Forget pen and paper, now field technicians have smart phones with high speed 3G/4G connections. It is possible to complete your reports in the field. However, it is important to select your field service software better, because not all mobile applications are as powerful as Field Force Tracker’s mobile app.

Field Force Tracker mobile app is one of the best mobile app of its kind. It provides advanced mobility management features not found in other applications.

We all know how frustrating it is to lose connectivity on a wireless phone call – especially if you’re in a critical conversation or facilitating a conference call. For field personnel using field service apps that are dependent on steady streams of data to and from their wireless devices to do their job properly, even a brief loss of the linkage can be both frustrating and a drain on productivity. Therefore, it is important to have better service provider to deliver your services and an application that has full functionality as needed.

Field Force Tracker – the Best Mobile Application for the Field Service

Without up-to-date application, a field technician might quote the wrong price for service because the latest digital price book is not at hand. A construction or maintenance crew lead might not have access to critical customer instructions because their browser-based application won’t load. I recently had a visit from a cable engineer who couldn’t pull up his field service app to order a part because he couldn’t get the necessary data from his app server. He said he’d have to head back to the office when he left.  This forced him to make one extra visit.

Predicting where and when you’re most likely to get cut off is difficult. Wireless providers have maps showing coverage areas (there are even national maps spanning multiple carriers), but of course networks expand (and maybe in some cases contract) all the time. Reliability in a given area varies day to day, even minute to minute. That is particularly true if your business takes workers to locations where the network is stressed by a sudden surge of demand (think of the burgeoning oil and gas industry in some parts of the U.S., or of a disaster area where landlines have been massively disrupted).

Even where the wireless signal remains steady and strong, staying connected every minute may simply be impractical. You don’t want to discourage members of your field team from going behind a hill or into a basement to perform needed tasks for fear that their data connection will break down.

A field team’s software must be designed to adjust to changing user needs– assuring that data both in the field and back at headquarters will remain available when needed. This helps assure that team members won’t resort to old-fashioned pen and paper during a customer visit, necessitating a time-consuming, productivity-draining re-input of the information.

Mobile field service apps like Field Force Tracker are designed from the start to operate with full functionality. Whether users are in the office or in the field, field personnel find their latest information is available to their mobile applications on the device. Data stored on the wireless device in the field can be immediately synced with what is stored back at headquarters. Any new updates from the office are also synced back. Plus, the original time stamps are retained (for instance on a photograph taken of the job site).

About Field Force Tracker

Field Force Tracker (https://www.fieldforcetracker.com) is a leading global provider of its award winning mobile workforce solutions for service-based businesses of all sizes delivered as software-as-a-service (SaaS). Our solutions enable businesses of all sizes (from 1 user to 10,000 users) to meet the challenges associated with managing and running complex service operations. It helps in improving the productivity of their mobile workforce.

With Field Force Tracker, customers can create service schedule and route quickly, dispatch sooner, collect correct information at once in the field and invoice faster. The field service software makes it easy for users to eliminate waste, get more done in less time and be more profitable.

Field Force Tracker is a wholly owned unit of Rapidsoft Systems Inc. (https://www.rapidsoftsystems.com). Rapidsoft Systems, Inc. has its main office in Princeton, NJ, USA, a US R&D Center in Mercerville NJ, and sales, support and development offices in Palo Alto, CA, USA, Singapore, Dubai (UAE), Bombay, and Noida (India).

The growth and adaption of mobile technologies has revolutionized every sector.  Field Service industry has not remain untouched by this revolution. Smart businesses are quickly digitizing their services  The use of mobile field service applications is going to reflect on services that they provide.  This article describes how cloud based Field Service CRM like Field Force Tracker can help you in increasing customer services, create new business opportunities, improve  job satisfaction and at the same time, improve your company’s profitability.

Field service engineers are the key to the success of any  service business. They are the face of your company to the customers.  Would you like them to use modern tools or like them to use antiquated paper service forms? Would you like them to spend their time doing their service jobs or would you like them to spend their time filling paper forms? Field Engineers are expensive resources. They generate all sales, installation, maintenance, support, and other tasks that require direct access to the products and services a business provides. Field Engineers, should use  latest technologies because they have the greatest impact on customer satisfaction and relationships. They can perform better if they use mobile devices, mobile enabled software and mobile forms based software. Is your company ready to provide all this?

