Field service management solutions are gaining popularity these days. They enable service providers to streamline all aspects of field service operations, including work order assignment and scheduling, and to provide field service technicians with all the information necessary to perform their assigned tasks. Recent statistics indicate that the field service management market will be worth $5.1 billion by 2025.
Why is it worthwhile to consider implementing field service automation software?
Field service software automates processes such as creating a task to perform maintenance services, scheduling and assigning field service technicians, and monitoring the location of field service technicians. Among the primary benefits of utilizing field service automation software are the following:
- Increased the productivity of field workers. All customer and service-related information is centrally stored for technicians to easily access when reviewing work orders and service-level agreements, for example.
- Scheduling of field service technicians in real time. Intelligent scheduling automation enables dispatchers to assign the most qualified workers to jobs based on their skills, work schedules, and GPS location. Technicians will be notified in real time when a new work order is assigned to them.
- Reduced time required for resolution. Workers can monitor an asset remotely, gain access to information about similar work orders, knowledge articles, and video tutorials, and resolve issues more quickly.
The Top 3 Field Service Automation Platforms
 1. Field Service in Dynamics 365
Dynamics 365 Field Service automatically locates the technician with the necessary skills to complete the work order. Then it notifies the selected specialist and provides all the information necessary to complete the task successfully, including similar cases and 3D models of the assets to be handled.
Dynamics 365 Field Service enables connectivity with asset sensors to aid in asset management. It enables a field service team to track signals from assets and monitor their health remotely, allowing for proactive problem resolution.
Limitations:
The limited number of third-party service integrations.
Pricing:
- As the first Dynamics 365 application – $95 per user per month
- As a subsequent qualifying Dynamics 365 application – $20 per user per month.
Additional information about Dynamics 365 Field Service
 2. Cloud-based Field Service Management Oracle
Oracle Field Service Cloud’s machine learning capabilities enable it to match employees to specific tasks, taking into account the amount of time required to drive to the asset’s location, complete the task, and so on. In the event of an emergency, the system automatically locates and routes the nearest technician to the location.
The platform enables field workers to review customer, product, and agreement information conveniently. Additionally, when a specialist completes a task and enters information about the completed work (parts used, labour, etc. ), the system calculates the charges for the completed work order automatically.
Limitations:
- Inadequate capabilities for managing agreements.
- Customization options are limited.
Pricing:
- Inquire with the vendor about their pricing plans.
- Additional information about Oracle Field Service
 3. Freshdesk
Freshdesk offers a Field Service Management add-on that includes all necessary field service management functionality. It generates new work orders automatically and records all task-related data, including that captured via a customer portal. Additionally, you can use automated workflows to assign specific technicians to work orders.
Your technicians can receive notifications containing task details, map their route, provide task progress updates, take photos of completed tasks, and obtain a customer’s signature using Freshdesk’s mobile app.
Limitations:
- Inadequate capabilities for managing agreements.
- Inadequate capabilities for managing invoices.
Pricing:
- Blossom Edition – $15/month per user (billed annually).
- Garden Edition – $35/month per user (billed annually).
- Estate Edition – $49/month per user (billed annually).
- Forest Edition – $99/month per user (billed annually).
- Add-on for Field Service Management – $29/user/month.
Additional information about Freshdesk
Increase the efficiency of your field service provision
Major field service automation platforms have the capabilities to reduce time spent on paperwork orders and enable technicians to complete service tasks quickly and efficiently. If you’re interested in enhancing your field service, please contact the Neuronimbus team.
Q. What is Field Service Management Software?
A. Field Service Management Software is a specialized tool designed to streamline and optimize the coordination and execution of field service operations, including scheduling, dispatching, and task management.
Q. How Does Field Service Management Software Improve Worker Productivity?
A. This software increases productivity by centralizing customer and service information, enabling technicians to access necessary details quickly for efficient service delivery.
Q. Can Field Service Management Software Assist in Real-time Technician Scheduling?
A. Yes, it features intelligent scheduling automation that matches technicians to jobs based on skills, schedules, and location, improving assignment efficiency and response times.
Q. Does Field Service Management Software Reduce Resolution Time?
A. Absolutely, it facilitates quicker issue resolution by allowing remote monitoring of assets, access to historical data, and guidance through knowledge articles and tutorials.
Q. What Are Some Leading Field Service Management Software Platforms?
A. Key platforms include Dynamics 365 Field Service, Oracle Field Service Cloud, and Freshdesk, each offering unique features and functionalities.
Q. What Limitations Do These Platforms Have?
A. Common limitations include restricted third-party integrations, limited agreement management, and customization options.
Q. What Pricing Models Are Available for These Platforms?
A. Pricing varies, with some platforms offering per-user monthly subscriptions and others requiring direct inquiry for custom pricing.
Q. How Do These Platforms Enhance Customer Service in Field Operations?
A. They enable more accurate job matching, efficient routing, real-time updates, and automated billing calculations, leading to improved customer satisfaction.
Q. Can These Platforms Integrate with Other Business Systems?
A. Yes, many field service management software solutions offer integration capabilities with various business systems for streamlined operations.
Q. Why Should Businesses Consider Implementing Field Service Management Software?
A. Implementing this software can significantly increase operational efficiency, reduce manual errors, and enhance both technician performance and customer satisfaction.
About Author
Hitesh Dhawan
Founder of Neuronimbus, A digital evangelist, entrepreneur, mentor, digital tranformation expert. Two decades of providing digital solutions to brands around the world.