The Internet of Things (IoT) is the future of field service management.
IoT is a term used for any physical device connected to a piece of equipment. This device can generate a massive amount of information because it is equipped with sensors to communicate with similar devices. These devices can communicate and send notifications to each other without any human intervention.
The field service industry revolves around monitoring complex systems and checking their functioning. The Internet of Things is completely changing the face of the field service management industry.
Field service technicians still run on the ground operations, but IOT gives field service technicians the power of feedback from these machines. This data is used to create insights into these systems, which can help bring about innovation.
Here’s how the combination of IoT and field service management software is revolutionizing the industry:
#1 A quicker solution to troubleshooting
It is estimated that currently, only 77% of field service management problems get fixed the first time around. Traditionally, the field service industry has an approach where it responds to troubleshooting requests when there’s a disruption from the client’s side. A system breaks down, and it is only then the client calls a technician to repair it.
Field service professionals now receive regular reports from the devices they monitor. This allows them to keep track of emerging issues before they cause a disruption in the workflow from the client’s side. It’s also easier to fix a problem before it escalates and reaches a larger scale.
#2 Making the technician’s role more evolved
Technicians can keep track of systems they are monitoring, and devices can automatically report their diagnostics to digital networks. This means technicians don’t have to be sent to the client’s site just to diagnose the problem and make another trip to acquire the tools to repair the problem with the machine. Technicians can now instead adopt a procedural approach to a repair problem and shorten the machine’s time to start working again.
#3 Helps with keeping inventory
An internet of inventory fits perfectly well with field service. It gives inventory providers and warehouses a more automated and scheduled picking up process based on the real-time needs of service units.
#4 More revenue generation
Clients are more satisfied with the troubleshooting offered by the internet of things, which can help sort out issues that might become a significant problem in the future. This means that there will be no disruption in the way of doing business. Satisfied clients will have a greater chance of being retained and will recommend your field service agency to other companies.
This will save field operative time on checking one site repeatedly and reducing technicians’ time on each job. Instead, they can use this time to come up with more innovative solutions.
#5 New ways of integration
This technology not only allows connected devices to communicate with a central machine but also with each other. This means that systems can coordinate with and account for one another and thereby enhance their collective performance.
Field service technicians can use this integration to create a comprehensive map of the entire network of devices and systems, allowing time to complete and optimize that network. The internet of things is on its way to change the way the field service industry works. IoT has the potential to streamline the workflow of field service work on every level, leaving more scope for concentrating on innovation and business development, which are essentials to any company.
