thermal simulation, sizing), the commercial dimension (quote, variants, conversion) and the administrative dimension (grant files, sworn statements, payment tracking). Every piece of data entered once is used everywhere, from the efficiency calculation through to the final invoice.
From quote to invoice: a seamless journey
Fast estimating: using the technical visit and building data
Estimating starts at the visit. With Argile, data captured on site (surfaces, walls, existing equipment) automatically feeds the heat-loss calculation and the sizing of solutions. No more redoing measurements back at the office in the evening. The quote is prepared in real time, with costed scenarios you can present to the client on the spot.
A compliant quote: mandatory information, VAT, itemised work
A quote that passes inspection must include: SIRET number, full contact details, dates, an itemised breakdown of services with quantities, prices excl./incl. VAT, VAT rate (5.5% for energy-improvement work in homes over 2 years old), payment terms, ten-year insurance and validity period. Argile includes these mandatory items by default and flags any missing field.
Converting to an invoice: deposits, progress invoices, balance and credit notes
Issue a deposit invoice on receipt of payment, then progress invoices as the work advances, and a balance invoice at the end of the job. The deposit must be deducted from the balance. If there's an error, use a credit note while keeping chronological numbering with no gaps. Argile manages this chain automatically, with a visual status tracker for each document. This chain is ready for e-invoicing, with issuing and receiving handled through an approved platform, with no re-entry in the accounts.
Building grant applications without friction
Assembling supporting documents: from the energy audit to end-of-job photos
A complete renovation file starts with the energy audit (when required) and ends with end-of-job photos. In between, you need to gather: the detailed quote signed before work starts, technical data sheets for materials and equipment (with references, performance figures, certifications), the sworn statements for CEE, pre-filled MaPrimeRénov' forms, and the compliant final invoice. With Argile, these documents are generated automatically from the project data, with no re-entry.
Securing compliance: RGE, CEE operation sheets, client documents and traceability
RGE compliance requires keeping a complete file per job: up-to-date certification, detailed quote and invoice (surfaces, thicknesses, references), proof of removal if replacing equipment, and a compliance certificate where applicable. For CEE, each standardised operation sheet requires specific documents: a sworn statement, proof of the client's income, and sometimes a sizing note. Argile centralises these documents, checks their consistency against the eligibility criteria, and flags missing documents. To go further, see our guide on how to secure your CEE applications.
Tracking grant progress and payments without unnecessary follow-up
Tracking grant payments is often a pain point for tradespeople: MaPrimeRénov' timelines of 4 to 8 weeks, CEE of 2 to 6 months, with frequent rejections for a missing document or inconsistency. Argile lets you track the status of each file (submitted, under review, approved, paid) and identify blockages without manual follow-up. The platform cross-checks data from the quote, the invoice and the grant forms to detect discrepancies before submission, which reduces the rejection rate. To go further, see how to avoid MaPrimeRénov' rejections.
Linking site tracking to the admin side
Schedule, interventions and milestones: keeping visibility on every project
A renovation job often involves several trades and interventions spread over several weeks. Argile lets you schedule milestones (technical visit, start of work, handover) and track the progress of each work item. Subcontractors and the client can be notified automatically at each key step. The job is then run from the client record, with planning, progress, photos and snagging in one place.
Photos, handover reports and end-of-job documents
At the end of the job, hand over a signed handover report, user manuals, and a complete job file (dated before/during/after photos, product labels, compliance certificates). These documents are essential for MaPrimeRénov', CEE and your cover in the event of a dispute. Argile centralises these documents in the project file, exportable as PDF.
Capitalising on every job: client history and recommendations
Every completed job is a future reference. Keep a history of the work carried out, the performance achieved and client satisfaction. This serves both as quality proof for your future quotes and as a basis for recommending complementary work (insulation after heating, mechanical ventilation after windows). A satisfied client who comes back or recommends you costs far less than finding a new prospect.
