5 tips to build a more efficient field workforce

Field service management typically involves sending workers to a location to install, maintain, or repair equipment, systems, or assets. In order to ensure that jobs are completed efficiently, field service managers need to closely monitor their company’s assets as well as plan and manage field service job assignments with as little delay as possible.

Companies today face several challenges, such as a shrinking workforce, rising operational costs, and a lack of technology to manage complex field operations. The key to overcoming these challenges is to automate certain tasks that are straining your workforce, enable your managers to review work data in real-time, and provide enough resources to support your field workforce.

For field service management to run smoothly, it is important to have consistent and integrated end-to-end solutions that are easy to implement, and able to provide complete visibility into your operational processes. Here are 5 essential tips you can use if you want to increase the productivity of your field workforce.

1. It’s time to digitize
Businesses cannot have modern solutions with outdated processes. Paper documents are a thing of the past whereas having access to information online has become necessary for every field service team. This is now possible thanks to digitalization and the ease of access to data across the web and mobile, which allows us to control, monitor and organize information in minutes compared to hours with physical documentation processes. In short, you will save time, resources, and costs through digitalization of paperwork.

2. In order to improve, you must start measuring performance
The use of data analytics can help businesses identify shortcomings in their field operations and take action to improve performance. Having clear and reliable data is important as it will allow businesses to understand what is working and what isn’t within a short timeframe. This will enable them to quickly note if their plan is steering them on the correct path to a higher KPI achievement, or is simply not working out at all.

3. Provide specialized training to your staff
In this day and age, new technologies and software updates are a frequent thing, and employees will likely have to be trained every now and then. As a result, businesses should strive for smooth technology adoption and integration, aiming to get their employees up to speed on how to use their new technology, as well as understanding the benefits. Doing so will ensure that employees are able to deliver consistent service, and also help them feel empowered by their IT tools. This will lead to increased productivity, which translates into business growth, and in turn, brings benefits for the workers.

4. Take advantage of the resources you already have
Having a more productive field workforce is possible without reinventing the wheel. A complete revolution is not necessary to achieve change. For example, one business may find that what they need is an entire revamp of their current workflow including software migration, while for another, they may just require a software add-on which will equip them with staff monitoring tools. All in all, the ideal method is to evaluate how your business will benefit from cutting-edge technologies and new ways of doing things, and if the changes will be worth it in the long run.

5. Implement a workforce management system
A workforce management software is an ideal solution for monitoring field staff performance, tracking and maximizing productivity, cost planning reduction, and to offer a better customer experience. With a workforce management system, businesses can track their workforce in real-time, save time on field force scheduling, and also measure their performance. Another benefit it provides is automation of your operation workflows, which instantly shortens workforce coordination time and allows your staff to focus on high-priority tasks. If you aren’t already using a workforce management software, you can consider the pros and cons of upgrading to one.

In order to maintain business sustainability, field service businesses have to not only be adaptable and up-to-date on customer demands, market changes and new technology advantages, but also understand where they are standing in their industry and what they can do to increase their performance. Are you interested in improving your productivity but uncertain about what needs to be implemented to get you there? Our team at V3 is experienced in helping businesses develop a customized solution to their industry challenges. Talk to us to find out more.