As the world is changing rapidly, businesses require extensive technical support to advance their motives. Companies rely on ample software in order to compete in the market, operate effectively, and make use of new opportunities. Using software and appropriate systems also allow the employees to undertake their responsibilities more efficiently.
This is why many organizations have now started to incorporate field service management software in their operations. Paper-based FSM is now going out of the scene because it only makes the job much more difficult. So let’s find out more about this system and why it is becoming so prominent in the business world.
Field Service Management – Overview
What is FSM Software?
A field service management software is a technological solution, allowing the company to coordinate and connect various field operations. This software can be helpful in scheduling service orders, assigning jobs, tracking locations of the workforce, dispatching vehicles, and managing the warehouse. But this software is primarily responsible for bridging the communication gaps and automating the crucial processes in field service.
Here are some key features of FSM software:
- Workforce management
- Inventory management
- Route optimization
- Initiating projects
- Contract management
- Overseeing customer portals
- Sharing job data
- Communication with customers and team
- Invoice processing
- Ensuring product availability
- Job costing
- Reporting
- Time tracking
Benefits of FSM Software
The field service management system has substantial benefits for businesses that find it challenging to manage their workforce on the field. Some of these are spelt out below:
- More productivity
Without a doubt, FSM software makes the business more efficient and productive. This is because companies can automate redundant processes and enhance collaboration. It can also solve numerous operational issues such as customer complaints and delay in work.
- Cost-effective
The operational costs tend to increase, especially when there are delays and inefficiency in work. However, field service management software can tackle these issues and make field service more cost-efficient. For instance, the workers can take shorter routes using GPS in the system and delay fuel consumption.
- Improves communication
The software also improves communication flow between the remote teams and the management. Technicians can immediately communicate to both the customers and management, get electronic signatures, and take pictures to facilitate the job.
- Standardization
The reporting and invoicing features in the system allow the company to standardize the workflow. For instance, the technicians can download same invoices from the system for the customers and get the same quotes for the service.
Critical features of Field Service Management Software
Different FSM software comes with various features, but some of the common ones are highlighted below:
- Customer service
Customers expect businesses to provide effective communication channels. When they especially hire a field worker, they want assurance that the workers will arrive on time and continue the work in an effective manner. However, unexpected delays can occur during operations. This is why companies need to make sure that there are alternative options to cover the delay and provide their service. In this regard, a field service management software allows the companies to see who is available and near to the customer’s location. The worker can then be assigned the job quickly to cover up the delay.
- Scheduling and Dispatching
It is challenging to schedule numerous jobs every day by using a simple excel sheet. Instead, the field service management software provides more flexibility to the companies in how they plan and dispatch jobs. Organizations can use this system to see who is available for urgent work, shuffle the jobs, and see who is working on which task. This feature also helps in seeing the details of the worker and making effective decisions.
- Route tracking
Route planning is an essential part of field service. Technicians should be able to follow an efficient route, allowing them to reach on the location at the time and manage their fuel. This feature enables the technicians to see which routes are available and which ones are the most feasible to take. On the other hand, the administration can also track the vehicles using GPS and see how well the technicians are doing the job.
- Inventory management
Companies using this system are also well-placed to manage their inventories. Using the inventory management feature, companies can keep track of their products, identify how many needs to be ordered, and which ones are in demand. Many companies face issues when they accept an order but realize that they don’t have enough products in the inventory. On the other hand, companies also don’t realize that they have an ample amount of a particular product, which is not being ordered frequently. Accordingly, field service management software can ensure the companies can manage their supply chain effectively.
- Work Order Management
This feature allows companies to manage work-related processes and enhance communication flow. For instance, when a particular task is assigned to the worker, the management can save the details of the technician working on the order. These details can be viewed by all those using the system. The completion status of the job can also be viewed. On the other hand, the technician can use the system to mention any particular details about the work. They can make notes, take pictures, and record audios related to the work, which can then be used by both the company and customers.
- Reporting
A critical feature of field service management is reporting and analytics. Organizations can get monthly reports regarding their employees and sales order. For instance, they can identify how many products are available in the inventory, how much time was spent to perform a certain job, and how much fuel was spent in travelling by a particular individual. By doing so, companies can make data-driven decisions and strategize their operations more efficiently.
Industries using FSM Software
The field service management system can be employed by companies regardless of the sector or industry in which they operate. It can be used by all the critical stakeholders of the company, such as dispatchers, customer experience staff, technicians, financial staff, managers, and customers. Some industries where this software is becoming common include:
- Retail
- Telecommunication
- Engineering and construction
- Healthcare
- Foodservice equipment
- Industrial equipment servicing
- Packaging shipping
- HVAC
- Building
- Janitorial
How to choose a field service software for your business?
When choosing an FSM software, you should first evaluate your business needs and aspirations. For instance, if you are experiencing issues in deploying jobs, then you should choose a system that can provide more flexibility in scheduling and deployment. Yet, regardless of which system you choose, you must ensure that it is scalable in case your business priorities change in the future.
Benefits of using FSM App
A Field Service Management App can make it much easier to manage your team because it provides all the features of FSM software on the go. You and your team can download the application on the mobile phone and stay in touch even from a remote location.
Final Words
In short, a field service management is very helpful when it comes to improving the field service. Whether you are experiencing issues in managing your teams or providing effective customer service, an FSM software can help.
