It is virtually impossible to avoid the topic of cloud computing these days, particularly if you are looking for workforce scheduling software or field service management software. Everyone is talking about it, but when you look past the hype and media scrutiny cloud computing is becoming pretty commonplace, and what’s more it is seriously in demand by companies large and small, particularly when searching for new software applications to streamline processes and increase productivity. And let’s be honest, most companies will be interested in a product that both improves productivity whilst lowering costs at the same time.
Many providers recognised early on that if done properly, cloud based software can provide a significant opportunity for companies to deploy a watertight infrastructure that will expand and retract with business needs, whilst delivering clear innovations such as SaaS (software as a service) and BYOD (bring your own device) � these two applications alone have been real game changers for field service management. This has been recognised by the accelerating rate of adoption and investment by service providers and in turn is fast becoming the preferred option.
There can be no doubt that the architecture behind many scheduling products encompasses the ideas of reliability, high availability and scalability � which are underpinning features of cloud computing. For many organisations workforce scheduling is vital as it impacts customer satisfaction, therefore choosing the right software for the job in hand is essential. The ability to offer real time scheduling keeps operatives and technicians on the road and up to date with jobs whilst ensuring that jobs go to the right person with the right skills at the right time. Dashboard analytics reduce operational costs as companies are able to predict their budgets year on year � also reducing financial risks whilst allowing for thorough interrogation of data including KPI reports and business plans.
You should search out the many suppliers currently in the market, most of which are doing a fine job of offering innovative cloud based field service management software. You want a suppliers well versed in the needs and requirements of a busy operation. And one with a system that has been developed over a substantial period of time and with a proven track record that is able to offer you peace of mind that they are more than capable of delivering on promises. It is best to make a shortlist of suppliers and to then check out each system in a face to face demo so you can ask questions there and then and get the best fit for your business.
The customer is the primary focus of any business, after all it’s why you come into work everyday and it’s why you made the decision to create your own company. That is, to attract customers and keep their loyalty by offering the best service you possibly can. In the field service management software industry in particular, customer interaction with the workforce is a big part of the job and traditionally service management was organised by dispatchers. This was fine but ultimately leaves room for error and misunderstanding, neither of which sounds great when it’s being relayed as an experience from one unhappy customer to a friend.
The move away from manual scheduling by many companies in favour of an automated scheduling system such as field service management software, has proven critical for a company to increase the efficiency of its mobile workforce, but it is also a way of instantly upgrading customer relationships. Whereas with a non-automated service, appointments would be made, parts would be ordered and then collected, and any delay would have to be fed through a despatcher. Now customers are able to log their own appointments, updates are automatically available online and the technician can order parts when the job is logged � which means no misunderstanding, no missed appointments and no jobs left unfinished because a technician has to return to the office or depot to collect a part.
