How The Use of Technology Can Boost Your Field Service Business
Did you know that 52% of field service companies still conduct manual operations instead of implementing automated technology? This data underscores the lack of understanding...
Oct 04, 2021
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Did you know that 52% of field service companies still conduct manual operations instead of implementing automated technology? This data underscores the lack of understanding many businesses have about the benefits of technology in the field service sector. In order to stay competitive, it’s critical to understand the use of technology in streamlining and improving your day-to-day operations.
Mobile Use of Technology
One of the top challenges field service technicians face is accessing necessary manuals and tools while on site. In fact, 52% reported complications due to the lack of access to service manuals, while 48% noted the difficulties in connecting to various knowledge bases. These inefficiencies can be simply solved in a matter of seconds with the use of technology. With the right platform in place, technicians can quickly pull up resources, previous notes, and client information and store information using an online database. This allows uninterrupted access to the right information at the right time, whether on-site or in the office.
In a previous blog, we also dive into the benefits of automation with modern technology and how to ease the billing and payment process for clients.
Going On-Site With Proper Equipment
In a competitive, fast-paced market, being prepared for and quickly accomplishing a task is critical. This starts with arming your field service technician with the correct tools and technology for the job. Field service optimization software guarantees field service workers are made aware of the proper supplies needed to accomplish their work. When a request is processed, the software produces a list of devices and parts needed. This drastically reduces the time spent retrieving tools that weren’t originally taken to the job location. It also ensures your field techs are always prepared for the unexpected, improving both your business reputation and customer satisfaction.
Data Collection & Reputation Management
The use of technology allows businesses to acquire useful company data and feedback, offering invaluable insights into company information. For example, you can unlock key website data points to see how many users you’re getting, what services are most in-demand, and more.
What’s more, you can use online reviews to their advantage, either to gain insight on how to improve your service offerings or to improve your reputation.
Demand Forecasting
With demand forecasting, you can take past company data and use it to anticipate upcoming industry trends. This efficient use of technology gives businesses predictions based on historic company data, allowing them to accurately forecast for specific instances like employee training, equipment purchasing, and more. A few technological approaches to demand forecasting include:
- Supplier relationship management
- Customer relationship management
- Manufacturing flow management
Supplier relationship management estimates the amount of specific materials a company uses and therefore needs to order. Understanding what supplies a company needs helps it gauge what source it needs to be acquiring its resources from.
Customer relationship management ensures customers promptly receive the products they want. It uses data and trends to anticipate that goods will be in demand so they can pre-purchase and please their customers. This aspect of demand forecasting is crucial in strengthening and maintaining customer relationships.
Manufacturing flow management uses past statistics to see the pattern of movement through a supply chain. The purpose of this forecasting is to estimate the amount of products sold.
