In the last few decades, the world has undergone a rapid shift in terms of technology. From the invention of computers to the widespread usage of artificial intelligence (AI), we have come a long way. But the one innovation that really took center stage in the last couple of years has to be the widespread use of mobile technology. And field service is not beyond its scope. The introduction of field service mobile app has radically transformed the traditional way of delivering service. But there’s more to the story.
According to the latest research, the current number of mobile phone users across the world is around 7.41 billion, which roughly translates into 86% of the global population. By 2025, this is projected to reach 7.49 billion.
(Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/218984/number-of-global-mobile-users-since-2010/)
The rising popularity of smartphones and tablets has a significant impact on almost every aspect of our day-to-day lives, including the way businesses operate. And the majority of its credit goes to various kinds of mobile applications, also known as mobile apps.
In the realm of field service, in particular, the influence of mobile applications has been nothing short of revolutionary. While there are different kinds of apps available for field technicians, the one that has made the most impactful contribution is field service mobile apps. Powered by these innovative gadgets, field service technicians can now access job orders, update job status, track time, collaborate with remote teams, and troubleshoot problems on-the-go. It serves as their own virtual toolbox that they can carry in their pockets, and leverage to take care of almost any aspect of their daily tasks.
While mobile field service apps have proven to be a game-changer for field service technicians, it is not the only advantage this emerging technology offers. Rather, one can take advantage of these digital tools to enhance various aspects of a field service business, including productivity.
This article is dedicated especially to field service business owners, and serves as a comprehensive guide to leveraging field service mobile apps as a tool to increase productivity in field teams. So, if productivity is something that you are struggling with as a business owner, keep reading to learn all about this revolutionary digital technology.
Field Service Mobile App: An Overview
A field service mobile app is a specialized mobile application designed to facilitate and improve the workflow of field service technicians, i.e., professionals who perform their tasks outside of traditional office settings. These professionals, such as maintenance workers, construction workers, plumbers, electrical contractors, landscapers,and so on, use mobile devices like tablets or smartphones to access the application while on the field. These apps are equipped with advanced features that enable real-time data collection, communication, work order management, document management, and monitoring, allowing field service technicians to perform their duties more efficiently and stay connected with the back office.
Key Features of A Mobile Field Service App:
- Work order management
- Scheduling and dispatch
- Calendar management
- Inventory management
- Monitoring’
- Time-tracking
- Document storage and management
- Routing
- Reporting and analytics
- Estimates
- Billing and invoicing
- Third-party integration capabilities
How to Enhance Productivity with A Field Service Mobile App
Now that we have explained what mobile field service apps are, it is time to elaborate on the pressing question at hand—how does this powerful digital tool help business owners boost the productivity of their operations?
Here is how it works:
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Time-Tracking
In order to maintain productivity, time management is the biggest challenge a service business owner has to face. Factors like being punctual to appointments, meeting deadlines, and utilizing billable hours effectively are the most significant contributors to productivity. However, none of these are possible if your organization does not have an efficient time-tracking system in place.
Enter mobile apps for field technicians. These applications have integrated time-tracking capabilities, through which dispatchers or business owners can track field teams in real-time. It also enables field technicians to report time on-the-go. This eliminates the need for technicians to visit the office to login or logout, saving time and hassle.
With the knowledge of how many hours a technician is working and where they are spending their time, one can easily plan and optimize resources to make the most of their billable hours. Moreover, field service apps have integrated calendar management features, which allow managers to view technician availability, schedules, and deadlines, making it easier to manage time more efficiently.
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Job Scheduling and Dispatch
One of the standout features of mobile field service apps is their ability to automate and streamline the process of job scheduling and dispatch. With just a few clicks, dispatchers or managers can assign tasks to the right technicians, based on their skills, experience, and availability. This optimization not only reduces downtime but also ensures each technician is assigned effectively, maximizing overall productivity.
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Real-time Communication
Since field service relies significantly on remote collaboration, real-time communication is a big issue when it comes to productivity. Field technicians usually work away from the office, making it almost impossible to receive support or information when needed. With a mobile app, however, they can stay connected with the necessary resources no matter where they are. Instant updates of job status, changes in schedules, customer information, or emergency requirements can be communicated seamlessly. This real-time connectivity reduces delays, enables swift diagnosis of problems, ensures prompt decision-making, and keeps everyone on the same page—all contributing to enhanced productivity across teams.
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Route Optimization
Advanced field service mobile apps feature GPS-enabled routing capability, which enables didapatchers and technicians to find the best route to reach their destinations. This not only saves time and gas money, but it also enables them to spend less time on the road and more on attending to customers, allowing them to take more work orders in a single day.
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Access to Customer Information
The field service mobile app empowers field technicians with on-demand access to crucial data. Through this app, they can instantly access customer information, job details, service history, specific requirements, and much more. With this data available at their fingertips, technicians can deliver more efficient, prompt, and personalized service to customers. The result is not only enhanced productivity, but also improved customer satisfaction.
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Integration with Other Software Systems
Field service apps often support integration with other valuable systems, like CRM, accounting, and inventory management software. This integration facilitates a seamless and cohesive operation, where data flows effortlessly between the field teams and the back office. This interconnectedness results in a holistic, process-driven approach to field service management, leading to enhanced productivity.
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Paperless Workflow
Primarily designed to implement automation, mobile field service apps transform the entire operation into a paperless affair. This radically eliminates the need for manual data entry, thus minimizing the risk of errors. Eliminating paperwork from the workflow helps substantially reduce tediousness in the admin tasks and saves time—a direct contributing factor to enhancing productivity in both the field teams and the back office. This not only enhances efficiency across operations, but also contributes to building a more sustainable and eco-friendly business model.
In Conclusion
The adoption of mobile technology in field service is not just a technological upgrade; it is the need of the hour. In fact, experts consider this as the most effective strategic move to ensure business sustainability through enhanced productivity and efficiency. By leveraging field service mobile apps, field service teams can achieve faster response times, improved communication, effective decision-making, optimized workflows, and better time management—all contributing to transforming the way they deliver services and propelling the entire workforce to a new height of productivity.
To take advantage of these groundbreaking features, make sure you choose the right field service app for your business. Research and learn about the available options, and try to pick a tool that meets your specific needs. You can read more about the best field service mobile apps at shoutingtimes.com.
