Simply stated, FSM software is Field Service Management software you use to organize technicians and team members out in the field. It's a type of software solution designed to help manage and optimize the business operations. Especially, for companies that provide services outside of their premises, such as repair, maintenance, or installations at customer's locations.
What are the Benefits using FSM Software
The primary benefits include getting more organized, managing your business more effectively, winning more jobs and growing your business. This is simply how technology empowers small to medium sized businesses.
Key FSM features and functions typically include:
Scheduling and Dispatch: Efficiently managing appointments and dispatching technicians to various locations.
Work Order Management: Creating, assigning, tracking, and closing work orders tasks.
Inventory Management: Keeping track of parts and equipment required for tasks.
Mobile Accessibility: Offering mobile applications for technicians to access and update job information from the field.
Customer Management: Managing customer data, history, and interactions to provide better satisfaction.
Billing and Invoicing: Facilitating the billing process for activities rendered in the field.
Reporting and Analytics: Providing insights into operations through data analysis and reporting tools.
The Problem
Think of how a plumbing business was run 40 years ago. You'd call Joe's Plumbing company. Margie the receptionist would pick up and check Joe's calendar to see when he could be there. You pick a date and time. Joe shows up, fixes the toilet and hands you a clipboard to sign. Chances are that Joe's Plumbing is still doing business the same way 40 years later and hasn't seen any significant growth in his business over that time period. The problem is that Joe, like everybody else, what will be forever constrained by time, and running a business on pen & paper takes a lot of "time"
The Solution
FSM software is nothing new. Enterprise businesses–those with hundreds of field workers have been using them for decades. They generate millions in revenue and have been able to scale their work forces from 5 to 500 by using software. Traditionally, this type of solution, e.g., plumbing software, air duct software and hvac software has been both complex and expensive to set up, which is why it has been reserved for the few that can afford it. However, a new generation of software providers has changed all that.