Advantages of Using a Field Service Software

There are many advantages of using a well designed field service management system: streamlined dispatch processes, faster billing and invoicing, visibility into job details, etc.  Another important benefit that may not automatically come to mind is better time keeping. A good  field service software provides better time keeping and tracking of employees. A field service management solution can help in improving field workers safety.  With software it is easy to maintain adherence to corporate and government-imposed safety regulations.

Field service software can help organizations monitor and manage compliance with safety policy and procedures. Safety policies  rules can be formed by the company or mandated external organizations. What matter is not who mandated, but that your field engineers are following rules and are able to demonstrate this .

The best of the breed software like field force tracker can improve safety compliance. It maintains many kind essential reports that can be used for tracking policy compliance. You can attach custom forms, documents and other data in the jobs. These forms can demonstrate compliance.

Small, Medium and Large Businesses – All can benefit with FSM

Not only big businesses, small businesses can also benefit from it. An HVAC worker can upload a time-stamped photo to indicate proper ventilation.  An AC installation for an indoor unit at a job site can be shown to the manager. He can even  show video of a work area after it has been cleaned.  They can prove that debris and equipment was properly removed after a job was completed.

Every one must use FSM software. Managers can also create mandatory task list for each job that include safety-related activities. The tasks can be associated with editable PDF forms. These pdf forms must be filled in and signed off by employees. This helps ensure compliance with safety policies and procedures and provides a safety audit.

Why Field Force Tracker

Mobile enabled, cloud-based field service software was designed to provide ease of use with incredible flexibility. Along with the ease – and speed – of our implementation and the ongoing support service that we provide we enable companies to take full advantage of today’s mobile field service.

Field Force Tracker’s power mobile apps for iPhone and Android are available to all new and existing Field Force Tracker customers. They can extend the feature set with the enhanced mobile forms capabilities, and better system integration.  Field Force Tracker, a mobile enabled web-based field service management software, streamlines technician scheduling, dispatch, customer management, vendor and employee management, work orders, equipment maintenance, inventory tracking, contracts, estimates, invoices, payments and accounting. It is considered one of the most feature rich software of its kind.

About Field Force Tracker – The Best Field Service Software

Force Tracker (https://www.fieldforcetracker.com/) is a leading global provider of its award winning mobile workforce solutions for service-based businesses of all sizes delivered as software-as-a-service (SaaS). Its solutions enable businesses of all sizes (from 1 user to 10,000 users) to meet the challenges associated with managing and running complex service operations. It helps in improving the productivity of their mobile workforce.

With Field Force Tracker customers can create service schedule and route quickly, dispatch sooner, collect correct information at once in the field and invoice faster. The field service software makes it easy for users to eliminate waste, get more done in less time and be more profitable.

Field Force Tracker is a wholly owned unit of Rapidsoft Systems Inc. (https://www.rapidsoftsystems.com/). Rapidsoft Systems, Inc. has its main office in Princeton, NJ, USA, a US R&D Center in Mercerville NJ, and sales, support and development offices in Palo Alto, CA, USA, Singapore, Dubai (UAE), Bombay, and Noida (India).

Field Service Industry is going through the big change. Field service software like Field Force Tracker are changing the software industry by their revolutionary features and low cost.  Because software is based in the cloud, you have no infrastructure to maintain, and no servers to update. You need no IT person to maintain it.

However, if you are moving from paper or spreadsheet based scheduling, you will be making a big change in the process. To make sure that you get the most benefits, this article will explain that.

Benefits of Cloud Based Field Service Software

Cloud technology is revolutionizing the way that IT manages employees, data and customers. Through the adoption of cloud-centric operations, companies are realizing unprecedented flexibility by becoming unchained from the limitations of in-house data storage systems. The significant reduction in maintenance of these systems has facilitated new possibilities and opportunities to offset, or even eliminate, expenses related to data storage, access to that data throughout the company and customer account management. Cloud technology, combined with mobility, has liberated companies to get more return out of the investment into their business.

