In the old days, when technicians were sent into the field to inspect or audit a piece of equipment they would be handed a work order in the office – on paper. After completing the task in the field, they had to return to the office with their filled-out work order form, along with timesheets, safety inspections, and other forms. Alternatively, they would have to scan and fax their documents from the road. Luckily, things are changing.
Here are just a few ways you can make your installation and maintenance processes easier with mobility.
Better Data Collection
Your people are collecting data in the field. However, paper forms require technicians to regularly fill out data that already exists, e.g. client name, address, phone number etc, and they make it hard to use all the other collected data to improve their business. A user-friendly interface, designed for field users, streamlines the data collection process, prevents entry errors, removes the need to re-enter existing data, and ensures the captured data is accurate. Moreover, the ability to include photos, audio and GPS stamps makes it easy to convey to office staff what’s going on in the field.
From there, data can be pushed into a business management software in real time, removing the need for manual data entry. That data can then be turned into business insights and improvements:
- Understand how much time technicians spend on each service call
- Automatically provide techs with a list of tools necessary for jobs to be performed that day
- Support more efficient scheduling with a visual representation of where jobs are; list upcoming service calls by distance from current location
Longer Asset Life
Using an asset non-stop until it breaks down, is inefficient and costly. It’s much better to perform regular service check-ups that can fix issues before they become serious problems. Maintaining a schedule for pre-emptive maintenance minimizes downtime, extends asset lifespans, and prevents the mad-dash to replace a key piece of machinery on short notice.
Collecting asset performance data over time helps produce a clear picture of when assets needs to be maintained before they fail. Business intelligence dashboards and reports can help asset managers get full visibility into the status and performance of assets in the field.
Safer Jobsites
The worst way to discover a jobsite is unsafe is through an accident, but that’s often how it goes. To significantly improve safety in the field you need to help technicians easily identify safety issues in the field – for example, in the form they’re using to perform an inspection.
Automated mobile workflows help you exceed safety standards, minimize repeat visits, and maximize the effectiveness of maintenance visits, no matter what industry you’re in. Major enterprises like AAA, PG&E, Sodexo, and Halliburton have all deployed automated mobile workflows and transformed their field service operations. The results are clear; mobility leads to improved field productivity, improved service quality, and a safer work environment.
To learn more ways ProntoForms improves installation and maintenance in the field, download the full eBook.
