1. INTRODUCTION:    To ensure consistent, top-quality service is delivered efficiently, Field Service companies must rely on data received from the field. Managing data and workflows for positive outcomes is the purpose of field service management software.

In this guide, we will address the reasons field service companies turn to technology to add more efficiency and value to their business.

The amount of data that needs to be collected, verified, and analyzed can be overwhelming. It may not be useful without a mechanism to visualize it in in an actionable form. For some companies, it can be thousands of data points per day that need to be collected, analyzed and acted upon.

 
Unfortunately, many field service companies still collect data from the field in paper forms, spreadsheets or siloed systems. This valuable data becomes static information that cannot be fully utilized to drive improvements in the business. And it is often labor intensive to retrieve when needed.

To become more strategic in how they manage their data, leading Field Service companies are shifting to Mobile Field Management software which enables real-time visibility into their workforce, inventory, equipment and jobs.

Not only does it make it simpler to keep every piece of information in one centralized location,
Field Management software also helps turn static data into actionable information. This can help your company move from a state of reaction to a state of continuous improvement. In doing so, you can improve efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, reduce costs and ultimately achieve better results.

As the only Field Management Software focused entirely on the needs of communication service companies, Numerasoft has the opportunity every day to see how leveraging this powerful data can transform businesses. In this guide, we will share some best practices and ideas that reveal the power of consolidated real-time data in field service businesses, the challenges and risks associated with not using real-time data and techniques to use data intelligence to drive stronger results including:

• Eliminate up to 90% of equipment loss by using Numerasoft to track equipment
• Reduce headcount associated with order management and validation by two thirds
• Use automatic reconciliations to capture lost revenue
• Reduce fleet costs by with scheduling and reminders for timely repairs and maintenance
• Automate Tech timesheets and shift scheduling to maximize efficiency

Let’s get started!

2. THE POWER OF REAL-TIME DATA

The use of laptops, tablets and mobile phones to access real-time data now allows us to track information, make informed decisions, and improve the quality of our daily life. How can that translate to everyday results for field services businesses?

Your company already has a wealth of data to keep track of. From following customer job specs to tracking the inventory that’s loaded on trucks, there’s a lot that must be done to fulfill an order. This entire process creates data during each step.

The problem lies in the fact that this data is not readily available in real-time. You already have programs and processes in place but consolidating and leveraging the data related to those can be impossible. Without real-time access to your field data, it’s more difficult to manage, be efficient, and mitigate issues at the earliest possible stage.

When data lives on a piece of paper or spreadsheet, or in siloed systems, it doesn’t help you become more proactive or productive. No matter how organized your offline or online filing system, it will never help you more effectively utilize that data. You need Mobile Field Management Software to do that.

Plus, there are some significant challenges and missed opportunities associated with not having access to field service data in real-time, which we’ll learn about next.

3. RISKS & CHALLENGES

You have plenty of data in your company, so the issue isn’t whether or not it exists. Instead, the problem is that the amount of time it takes to track down the information you need when you need it makes the data impossible to use. The more time it takes to retrieve and analyze data, the less efficient your company is. In other words, a company without access to real-time quality and production data is data rich, but information poor.

Without access to field service data in real-time you are very likely to experience some of the following challenges:

i. Reaction vs. Prevention: Oftentimes, when data is kept on paper/spreadsheets or in multiple places instead of in one centralized system where it can be easily captured, tracked, and analyzed in real-time, problems aren’t identified until later stages. For example, after inventory is missing from the warehouse or the truck. When using real-time data, you can be alerted and address issues as they’re happening (instead of after the fact).

ii. No Transparency or Visibility: It’s impossible for you to see what’s taking place in the field when paper-intensive systems are in place. With real-time field service data, you’ll have insights into what’s going on at any given point in the day. You can look back and analyze performance over time – and implement changes! This includes scheduling, tracking time and equipment associated with specific jobs, coordinating safety checklists and vehicle maintenance and repair.

4. REDUCE MANUAL, LABOR-INTENSIVE STEPS – AND PAPER

When you have to find and consolidate data to respond to a problem or a request, you waste time, energy and money. Worse, if you are responding to a customer a delayed response does not create confidence or address the customer’s urgency.

Paper Intensive: Piles of paper, spreadsheets, multiple databases and filing cabinets are very costly and expensive to maintain. Access to information is limited to key employees who may come or go. And there’s no way to ensure the accuracy of data stored in disparate places.

SUMMARY
In this brief guide we have examined the importance of real-time data to the success of field service companies and how software can propel value.

In the next guide – Five Ways to Get the Intelligence You Need To Achieve Better Results –
we will look at five specific functions that are managed with field service software and give examples of each item

Discover more at www.numerasoft.com.