Mobile Technology: 5 Ways Mobile Devices Can Improve Field Services

Nowadays, it’s de rigueur to see people of all ages walking around with the latest mobile device in tow. Little Johnny is busy playing games on his new tablet, while grandma is Facetiming with her loved ones. These devices are increasingly becoming more powerful, sleek, and easy to use. So why not use what’s hot and apply it to your business?

Chances are, if you own a service company, your techs in the field already own a smartphone, tablet, or both. Even if they’re one of the few that don’t own one, odds are they at least know how to use one. With mobile technology booming, why not utilize the power of these devices to increase your daily productivity?

1. Don’t Get Lost in the Shuffle
Route optimization is key when dispatching mobile workers. It is vital that drivers know both the address of their destination and a clear-cut way to get there. A good mobile device can intuitively provide driving directions and route alternatives which will get techs to job sites with ease.

2. The Early Bird Gets the Worm
No one likes to sit around and wait for the cable guy or electrician. Knowing exactly when a driver reaches a job site is imperative to a dispatcher’s workflow. With mobile technology, the home office has a bird’s-eye view of what is going on in the field. So when a customer calls, they can receive an accurate estimated time of arrival rather than a dreaded five-hour estimate.

3. Communication is Key
Every service company knows that jobs are not always cut and dry. Unexpected issues can arise, no matter the size of the job. With an effective mobile solution, workers can quickly alert the office of a new update in the schedule. Being able to communicate in near real-time is a benefit to both customer and technician. The office is alerted of the issue and can assist the technician by providing a resolution on the spot.

4. Clipboards are a Thing of the Past
Gone are the days of the bulky clipboard. No one wants to manage stacks of paperwork. Digital technology can eliminate paperwork and maximize efficiency. Can you imagine doing away with unnecessary trips to the office to pick up and drop off work orders? Now you can create wireless versions of your paper forms and take them on the road using something your company already has: mobile devices. This way, workers can collect information and signatures from customers and transmit data back to the office, without any delays or the worry of errors due to illegibility.

5. Prove It
The customer may always be right, but having the ability to prove the whereabouts of a technician through GPS check-in helps keep everyone honest. If a customer mentions that a tech was late to a job site, the dispatcher can quickly validate the exact arrival and departure time. Mobile devices also allow workers to capture photos, signatures, and proof of delivery and service.

It’s safe to say that smartphones and tablets are game changers in the world of field service. When technicians are armed with the tools that mobile devices offer, they are able to complete tasks more quickly, respond to customers more efficiently, and stay focused on their daily workload. If mobile devices make all that and more possible, isn’t it time that you tried one to help increase the efficiency of your business?

Have any questions on how Actsoft can help you?