With the world embracing technology and automation with open arms, why would remote operating businesses not leverage the same? Field Service management software is filling the gaps that remotely functioning businesses would struggle with.
We know what’s popping inside your mind right now!
What is Field Service Management Software?
Field service management software is a technologically advanced tool that empowers businesses to efficiently monitor their field staff and operations. Field service jobs such as appliance installation, after-sales servicing, telecom and HVAC(Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) repairs and appointment services would require automation tools for scaling.
Why Do You Need Field Service Management Software?
The FSM software serves various industries and fulfils various applications. When it comes to answering the question of why these industries need field service monitoring software, we have only three broader and pivotal reasons.
- Real-time Visibility and workflow management
- Improves Customer Experience
- Enhances efficiency and decision making
What Features Should You Look for in Field Service Management Software?
- Task Scheduling and allocation
Remote task allocation not only means assigning tasks to the field employee. It considers variables such as turnaround time, field employees' expertise, shift timing, proximity, geographic familiarity and much more. The task management software must auto allocate ad-hoc, scheduled or group of tasks considering earlier mentioned rules.
- Live tracking and updates
Real-time data update in terms of location, task status, operational standing and everything else is a must in this tie and age. It not only stimulates prompt response in the time of emergency but also helps in making data-driven decisions on the run-time.
- Geo-coded Attendance
It goes without saying how crucial geo-verified attendance is in field service management. Remote attendance marking saves time for field agents and geo-stamped log-in ensures proper utilisation of work hours.
- Seamless communication framework
One of the many barriers that remote operations pose, communication gap or lapse is the worse. In-built chat rooms, timely reminders, instant alerts, etc. act as a knight in shining armour to fix this problem.
- Customisability and API integration
No business is alike! One size doesn’t fit all is the best approach a B2B SaaS Product would go for. Hence, custom features are a must that a field service software providers must offer. Seamless API integration with the third-party platform is another crucial factor that you must seek in field service and maintenance software.
Key Considerations when Choosing a Field Service Management Software
To help you make an informed choice, here are certain points you must consider while choosing a field service management solution.
- Scalability and Integration
Go for software that can accommodate your business growth. It should seamlessly integrate with the existing system without disrupting implementation. Easy integration with third party software such as Salesforce, tally, ERP, etc that you must be using.
- Mobile Accessibility for Field Staff
Mobile-based field service management software simplifies the accessibility not only to field employees but managers too. It enables easy access to job details, record updates, attendance marking, communication and transparency of data.
- User Friendly Interface
Easy-to-use and understand interface wins half a battle while transitional from manual field operations to software-backed functioning. Intuitive interface narrows down the training requirement and ensures quick adoption of techniques, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Data Security and employee privacy
With field service monitoring or tracking software data security is equally important to data sourcing. Always check whether your software provider is prioritising software and cloud security, including data encryption. The software must only fetch relevant data via the agent’s smartphone only during working hours just like TrackoField. This ensures employee privacy.
- In-depth Analytics and Reporting
Only software that offers analytics and well-rounded reports provides insights into the overall performance of the field staff, helping in making data-driven decisions. The wider array of metrics the software covers, the richer the reports are.
- Expert and Responsive Support team
A good field service management software provider would not limit its superpowers to software. It would also extend its potency to additional technical support it provides to its clients. The expertise of the support staff and development team determines the response tendencies during urgency or emergency.
- Balancing Features and Budget
Evaluate the software’s total cost of ownership against the features it offers. Compare it with the other players in the market, and ask for a demo and free trial. Strive for a solution that offers a solid return on investment while meeting your requirements.
How to choose the right field service management software - GUIDE 101
Choosing the right field service management solution involves a comprehensive assessment of your business needs, operational process and future prospects. By considering the software’s features, scalability, usability, security and support aspects, you can make an informed decision.
However, the above-mentioned points are a 101 guide to choosing the best field service software for your organisation.
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