The impact of the novel coronavirus has been visible on a global scale. Businesses have been forced to change the way they operate, struggling to adapt to the new reality so as to remain financially viable. The field service industry hasn’t been overlooked. Despite the fact that field services have been deemed essential services, not every organization wants its technicians to travel to remote locations and further add to the spread of the pandemic. Business models have been adjusted to sustain enterprises. This has led to the creation of a new and improved service that keeps everyone safe.
Now is the best time to transform the way you do business. The quality and productivity of work are more important than ever. Economic conditions are beyond the control of entrepreneurs, yet productivity is something that can be managed. So, how do you address limited supervisory capacity? Well, keep on reading to discover the most effective strategies for increasing productivity and create a results-oriented work environment.
- Automate the most important work processes
Take your field services business to the digital age with a paperless model. Besides the fact that the paper medium is obsolete, the information collected by technicians risks being lost, damaged, and even duplicated. When data is passed on from person to person, a great deal of time is wasted and errors may occur. You’re better off creating a digital ecosystem, which generates synergy. Have an electronic way to manage data brings about tangible benefits, such as speed, accuracy, and collaboration. The implementation of software ensures agility when it comes down to handling data associated with the services your company provides.
Get your teams to use the right apps. Mobile forms automation software, for instance, simplifies the creation of transferable documents, which can be accessed remotely, so there’s no need to make constant trips to the office. The interesting thing about using a forms app is that it’s not dependent on Internet connectivity. The user can complete the document on site and it’ll be sent automatically when the network is restored. Make sure your employees have smart tools such as phones and tablets. With the right hardware and software at their disposal, the technicians will be able to meet their commitments while ensuring top-notch service.
- Take advantage of technologies like IoT and AI
IoT, as well as AI, are driving innovation in the field service industry, from transportation to safety services operations. Field workers are in the forefront of innovation owing to these cutting-edge technologies that get them where they need to be. The Internet of Things can be deployed to optimize complex operations. Let’s take an example, shall we? The field services industry tends to adopt a break-fix approach to operations. This basically means that, when a failure occurs in the system, customer disruption is inevitable. If the infrastructure were to be fitted with IoT-enabled sensors, the professionals would be immediately notified and fix the issue before it causes disruption.
Now, let’s talk about artificial intelligence. It’s not recommended to rule out AI because it can be harnessed to drive efficiency across the company. For instance, artificial intelligence can be used to establish better training techniques. When someone carries out a job, they can record the exact details and steps in an AI-powered application. The insights can be deployed later on for training purposes. In addition to technician guidance, artificial intelligence is helpful in terms of image recognition. The user can take advantage of image recognition to analyze and determine system issues and undertake preventive maintenance or installations. The technology can be used to identify objects, buildings, people, and places.
- Create a strong team and assign them the right tasks
If you want your field service business to be successful, make sure everyone is pulling in the same direction. Team members should support one another and, most importantly, contribute to the success of the organization. Positive relationships make employees more reliable, effective, and productive. Various tools are available to help you set up goals and transform them into concrete actions. Examples include but aren’t limited to to-do lists and task management software. You can plan and assign the activity based on knowledge, experience, estimated location, and availability.
Your team should focus on what really is important and enjoy a collaborative environment. Managing your employees without a proper tool isn’t feasible. You can try, but it’ll turn out to be a real nightmare. Keep in mind that there’s always a better way to manage your resources and your people. Now, what should you be looking for in software for task allocation? Handy features are:
- Real-time collaboration
- Sharing and storing documents
- Cost management
- Reporting
- Ease of use
If the software of choice turns out to be insufficient for your needs, switch to a full-featured product. Try out different options until you find the right solution. Seeing a demo isn’t the same thing as actually testing the software product. So, look for packages that include a free trial.
All in all, the coronavirus pandemic has taken its toll on field service businesses, with non-negligible effects on revenue and output. Even if some things take a higher effort than in the past, that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to achieve productivity. Modern technology helps support productivity during these tough times. Some technologies can work as standalone solutions, but they offer the greatest benefits when used as a suite. The field service industry can head to interesting directions thanks to the integration of new technologies.
The only barrier in the way of revolution is the refusal to integrate new solutions into the business environment. It may be complicated, but it’s not impossible. Digital adaptation can help companies like yours position themselves as leaders in the market. This might seem like nonsense given that the world is currently experiencing a crisis. Nevertheless, no matter how much businesses have endured, they can rise to the top, now or in future time. They just have to be willing to make an effort.
