One thing we have realized is that ST is not designed for companies that do larger projects/multi day projects. At least not in reality.
We keep track of permits separately from ST. I don't know how you are set up but our dispatcher keeps track of permits needed, if we need to return to clean up after street is patched etc. Our production is fairly high between plumbing and heating so we hired someone whose only job is to secure permits.
When a job sells and email goes out to the dispatcher, myself (plumbing ops) or my counterpart in HVAC, our AR/AP, and our permit person, and the tech who sold the job. It asks, the tech about materials needed, Permit, and estimated number of man hours and how many installers are needed.
We have job folders for our larger jobs on a board on a wall with their various stages. Sold, has permit, in progress, needs inspection, etc. As the folder moves down the board it moves along with the stages of completion.
YMMV but we are 100 employees and we have developed our own work around for where ST is lacking.
