Deploying a field service management solution is similar to building a house because you need to start with a strong foundation. There will also be difficulties along the way, but here are some tips that operate as a practical deployment guide to assist you in avoiding unpleasant surprises.
Identify your field service management requirements.
You must identify your requirements to choose the best field service management software for your company. Consider interoperability with your current customer relationship management (CRM) program from a technological standpoint to enhance service tracking. Engage your technicians in creating your specifications. They are in the best position to inform you of gaps in their knowledge. Additionally, if they had a say in selecting the new solution, they would be more likely to implement it.
Be informed about the industry.
Knowing the state of the market can help you select the best field service management solution. More innovation is going on, and the technology employed is changing swiftly. The Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and the cloud are just a few examples of advancements that are currently in use.
With industry knowledge, you’ll be better able to evaluate potential solutions and compare technologies, functionalities, and costs to make sure you pick the most closely matched software to your requirements and available resources.
Select customizable solutions
Good software should be customizable to your company. For instance, you probably already have the most fundamental service management features if you use enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Route planning can be greatly customized using specialized field service management software
Examining customer references is the most straightforward approach to determine if the software can be modified to meet your demands. If the solution provider has other clients in your business, you should be able to discover testimonials to learn more about the service.
Train technicians and dispatchers
Deployment support is critical since it can make or break your choice. However, you must train technicians and dispatchers regardless of your selected option. Your deployment’s success depends on their preparation and ensuring that technicians enjoy using the application requires training.
Rate support services
Examine the technical support capabilities of the vendor before choosing a field service management solution:
- Do they offer support daily?
- Does support come with a price tag, or is it an additional service?
- Is there a need for a subscription?
- Is help available in your business language?
If you’ve chosen a SaaS solution, in particular, you must be able to rely on vendor support because there won’t be an internal IT team to keep the program up to date or deal with problems.
A key takeaway
It is risky to select an inexperienced vendor as your deployment efforts would be in vain if their operations are unsuccessful. Choosing a well-known market participant or a market leader is the safest course of action; ideally, one that is growing its clientele. This will allow you to utilize software updates that utilize the most recent technology as soon as they become available.