Mobility Support is Automatic

In the past, companies often had to issue mobile phones to their employees if they intended them to be used for work, or at the very least, many would provide an allowance for mobile charges. Today, however, almost everyone has a personal smart device and many have unlimited calling and data plans on their phones. This is especially a benefit for companies with field service workers that would like to update their field service management operations from manual processes to automation of their service business.

As a cost savings measure, companies are now leveraging the Bring-Your-Own Device (BYOD) concept to reduce overhead. This has become so pervasive that it’s increasingly being established as a standard of practice for employees to use their personal mobile devices for work without further compensation. The exception may be in the use of tablets as they are still considered more of a luxury item compared to the smart phone. Nevertheless, BYOD is saving companies thousands of dollars per year. This is due in part to the marriage between cloud technology and mobility.

No Infrastructure to Maintain

Some may say that cloud computing shifts investments from asset-based capital expenses (CapEx) to operational expenses (OpEx). This is not an accurate statement. While it is true that the initial investment for on-premise data storage may be made as an up-front expenditure, so can an investment in the cloud. Likewise, both can have investments paid over time.

One of the greatest benefits to investing in cloud technology is the reduction of additional expenses. On-premise data centers require maintenance; human capital hours to maintain the services, parts and accessories needed for upkeep and service, significant investment into software and application upgrades, and the ability to cover the costs for scaling the storage as usage and memory demands increase.

Cloud technology, on the other hand, does not require these additional expenses. When a company’s data is hosted through a hosting service or a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) vendor such as FieldAware, these expenses are absorbed through subscription fees. This reduces the need for greater working capital, enabling the investment of funds into other areas of the business.

In field service-related businesses, this could mean more funds are available to better compete in the marketplace. For example, a company may choose to invest in improving their website making it easier for a visitor to find information that will convert them to a viable lead. Or, in the case of a medical equipment manufacturer with service teams, an investment may be made into better diagnostic equipment. A heavy equipment dealer may reallocate funds to purchase a greater inventory of parts to ensure field engineers can make repairs to reduce downtime in one call or complete an upsell while on site. All of these help companies position themselves against their competition.

Better Service and Savings for Customers

Today’s savvy customer knows that they have the advantage in the market. If they decide that a business is not meeting their needs, they can easily shop to find an alternative to their current provider. What’s posted in association forums, LinkedIn groups and other digital feedback resources can help a business to retain or gain customers.

The flexibility and long-term cost savings provided through cloud technology can be a key component in competing for customers. The impact on cash flow and working capital can also provide a business the option to pass savings on to their customers. This can be realized in a few ways, such as through:

• Direct reduction in the costs of goods and services to customers.
• Investment into the development and improvement of existing products and services.
• Training customer-facing field service engineers – they make a direct impact on the quality of the customer experience.

Each of these can provide a competitive advantage and encourage more opportunities for customers to share positive feedback in both digital forums and when referring potential new business.

A field service company that takes advantage of the cloud not only realizes cost savings, but it creates opportunities to improve their business. This freedom results in better positioning in the marketplace to win and retain customers that will not only appreciate your brand, but also evangelize your business to their peers.

About Field Force Tracker

Field Force Tracker (https://www.fieldforcetracker.com) is a leading global provider of its award winning

Field Service Industry is going through the big change. Field service software like Field Force Tracker are changing the software industry by their revolutionary features and low cost.

However, if you are moving from paper or spreadsheet based scheduling, you will be making a big change in the process. To make sure that you get the most benefits, this article will explain that.

Whether you are looking at developing your field service strategy or starting out, how do you choose the right solution with so many on offer today? How do you ensure that you get the most from your investment?

One thing you should look for is a solution which easily integrates with your current systems, as a field service solution which is easily integrated means a much faster return on your investment (ROI.)

Here we look at the reasons why:

1. Ease of integration extends what you already use

With an easily integrated field service solution you don’t need to think about changing your workflow systems. Extending the life of your current systems – accounting, HR, CRM or ERP – is all important so look at field service solutions which will leverage and expand their use. You want to maximize the investment you have made in your existing systems, to increase their value to you.

2. Seamless integration for a quick implementation

A solution which easily integrates helps with a smooth implementation and the implementation of any new technology needs to be as quick and straightforward as possible. A lengthy implementation process will defeat its objective. So being up and running in days, not months, should be the realistic goal – delivering a much faster ROI.

