Software applications are essential to all types of businesses, including field service industries. The ever-evolving trade scenario has only increased the dependence of businesses on embedded systems and field service software. These tools are integral for technicians working in areas like HVAC repair, IT services, appliance installation and the like.
Field service technicians can now communicate with customers and provide the services they need by using mobile field service apps. An increase in field service management app usage has totally transformed the industry by boosting work efficiency, cutting down on company expenditure, and increasing customer satisfaction.
A company with field service management software integrated into its field operations can reap the following benefits—
The field service software allows technicians to focus solely on work without having to be bogged down by time commitments that comes with face-to-face interactions with customers. Automating and digitizing tasks like scheduling and dispatching has further streamlined operations.
Technicians can also rely on embedded systems (the Internet of Things), which allows them to gather the information they need to diagnose the problem and arrive at the job site without hassle.
These advantages have boosted the popularity of field service management software across industries.
If, however, your field service business has not yet embraced such advancements, then it is on course for a disaster.
Here are three field service technologies that you should adopt right away
There are many important technologies that field service managers and technicians must acquaint themselves with to keep up with the changing business ecosystem. Here are the top three technological trends to adopt in order to boost field service management efficiency—
1. Field Service Scheduling Software
Scheduling and dispatch software can improve communication between service companies and technicians out on the field. This software is capable of more than just digitizing interactions and can be used in conjunction with other service technologies and innovations to optimize operations and increase efficiency. Scheduling software, for example, can use mapping data in order to determine the best order to schedule appointments so that the day can be organized for technicians in such a way that they have to travel the least distance between work sites.
Lesser travel time may reduce fuel expenses and allow technicians to have more appointments (and thus earn more) on any given day.
Also, the company can reduce travel costs and expenses by selecting the closest technician to perform a service call.
2. Field Service Apps
A mobile app allows field service technicians to access dispatch, scheduling, and communications data without hassle. These tools enable field service technicians to communicate and use work systems on the move or at job sites.
Mobile field service apps also provide specific data for each job. The technician can view data from embedded systems on their smartphone so they know what type of repair they need to do before they arrive at the job site. Most of such apps allow customers to send photos so the technician can view them. This allows them to make an assessment of the scope of the project and bring the right equipment to fix the problem.
Many mobile field service apps include a chat feature, which allows technicians to communicate with customers in real time.
3. Internet of Things
The Internet of Things or (IoT) is a term that refers to equipment and systems having embedded sensors, software, processing ability, or other technologies to connect to or exchange data with other systems or devices over any communication network like the internet.
The Internet of Things offers field service technicians the advantage of being able to predict when maintenance is needed. This technology allows technicians to quickly read the data and diagnose the problem before they arrive at the job site.
Also, smart appliances are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners. Security.org reports that 70% of Americans want a home with smart appliances, while 78% will pay more for embedded systems. These numbers show that the Internet of Things could become an integral part of all future field service industries.
Field service technicians must be able to comprehend embedded systems in equipment within their field of expertise. Technicians must also be able to interpret the data provided by these systems in order to provide the best maintenance.
Besides, service technicians must know how to connect appliances with embedded systems to ensure they work properly. Even to establish the initial settings, they might need to interact with the system.
With proper technical training focused on the Internet of Things, even small businesses can help their field workforce learn how to use such common connected systems. The future will likely see embedded systems as the reason behind most of the service calls. Without the necessary knowledge, your technicians will not be able to cater to such service needs.
Adopting field service management solutions
Field service software and apps are helping a lot of technicians achieve greater work efficiency.
However, if you are new to this and only preparing to incorporate it into your field service management operations, then you will have to focus mainly on two things. First, you will have to adjust your current operations in a way that this technology can be seamlessly accommodated. And secondly, you will have to train your field staff to ensure full utilization of the newly incorporated technology.
