Field service management software has transformed the field service business. The process of scheduling field service appointments and dispatching techs to jobs has been streamlined to allow for a more efficient and effective process. Connected mobile software has made it easier for service technicians to access the information they need on site. However, having access to field service management software is not enough if your team isn’t asking the right questions to get the most out of the software. Here are 8 questions every field service manager should be asking:
- Where are my field service technicians?
In order to send the most qualified and available field service technicians to each service call, field service managers have to know where their staff is. Using field service management software, technicians can geo-map their location on their mobile device giving schedulers/dispatchers a comprehensive overview of who is available at any given time to answer a service call. This ensures that customers’ requests are met as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- How much time is needed to complete the service call?
Service technicians can easily record the start and end times by pressing the respective button on their mobile device. They can even add break times. An accurate log of time spent on a service call synched in real-time so that management has a precise record of how much time a job has taken. The customer can then sign off confirming how much time was spent on the task. This KPI is not only helpful for field service managers trying to organize an efficient field service schedule but is also useful to refer to this information in order to give customers a rough idea of how long a particular service call might take.
- Is the customer satisfied with the service?
Plain and simple, customers want the best quality in the shortest amount of time. Call back rates, or first-time fix, is one of the most vital metrics in measuring field service performance. Having to make a second appointment was more frustrating for 61% of respondents than waiting time for appointments and technician not arriving on time. In today’s competitive environment, just showing up isn’t good enough. The technician must have the parts, the skills, and the information to solve the problem on the first visit. A poor first-time fix number not only reflects poor field service processes, but is also an indicator of disgruntled customers, likely customer attrition, and reduced service profitability. The ability to measure and manage your call back rate is the first step to improving your field service processes, achieving operational excellence and having satisfied, loyal customers.
- What is our Return on Investment (ROI)?
By tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), field service managers create a precise expense analysis that offers them detailed insight into the ROI. Using this data, they can adjust processes in order to maximize workflow by optimizing logistics, managing inventory and auto-scheduling the best technician for each job. All of this amounts to increased first-time fix rates. And, once again, companies with high first-time fix rates perform better on KPIs like customer retention, service level agreement (SLA) compliance and customer satisfaction than their counterparts with lower first-time fix rates.
- How can I increase the number of field service appointments per day?
Field service management software has given schedulers/dispatchers the power to implement intelligent workforce scheduling. Using a system of connected devices can ensure that service technicians with the right skills are sent to field service calls. The same software also makes it possible for them to maintain a real-time inventory overview, find the easiest route to the job site, and know the location and history of the equipment. With all this information at their fingertips, service technicians can work more quickly and efficiently, which results in a substantial increase in service calls per day and, of course, revenue.
- How else can I increase the first-time-fix-rate?
Sometimes, having the right parts and the best people available on a field service call are not enough. Service technicians can not keep track of every issue and all possible solutions. Should they run into trouble while on a service call, a connected field service management software that is equipped with checklists and notes and photo’s from previous service calls can help the tech determine the next course of action. This is very important for field service companies as decreasing your call-back rate will increase your revenue.
- How can I sell more service contracts?
Often technicians find themselves at a job when a customer approaches and asks for a quote on a new job or a new piece of equipment that needs service. Empower your field techs to communicate sales opportunities right on their mobile device. With the click of a button, a new case can be created and sent off to the sales team for immediate follow-up.
- How can I best manage the knowledge we have?
Service technicians are the key to quality field services. It is critical that knowledge be shared and made available to them. It is just as essential that knowledge be centralized and secured so that employees who retire, leave the company, are off sick, or busy on another job do not take all their valuable knowledge with them. By linking field techs with each other and with back office personnel, mobile technology keeps everyone within the organization in sync, transcending the limitations of geography. A comprehensive field service management software helps build easily accessible knowledge bases so field workers can access information anywhere, anytime, regardless of their location.
Field service companies know that technology is propelling the field service industry in a new direction. How quickly and efficiently they implement these technologies and processes into their business practices will determine how profitable they become and how satisfied their customers are.
Contact FIELDBOSS to learn how you can take the necessary steps to keep pace with the transformations in the field service industry.