3. Ease of use means quicker adoption

Any new technology should be easy to use and field service solutions are no exception. Overly-complicated systems will be bypassed and worked around or ignored all together. When your field service solution is easy to use alongside existing systems, the adoption by workers is quicker and inevitably means a better ROI.

4. Integration efficiencies streamlines the workflow

An integrated field service solution means that the two-way flow of data and information is captured just once and in a consistent and efficient way. It means that no data is left unused or delayed while waiting on paperwork submissions or for collected information to be downloaded and an audit trail is in place reducing the chance of any lost or missing information. Once implemented, the two-way flow of information means that many tasks can be automated throughout the workflow.

5. Integration future proofs your investment

Any software needs to be agile and able to move with the next generation. Solutions which are quick to update and roll-out will mean the business keeps pace. Developments are moving fast and with an easy to integrate solution you are able to future-proof your requirements because of the flexibility it can bring. Upgrades, changes and adaptions can all be quickly and effectively made as your business needs change and develop.

Field Force Tracker simplifies field service management. The seamless integration of our field service solutions, speed of implementation and ease of use will mean you are up and running immediately, so your business doesn’t standstill.

About Field Force Tracker

Field Force Tracker (https://www.fieldforcetracker.com) is a leading global provider of its award winning mobile workforce solutions for service-based businesses of all sizes delivered as software-as-a-service (SaaS). Our solutions enable businesses of all sizes (from 1 user to 10,000 users) to meet the challenges associated with managing and running complex service operations. It helps in improving the productivity of their mobile workforce.

With Field Force Tracker, customers can create service schedule and route quickly, dispatch sooner, collect correct information at once in the field and invoice faster. The field service software makes it easy for users to eliminate waste, get more done in less time and be more profitable.

Field Force Tracker is a wholly owned unit of Rapidsoft Systems Inc. (https://www.rapidsoftsystems.com). Rapidsoft Systems, Inc. has its main office in Princeton, NJ, USA, a US R&D Center in Mercerville NJ, and sales, support and development offices in Palo Alto, CA, USA, Singapore, Dubai (UAE), Bombay, and Noida (India).

HVAC companies face some unique challenges in field service.

HVAC service business is a demanding business requiring utmost attention and skills of technicians. Not only business is very competitive, the electricity companies are bundling services as part of their operations.

Hence, to be able to compete with large corporations, you need an efficient field service software like Field Force Tracker. The software enables HVAC companies to succeed and manage their operations more efficiently.

HVAC  Service Operation Management

For many, some or all of their work can be emergency calls, which come in that day. These then need to be prioritized and worked into the day’s schedule as soon as possible, but this then means changes to the planned work and it is understandably difficult to make on the spot decisions about what should give.

Many HVAC companies we speak to are still relying on paper-based processes to some extent in managing their workflow. This brings additional difficulty to making changes to schedules and allocating work to technicians as those in the office may not be working with all the information they need.

HVAC companies often also cover a lot of different areas of work. These are highly complex and require the right skills, parts or tools for the individual tasks. Workflows may have a number of dependencies which need to be stuck to, to complete the job. Many companies cover everything from design to install, renovation and service work, meaning each day is different to the last.

The use of paper-based processes can mean that up to date information is not available until a few days after the work has been completed, so delays occur in checking stock, re-ordering parts and getting out invoices.

A further issue that HVAC companies face is how fast the industry is evolving. Equipment is becoming smarter with HVAC units becoming much more complex and more connected and intelligent buildings are growing in their popularity. Customer expectations increase alongside this technological evolution and service delivery must keep pace with these advancements.

Here we look at how some of our Field Force Tracker HVAC customers overcame the issues they faced in their evolving businesses and see the benefits and results they achieved.

Eliminating Paperwork for Field Service

One of our customers had a paper-based work order system they’d been using for decades that was inefficient and expensive. Technicians had to visit the office every day, so travel costs were high and technicians had less time for jobs. Processing the paperwork meant significant administrative overhead and time as it took 7-10 days to invoice customers from the job completion.

