The overwhelming popularity of smartphones in the past decade can be attributed to various reasons, and not just as a simple communication device. One of these reasons is the proliferation of mobile apps that are used for almost everything, from tracking your runs to entertainment to running a business. Moreover, mobile Internet use keeps rising while desktop Internet use is slipping. Additionally, around 88% of mobile Internet users spend their time on apps. (1)
Mobile apps practically revolutionized the way people do business. This is true not only for large corporations—small-medium businesses (SMBs) also benefit greatly from these apps, especially field service-based SMBs like plumbing for example, where the ability to send estimates quickly and schedule and dispatch technicians is essential to business operations. Research shows that companies who have adopted mobile field service apps have experienced a 40% growth. It’s no wonder then, why any business no matter of its size, can afford to ignore this progressive new technology. (2)
Why should SMBs invest in mobile apps
For companies that provide field services, customer service is an essential part. It inspires brand loyalty, promotes brand awareness, and presents numerous business opportunities. Field service workers and technicians play a major role in customer service; arming them with digital field service management tools shows your clients your level of professionalism when it comes to competence and customer care.
A home service business, such as plumbing as mentioned above, or lawn care, HVAC services, electrical engineers, and many more, rely on teams working out in the field. With mobile field service software like the one offered by Jobber, you can supervise and coordinate your teams from anywhere. This type of business software can play a huge role in helping you organize your operations and communicate with clients and team members.
Benefits of mobile app field service-based SMBs
Efficiency is the biggest concern of field service-based companies, along with productivity. Mobile field service apps have proven effective at increasing both. These, and other benefits, are discussed below. (3)
- Scheduling, dispatching, and route planning
A mobile field service app is typically used to schedule and dispatch different teams. It can provide the information you need for scheduling teams quickly and accurately. The app can also automate not only scheduling but also dispatching and route planning.
The route planning feature in the app makes scheduling and dispatching extremely efficient. It can help you coordinate and organize job appointments better. Additionally, it can factor in locations of your teams and clients, as well as travel time to assign the team to a client using the most effective route.
These features can save you fuel and maintenance costs for your fleet in the long run. Also, an efficient scheduling system can quickly prioritize jobs correctly, which can sometimes include last-minute changes.
- Streamlining operations
A mobile field service app can also greatly simplify communications between the head office and the teams out in the field. All the information you need, collected at the worksite, can be sent to the head office in real-time, which significantly lessens errors in billings or any other communications.
Someone at the head office will always know each team member’s location and the status of the job they’re working on. Real-time schedule adjustments of projects are straightforward because the team’s proximity and estimated availability are constantly updated. Also, team members are informed right away of any changes in the schedule, locations, and work details.
- Improving customer relations
A mobile field service app can also help your company’s customer retention and acquisition efforts. The app can help you avoid common customer complaints, such as double bookings, canceled appointments, and late appointments (or worse—your team didn’t even show up). With the help of the app, mix-ups like these are easily prevented.
A mobile app can provide your team with the necessary data and insights even before they knock on the client’s door. This will shorten their visit and allow them to update their logs in real-time, collecting additional information like a signature, photos, and more. The app can increase your efficiency and vastly improve customer experience as a result.
- Managing inventory
No matter the size of your business, you need to have absolute clarity on your tools and resources. Managing your stocks is one of the areas where a mobile field service app can be a big help. With a proper inventory, you know what equipment your team needs and is using. You can also track orders, keep an eye on materials being used, as well as record all available tools, materials, and other resources.
With an updated inventory, you know which items needed to be restocked, and tools that need to be upgraded or replaced. Your technicians will always have the materials they need to get the job done.
Conclusion
Mobile field service apps are quickly becoming indispensable for businesses of any size. It’s also been shown that progressive new technology like this can help to make a business grow. The app improves a business’s customer service, which attracts new customers and retains old ones. It also promotes a better working environment, making your company an efficient, well-run outfit that helps workers to do their job well.
References
- “The Majority of Americans’ Mobile Time Spent Takes Place in Apps”, Source: https://www.emarketer.com/content/the-majority-of-americans-mobile-time-spent-takes-place-in-apps
- “36 Vital Field Service Management Statistics: 2020/2021 Analysis of Data & Market Share”, Source: https://financesonline.com/field-service-management-statistics/
- “Field Service: Essential Statistics You Need to Know”, Source: https://goghsolutions.com/field-service-essential-statistics-need-know/