If you’re looking to improve efficiency across your business, utilising field management software is essential – this cloud-based solution can take care of a range of tasks across your business, including client allocation, invoicing, accounting, and payroll.
But, when choosing a solution, it’s important to make sure it meets the exact needs of your business. Here are five key features to look out for when choosing field management software.
- Full tracking capabilities
When working in field sales, there are a lot of moving parts you need to keep track of, including employees, inventory and fleet. It’s also important that all your agents know exactly where they’re due to be, when they’re due to be there, and the best route to take.
Field management software integrates with your customer relationship management (CRM) software to automate communication between management, agents and customers, including updates about scheduling and job expectations. The system should also have integrated GPS and inventory tracking software, for complete transparency.
- Integration with a range of mobile devices
One of the main benefits of field service management software is that it’s accessible from anywhere, meaning field employees and office staff are always connected. It’s important to choose a solution that works with a wide range of mobile devices, to ensure all staff can access the system, even if they use their own device for work purposes, and also so customers can access their portal.
You should also ensure that all tracking of work orders, progress, and customer requests are accessible from a mobile device, so field staff have access to as much information as possible and customers can also be kept in the loop.
- Offer customised reporting
Customised reports are essential for getting the most from your field management software, as it gives management the opportunity to report on performance against KPIs and help field agents to improve their service levels.
Managers can keep track of which projects are on track and how agents are performing, both at a glance and in more granular detail when necessary.
- Real-time stock monitoring
All business decisions should be based on the best available data, as this helps to set timescales and manage the expectations of all stakeholders, including management, field agents and clients.
A good field management system should offer an intuitive solution that is connected to a stock inventory system and can be accessed from anywhere, whether in the office or out in the field.
- Security and scalability
When dealing with sensitive business and customer information, it’s vital you have measures in place to avoid any data breaches. So always ensure any system you sign up to has that latest security software in place to protect your sensitive information.
It’s also important to ensure your field software systems are future-proofed and can grow as your business does. Choosing a scalable solution can help you avoid the additional expense and effort associated with switching platforms as your business expands.