Field Force Tracker solved the paper problem. All work orders are now generated and submitted electronically. As a result, the company:

• Significantly reduced the number of office trips by technicians, cutting travel costs and increasing revenue-producing hours.
• Eliminated the need for administrative overhead dedicated invoicing.
• Decreased the time from service completion to invoice from days to minutes.

More Efficient Service Calls Management

Another HVAC company realized that cloud-based technology was the best way to make their business processes more efficient, and maximize profits. They have both residential and commercial customers, so wanted a solution that could handle both. Through using Field Force Tracker they now can connect with a specific technician or multiple technicians to assign jobs or alert them of a new/changed job, which they can see on the mobile app. The dispatch capabilities provide alerts, location tracking and GPS routing. It also works as a time sheet to ensure that work is being recorded. The price book in the app means that an estimate can be emailed, which the customer can sign off, saving time as well as keeping an accurate account of what has been done.

They estimate saving 40-60 hours a week.  No time is wasted, the technicians get jobs faster, and we can track the job status so they can immediately go to the next job. Jobs are completed more quickly, so we can schedule more jobs per day with the saved time.

The highest praise comes for the accounting features. The easy sync with QuickBooks eliminates double entry of invoices in our accounting system and we can simply e-mail invoices to customers.

Improved Customer Service

One of our HVAC customer was looking for ways to reduce paperwork and increase the profitability of their business as well as deliver even better service to customers.  Prior to Field Force Tracker the dispatcher would receive calls and dispatch jobs to the technicians through manual text messages. Technicians would write out paper estimates on site and then return completed work orders to the office at the end of day, causing extra drive time and lag time.

Now, the dispatcher can quickly review each technician’s status using the scheduler and assign new jobs to the next available technician. On site, technicians can collect more information with the mobile app. For instance, the tech can record the model and serial number of each piece of equipment. “With this type of information stored in the customer’s record, we can easily determine what parts are needed to complete the job.”

Efficient Inventory Management

They also use Field Force Tracker reports to predict customer needs. “If I see that 20 of our customers have the same furnace model, it makes sense to start carrying replacement parts for that model.” That means faster service since they no longer have to order parts through their distributor when the need arises. Instead, the trucks are fully-stocked with the proper parts.

Field Force Tracker leads the way in simplifying field service for HVAC companies. Our solutions let you automate your field work – from dispatching work to updating job info on site and instantly sending electronic invoices – all from our easy to use mobile app.

About Field Force Tracker

Field Force Tracker (https://www.fieldforcetracker.com/) is a leading global provider of its award winning mobile workforce solutions for service-based businesses of all sizes delivered as software-as-a-service (SaaS). Our solutions enable businesses of all sizes (from 1 user to 10,000 users) to meet the challenges associated with managing and running complex service operations. It helps in improving the productivity of their mobile workforce.

With Field Force Tracker, customers can create service schedule and route quickly, dispatch sooner, collect correct information at once in the field and invoice faster. The field service software makes it easy for users to eliminate waste, get more done in less time and be more profitable.

Field Force Tracker is a wholly owned unit of Rapidsoft Systems Inc. (https://www.rapidsoftsystems.com/). Rapidsoft Systems, Inc. has its main office in Princeton, NJ, USA, a US R&D Center in Mercerville NJ, and sales, support and development offices in Palo Alto, CA, USA, Singapore, Dubai (UAE), Bombay, and Noida (India).

The most definitive qualities of a Field Service organization is well established practices and client focused set up. In any case, best-in-class service organizations. However, best-in-class service providers know that it takes more than that to stay ahead of the game. Here are three steps you can take to make your company more competitive in the field services industry.

Make Customer Satisfaction a Priority

Best-in-class service providers know that the most important metric is customer satisfaction. That is why they are taking great strides to adopt measures that consistently target this metrics. From tackling issues like real-time repairs to data analysis, successful service providers are capitalizing on all tools available to ensure their customer’ss needs are met quickly and efficiently.

• Make communications easier: Offering alternatives to phone and email-based customer service is one way best-in-class companies are adjusting their business processes to reflect customer habits. Not only is this the more flexible option for customers -available 24/7, no need to wait on hold for customer service representatives, adjustable to the customer’s own schedule – it is also a more cost-effective alternative for service providers.

