Instead of relying on manual data entry (which is time consuming and prone to human error) and phone calls between field service workers and the head office (which is also time consuming and can result in miscommunication), field service management software manages the day-to-day business activities.
Not only that, but an integrated ERP solution also integrates, analyzes, and interprets all of the data your business creates, in real-time, providing valuable insight into your customers, supplies, business partners, and remote workers.
Implementing field service management software that oversees your entire business and then teaching everyone how to use it, might seem overwhelming. But there are proven integrated ERP field service management practices that every organization can incorporate into their business that will help streamline operations and get the most out of every job.
Identify and Document the Problem
Underlying improvements to any business don’t just magically happen. The most successful businesses that use field service workers take proactive steps to clearly identify their operational strengths, as well as highlight the areas where they need to improve.
Staying ahead of the curve allows field service management to be as efficient and productive as possible every time they interact with a customer. One of the best ways to do that is to talk to the frontline team. After all, they’re in direct contact with the customer. In fact, because they work remotely, it’s possible they’re the only interaction a customer has with your company. Their feedback will be invaluable in identifying and documenting any issues or challenges that need to be addressed and acted on.
Understand your Business Goals
Again, successful field service businesses in the GTA don’t just happen. Businesses set goals and then determine what they need to do to get there. If you’re thinking about implementing field service management software, take the time to see how it will fit into your business goals. This will help you understand what functions you want the new integrated ERP solution to have and how it will streamline and improve your business.
Get Advice from an Expert Consultant
Field service management software solutions are designed to meet the specific needs of field service businesses. It’s not the kind of software that you can go to your local computer store and purchase.
It’s a cloud-based solution that is located on remote servers and accessed through the Internet. That means everyone in your business can access all of the necessary data whenever they want from wherever they want. It’s perfect for field service businesses and employees who need access to real-time data wherever they are.
Businesses looking to use and get the most out of their field service management software and mobile apps need to get advice from an experienced consultant. A consultant can give you a comprehensive understanding of not just the ERP field service software, but any other software you have that it integrates with.
They will, of course, also help train your employees on how to use the ERP solution and get the most out of all the various applications.
Take an Implementation and Training Program
There are a lot of different components to an integrated field service management solution. When it comes to any software, most users get comfortable using what they are most familiar with, and don’t take advantage of other potentially valuable tools.
Taking an implementation and training program can help you, your field service manager, and field service technicians get the most out of the new ERP software.
Build a Simple-to-Use Mobile Interface
Having a field ERP field service management app that is simple to use and understand is not an option. In fact, it’s one of the main functions of a field service management ERP system and is what gives your business a competitive edge.
A mobile app integrated with your ERP software provides live tracking, route optimization, document capture, and bill payments.
Track Job Costs
Implementing field service management software gives you instant, accurate access to all job costs. And keeping track of where your money is going is important no matter what kind of business you operate.
Having a centralized view of job costs makes it easy to create quotes and eliminate time spent waiting on approvals. Using a cloud-based ERP system can also improve the accuracy of job costing by providing live updates throughout the different stages of a job.
It can also provide valuable insight into other important aspects that play an important part of your business’s overall costs, including non-billable hours, equipment, and contractors.
Get Feedback from Your Field Team
A cloud-based integrated ERP solution is going to be a cornerstone of your field service technician’s workday. So, it’s of paramount importance that you talk to your frontline team and get feedback. Is the ERP addressing your businesses needs and is the new software meeting their needs?
FSM, America’s Ultimate Field Service Provider
Finding and implementing the best integrated ERP field service management solution in Canada can make your business leaner, efficient, and profitable. If you’re thinking of making your field service business more competitive, contact the experts at FSM.
Using the best technologies for web and mobile, our ERP software helps businesses automate and streamline their organizations complex business operations. Developed specifically with small- and medium-sized businesses in mind, it’s easy to install, customizable, and use.
At FSM, we offer a complete office management system that lets you put your business on autopilot, anywhere, and everywhere.
To learn more about FSM and how our cloud-based enterprise resource planning software can help automate your business, improve fleet management, and reduce costs, contact us at 647-612-3300 or by email at sales@fsmamerica.com.
By Steve Facey