With decades of field service management experience, we’ve combined business software buying best practices and technology know-how into this practical guide for field service organizations.
Download the guide for insights for choosing the right service management solution for your organization.
In today’s age of hyper-connectivity, it’s important to consider how data from connected equipment will inform service practices. From increasing data coming from machines to new technologies like wearables and virtual reality, service managers need to consider how the latest technology advancements can impact and benefit their business.
Today’s executives in equipment manufacturing, construction, HVAC, and other field service industries believe in a technology-enabled future. Service analysts and experts agree that within the next ten years, products will become “loss leaders,” while services will be revenue drivers.
The tips in this guide reveal how service teams can implement a successful field service management solution while putting themselves in control of the buying process.
Understand What Service Management Features to Look for
You don’t want to invest in a system that will be technologically obsolete in a couple years. While independent research is strongly encouraged, here are a few of the technology trends and terms you should understand and discuss with each vendor you’re considering:
Software as a Service (SaaS). Top vendors now offer their systems in the SaaS, hosted, cloud based model, requiring only an internet connection. This negates your need to purchase and maintain hardware in your office.
Mobile field service. Service technician access and recording capability for customer, site, asset, warranty, inventory, and inspection information utilizing a mobile device in the field.
IoT-connected equipment. The field service management system connects to equipment sensors in the field to inform proactive service programs. Prevents equipment downtime by monitoring and reporting on equipment performance through the IoT.
Conclusion – Turning Service into a Revenue Driver
Most service decision makers (85%, to be exact) view investment in agents as a vital part of service transformation.
However, service agents do not always have access to the latest technologies in the field, which results in return trips to customer sites due to a lack of updated customer information and other issues.
And many companies are still using paper-driven or other outdated processes when managing and analyzing customer information.
Regardless, executives believe in a technology-enabled future, reporting that wearable devices like watches and glasses will play an important role in service operations, and that field service automation provides real and lasting business benefits.
A thorough and organized software selection and implementation process will keep your business ahead of the curve in an age of constant technological change and growing connectivity.
Free Guide: 7 Best Practices for Selecting Field Service Software
Download the guide to put yourself in control of the buying process and implement a successful field service management solution.
