The growing demand for centralized field service software has fueled growth and advancement in the field service management. There is the need to create and maintain optimal efficiency as the field service industry continues to grow. Data entry tasks would waste valuable resources and time and reduce productivity until the advent of tablets and smartphones. Here are five ways in which field service management software has driven up productivity.

1. Improved Visibility

A dispatcher can see all the necessary information such as weather conditions, fuel costs, commute time, traffic, and distance before assigning a task to a representative. The software also suggests the best route to help reduce overtime and travel costs. It also enables managers to monitor and track their representatives in real time. In fact, field technicians can update job status and obtain customer’s signatures getting back to the office.

2. Initiation of Artificial Intelligence

Companies now use artificial intelligence to monitor asset performance and process big data. That way, they can predict when parts of equipment will become obsolete and help you make data-driven decisions. Field service management systems allow for machine optimization before your equipment malfunction.

3. Real-Time Updates

With field service software, you can receive instant updates from your field representatives. The software also allows you to update the inventory as soon as the stock falls below the minimum level. You don’t have to rush back to the office to enter details on the field reports. Field service management systems allow you to place orders accordingly and update your inventory. In fact, field representatives can use smartphones and tablets to check the required accessories as long as they have access to the internet. Real-time communication allows you to transfer data in the same day.

4. Real-Time Tasks Assignment

Real-time communication allows the field service manager to assign tasks as the day progresses. The manager can use push notifications to update field representatives about any changes. That means the field representatives can respond to emergencies as soon as possible. The software also makes it easy for the field service manager to communicate service cancellations and delays. In short, it eliminates the need to send emails and make multiple time-consuming calls.

5. Workforce Optimization

You reduce the number of dispatched field technicians by as much as 10% when you integrate field service management software into your systems. Field representatives tend to complete their tasks quicker when they are equipped with the knowledge of the possible required accessories, route changes, and weather conditions. Research has revealed that adoption of field service management systems helps field service managers and field representatives to gain faster access to knowledge. In turn, employers and employees can make informed decisions on short notices. Use of field service management systems to analyze big data enable companies to make more accurate predictions.