Field service management software is a solution that handles all the resources required in field service management activities. The software is commonly used by industries that provide technical expertise and on-site service. Industries commonly use this software include telecommunications, utilities, healthcare, transportation, HVAC, and plumbing.

Key players in the organization can use field service management software to allocate resources, assign tasks, schedule, and even route planning. This article will give an overview of FSM software features one must consider.

With this are some of the features one has to consider.

Intelligent allocation of tasks

The FSM software automatically allocates the task to the right technician or expert. It will do so by considering vital factors such as availability, skills, priority, and proximity while allocating the tasks. Allocating tasks accordingly also helps in the completion of the project on time. Optimal resource utilization will be achieved through the intelligent allocation of resources. Task accountability will also be achieved through this form of task allocation. You can easily track the employees who are ignoring relevant tasks they have to undertake.

This form of job allocation will also contribute to employee morale. The employees will be allocated tasks based on both their interests and job skills. They will feel more motivated to perform their best and even prove their credentials. Manual job allocation can be time-consuming, making some technicians miss job opportunities. Auto allocation of the tasks will greatly help reduce confusion and errors. You can greatly save both money and time when using this technique.

Resources are important investments in the business hence they should be utilized fully. Allocation of resources in the field can be challenging without the right tools. Organizations should consider shifting to the use of software as the traditional means of resource allocation are outdated. Errors made during the allocation of resources can interfere with the project’s success. Resources and tasks need to be allocated uniformly.

Under-allocation of resources might result in revenue and productivity loss. Auto allocation of tasks ensures the fieldwork tasks are completed within the project timeline. Project delays can be easily reduced by automating fieldwork tasks. Time, cost and money will be reduced hence completing the fieldwork within the estimated budget.

Work order management

Work order management is another feature of FSM software. The work order platform stores all the relevant data required to complete a task with the experts. A work order document offers the necessary information about a particular task and how it will be completed. It entails the details regarding the time, scope and location of the expert to whom the task is assigned.

The software helps the executives optimize the available resources. It operates by channelling the client’s work order to the back office, which is sorted and structured into an easy-to-read format for the experts to access. The software can be installed on mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones. It makes it much easier for the workers to turn on the app and go through the tasks required to be done on a particular day. It will, in turn, reduce errors hence making the process more efficient for both the clients and the experts.

The work order management will boost efficiency because the manual work is greatly reduced.  With these, the managers will have a preventive approach to maintenance. They are in a better position to follow all equipment and work statuses. The supervisors will also be notified in case of status changes, services request and emergencies. It becomes much easier to respond to these issues on time.  Effective communication between the managers and the personnel in the field can also be enhanced through the use of these systems.

The software will greatly help monitor, manage, and automate the tasks allocated to the managers. It makes it easier for the supervisors to trace the technicians’ real-time location and track their travel history. It is much easier to get a real-time update on the job status. One can even monitor SLA compliances using this software. The software also makes it easier to communicate with the managers who are in the offices.

Work order management also helps enhance the productivity of maintenance workers. The technicians can easily view the work orders and status updates on the field with any device. The necessary information is stored in a digital work order and it can be accessed easily. The experts in the field can easily update the work status and make the necessary report details about their tasks on the mobile device while still in the field.

Having a well-planned program for maintenance and a work order system to monitor the equipment makes it easier for the workers to take preventive maintenance rather than expensive emergency repairs. In this manner, the life span of the equipment will also be prolonged hence reducing the cost.

Work order management also helps improve planning and budgeting with data. The system can easily gather data and measure data of previous work orders. The obtained data can be used by the management to make decisions, budget for the future and even plan resources. The managers can also use the system to schedule maintenance to avoid breakdowns and replacements of the equipment used in the field. The scheduling is automated and it uses past data from the previous recorded work orders.

The work order management system can easily help in the information flow among the parties involved in carrying out a particular task in the field.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, one must consider many features of field service management software before getting the software. The above article has illustrated some of the factors. These factors include work order management, intelligent allocation of tasks, scheduling, and dispatch, among others.

The FSM software will make it easier to conduct all your project activities. It will make it easier to complete the project on time. While getting the software you should consider getting it from a reputable software provider. Ensure it is compatible with the existing systems in your company.