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E very morning, technicians report to work, get the day's schedule, go through inventory and fill out paperwork before heading out to the first job - which means hours of organising and a huge waste of time.

Ideally, companies can optimise the use of available resources while ensuring customer satisfaction. Field service automation software can handle everything from scheduling and tracking to inventory control and billing on the same platform.

FIELD SERVICE AUTOMATION: GO PAPERLESS AND OPTIMISE PROCESSES

The demand for all-in-one solutions for field service management (FSM) has increased dramatically. Field service automation software uses mobile technologies, cloud computing and social collaboration features to improve field service efficiency. Companies today want to automate as much work as possible. The focus is on maximising resource performance. So it's no wonder that the field service automation software industry is booming.

From a desktop, tablet or smartphone, managers have a full overview of the status of orders and know which process step their field service staff are currently in. With the help of maps and dashboards, you can manage the work orders for field workers who have already been sent out. As well as helping you to complete tasks responsibly, the software also offers accounting and reporting options, all managed through a user-friendly dashboard.

THE TOP 10 ADVANTAGES OF SOFTWARE FOR FIELD SERVICE AUTOMATION

Why should companies invest in workforce management software? Below are some of the key benefits of using field service management software:

ADVANTAGE 1

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EVERY MINUTE COUNTS: REDUCE DOWNTIME

From scheduling tasks to setting preferred routes to dispatching the service team and maintaining constant communication during assignments, field service software can improve employee efficiency. With field service management software, for example, the call centre can send tasks directly to the smartphones of field service employees. This way, all relevant information, such as the service history, the optimal route to the site, the required tools and contact numbers are made available with transparency.

ADVANTAGE 2

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INCREASE PROFESSIONALITY

Field service automation solutions ensure professionalism in business operations. Field service software helps managers consolidate business information into a central database. With different levels of access, employees only have access to as much information as is relevant to their respective tasks. Field staff can also take on new tasks in the field with the right tools.

ADVANTAGE 3

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REAL TIME OPTIMISATION OF RESOURCES

Resource optimisation is one of the most important determinants of a company's profitability. Although companies differ in size and purpose, they all have one thing in common: the desire to increase productivity while making the best use of all resources. In addition to productivity, Field Service Automation enables efficient use of the necessary resources and thus reduces operating costs.

ADVANTAGE 4

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CONTACT ANY TIME: EASILY COORDINATE TEAMS

Field Service Automation software enables better workforce coordination. Field Service Management streamlines the management of the entire field service cycle, from work orders to returns and contracts to warranties and equipment. With easy access to data from a central platform, improved coordination is easy. In addition, field staff can be informed of order changes or emergencies at any time, allowing them to restructure their work. The dispatch desk is also informed of any changes, for example if a customer cannot be found, another spare part is needed or another appointment is made.

ADVANTAGE 5

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MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

Implementing field service management software is more than just a way to increase efficiency. It goes a long way towards improving a company's accuracy. With field service management software, managers can track all activities on a mobile device and stay informed every step of the way. It also gives technicians a free hand in recording diagnostics, quality information, relevant test results and parts used. All information can be recorded in the form of text, audio, videos and photos.

ADVANTAGE 6

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IMPROVE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AND BUILD LOYALITY

If there is one thing that makes customers dissatisfied, it is a delayed response to their requests. Field service management software improves customer satisfaction. The use of FSM software enables field service staff to respond quickly and effortlessly to all enquiries.

ADVANTAGE 7

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AGILITY AND FLEXIBILITY: SHIFTING DATES? NO PROBLEM

Clients need flexibility. Especially when it comes to choosing appointment slots. So it is easiest if there are always several options available. Even if an appointment is spontaneously cancelled, customers want to be able to use this option without having to make a lot of phone calls or take a lot of steps—and preferably from anywhere. An advanced field service automation system is therefore compatible with mobile devices; whether Android, Windows or Apple smartphones and iPads or laptops - and can be operated intuitively.

ADVANTAGE 8

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STORE CUSTOMER HISTORY IN A SECURE FSM SOFTWARE

Field Service Automation software accurately stores customer history. All past data, including order history, is stored separately and accurately. This gives the field service technician easy access to tools, specifications and technique instructions. The result is increased productivity, a high first-time fix rate and on-time service delivery.

ADVANTAGE 9

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DIGITAL AND AUTOMATED MATERIAL HANDLING

Companies that offer various repair services have a variety of equipment to stock. With a smart field service application, employees can effortlessly track all relevant materials and tools. If the stock of a product is slowly running out, this is automatically reordered.

ADVANTAGE 10

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STILL MAINTAIN THE OVERVIEW OF FIELD SERVICE EMPLOYEES

Field Service Automation has useful tools, including an integrated GPS tracker. The GPS tracker accompanies the field service employees' assignments and provides accurate information about their geocoded location, the actual time of arrival and the distance to the site. Dynamic scheduling is particularly useful when an urgent task needs to be assigned to a nearby technician.