Being the manager of employees in the field can be stressful and difficult. This is because it entails being mindful of client information and locations, vehicles, schedules, inventory, and the nature of each job. To look after such important details, many companies have adopted field management software and it has proven to have a dramatically positive impact on business operations.
If your company is not using such an application to date, below are 4 important features that would be beneficial to you.
1. Automation of task management
When you are the manager of people in the field, you should have data that shows scheduled tasks, who is supposed to take care of them, and inventory that is required to do the job. One of the important features of a field management software is a system that shows you the task order so that you can relay the information to your employee so they are aware of details such as the location of the job, what it entails, and anything they need to get the job done.
Field management software also allows you to check on the progress of a worker who has been dispatched to a job. It also allows you to have a robust schedule that all your workers can follow without worrying whether confusion will ensue. This system will allow you to schedule jobs in a way that meets all customer’s needs, maximize your time, and increase or maintain profit margins.
2. Mobile use and tracking
The digital age that is occurring means more people are accessing information through their mobile phones or tablets. A good field management software should have a mobile application that allows workers to see the most important features in the system.
When employees are in the field, they need to have a way of accessing schedules and dispatches from their devices. It also makes it convenient when they can mark the work they have done so you can then schedule them for another job.
The mobile app should also have a tracking mechanism that allows you to track where the technicians are, and if they are doing their job. Having a way of tracking does not only improve accountability, but it also helps you act fast in case of emergency.
3. Centralized data
For your company to prosper, you should have a centralized system to coordinate your activities. Think of this as the engine of the company, the place where everything is converged. A centralized database is where you store information such as employee profiles, number of vehicles you have in your fleet, inventory numbers, and customer information.
When you have all the information in a central place, it makes it easier for you to make decisions and coordinate jobs. This is especially helpful if one of your workers was involved in an emergency or called in sick. You would then need to change and reassign jobs. A centralized system allows you to move forward and make effective decisions with as little disruption as possible.
4. Inventory Management
Inventory management is crucial to your business. You need to guarantee that you and employees have everything you need to do the job. Otherwise, there could be delays that upset customers or you could be forced to turn down jobs because you do not have what you need to complete them.
Field management software is able to provide analytics of some of the things your technicians use the most. That way you can place orders based on this information, making sure you have what you need. The software can also keep an eye on stock numbers, allowing you to make orders on products that are getting low. This makes it easier for you to stock up before you completely run out of the items.