• Focus on solutions: Working with field service management (FSM) software is making it possible for service providers to collect and assess large amounts of data across an extensive client base. By comparing and contrasting data sets, the best-in-class are able to detect repeated patterns in machine breakdowns and offset these disruptions with tailored maintenance schedules. This ensures less downtime for customers and stable productivity rates. In addition, accumulated data provides insight into recurring problems that helps improve first-time-fix rates and offer quality service.

• Keep customers involved: Keeping customers in the loop regarding scheduling, arrivals, and real-time status updates is key for customer satisfaction. Customers are looking for a transparent service experience that allows for their active involvement. Allowing customers to schedule appointments that work for them and track status in real-time gives them control over their service experience. Customers who knows that you value their time are customers who will value your services.

Explore new approaches to Field Service

Good service providers know the company and their customers better than anyone. They know what works and what does not. Best-in-class service providers take this one step further. They know that being good at something is not the same as being great at something. Sometimes a company needs to adapt its business strategy to new models and technologies. Keeping an eye on trends affecting the industry is essential for staying ahead of the pack.
• IoT and predictive technology: The inter-connectivity made possible through IoT is powering a number of other innovations triggered by the digital transformation. For example, the aforementioned messenger systems changing customer service often rely on QR codes that are scannable using mobile devices. And in much the same way, machines fitted with sensors are communicating with connected devices to alert service technicians and users to imminent breakdowns or repair needs. This kind of predictive technology is making it possible to fix problems before they occur.

• Crowd service: With predictive technology comes a greater need for manpower. The best-in-class are turning to crowd service solutions to accommodate the need for skilled and experienced service technicians. By integrating a crowd – a pool of service technicians made up of the company’s own employees, partners, subcontractors, and freelancers – into their labor force, service providers are sure to have ready access to a capable technician whenever necessary. This is making it possible to provide preemptive and real-time fixes.

• Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality: With the increase in data from machine sensors, FSM software, and crowd service technicians, it is becoming increasingly difficult to rely on manual scheduling. The best-in-class are turning to AI to help sift through all the data and determine the best possible scheduling solutions. Given the customer’s history, device issue, location, technician’s expertise, road and weather conditions, and more, an AI-powered scheduling system can immediately determine the best woman or man for the job. And should a service technician lack some of the necessary expertise, he or she can count on augmented reality solutions like AR goggles or mobile device overlays to help locate and fix an issue. Service technicians can even use AR to involve an offsite specialist in the repair process.

• Virtual reality and digital twins: Virtual reality has also been a game changer. It is making it possible for companies to create virtual models of devices, digital twins, before investing the financial and manpower resources into the manufacturing. These digital twins not only make it possible for companies to determine how a device will best operate or perhaps even malfunction, they can also track and monitor the manufactured device across their lifecycle. This is a real attribute for predictive maintenance.

Though your company might not need all these technologies to operate successfully, studies have shown that best-in-class are 45% more likely to monitor several parameters to perform predictive and proactive maintenance. They are also 70% more likely to offer their service technicians resources accessible while on site to help them get the job done. With this kind of dedication by the best-in-class to provide optimized service, it is a risk to your competitive edge not consider all the options available.

Promote employee development

Technology is nothing without the people implementing it. Employee engagement is essential for best-in-class service providers. They take special care to ensure their employees are motivated, well-trained, and an integral part of business development.

• Manage your workforce: There is of course a challenge to managing a mobile workforce. With service technicians scattered across a number of locations on any given day, service providers must work hard to optimize communications and training to guarantee consistent and reliable service. If service technicians do not feel like a valued and integrated part of the business, they are less likely to perform well.

• Adapt to the Changing Times: The demands on service technicians are changing with the digital transformation. By that same token, the way the future labor force is approaching career goals is also shifting. With a new generation of employees entering the labor market, companies need to take into account new demands for flexibility, mobility, and diversity. This is especially obvious when considering millennial, who are more drawn to jobs with flexible work schedules and locations, and a diverse set of responsibilities. Adapting your business model to align with these interests will be essential for attracting new talent.

It is not an easy to task to implement all these changes in one fell swoop. However, the best place to start when considering how to improve your business performance is with the people most affected by your practices. Engaging with your customers and employees will provide the kind of insight you need to transition from good to great! co-ops realize that it takes more than that to remain on top of things.