Top 13 Field Service Management Tools to Enhance Your Business in New Zealand

In today's customer-focused business environment, the best field service management software plays a crucial role in ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and streamlining work processes. Each year, more companies offer on-site services, making the management of such processes particularly significant. In this article, we’ll explore the 13 best software solutions for field service management, which will help enhance your business efficiency and maximise ease of customer interaction.

Our Top Picks For The Best Field Service Management Software

1. Shifton ServiceA flexible scheduling software for remote businesses.
2. ServiceTitanRobust for larger teams, offering end-to-end management.
3. JobberSimpler, ideal for smaller teams with streamlined scheduling and invoicing.

What is Field Service Software?

Field service management software consists of specialised systems and tools designed to optimise and automate field-related processes. These solutions can be applied in various industries including agriculture, construction, customer service, and even emergency services. One of the main tasks of leading field service management software is to coordinate activities related to deploying field technicians. This can include route planning, task assignment for employees, and real-time progress monitoring.

The functionality of such programs often covers several key aspects:

• Scheduling and Dispatching: Users can create and edit field trip schedules based on job specifics and resource availability. This helps to avoid downtime and improve operational efficiency.
• Real-time Monitoring: Modern systems allow you to track the location of employees and the progress of tasks. This function is useful for both management and ensuring worker safety.
• Inventory and Resource Management: Software can monitor the availability of necessary materials and equipment, minimising interruptions due to insufficient resources.
• Reporting and Analysis: Systems gather data on tasks performed, time spent, and resources. Analysing this information helps improve management and identify process bottlenecks.
• Integration with Other Systems: Many solutions can integrate with CRM, ERP, and other corporate systems, which helps all parts of the company work more cohesively.

So, FSM software is a powerful tool that assists organisations not only in effectively planning and coordinating field trips, but also in enhancing the overall quality of the customer experience. In a highly competitive market, the availability of such technologies is a crucial factor in the success and sustainable development of a business.

What Are The Benefits Of Field Service Management Software?

When selecting the best field service management software, you should pay attention to several key benefits to maximise its capabilities:

1. Increased EfficiencyAutomating routine tasks such as scheduling appointments, assigning tasks to employees, and tracking fulfilment increases efficiency. Intuitive interfaces and algorithms reduce the time spent on administrative tasks, allowing employees to focus on more important aspects of their work.
2. Enhanced ProductivityImplementing field service management software leads to increased productivity. Management systems allow for better organisation of workflows, significantly reducing the time required to complete tasks. For example, such solutions can optimise routes for field service workers, minimising travel time, saving time, and allowing more tasks to be accomplished in less time.
3. Improved Customer SatisfactionBy streamlining service delivery processes and improving communication with customers, companies can respond faster and more efficiently. Systems can provide customers with the ability to track the status of a request or order fulfilment, which creates transparency and builds trust in the company.
4. Optimised Resource AllocationThis approach avoids overutilisation or underutilisation of equipment and human resources. Platforms can automatically suggest the best options for task allocation based on available resources and employee location, contributing to a more efficient use of funds.
5. Better Communication and CollaborationModern field service management software systems include tools for instant messaging, project collaboration, and real-time updates. This creates a unified platform for communication and collaboration, reducing errors and improving overall service quality.
6. Enhanced Reporting and AnalyticsLeading field service management software provides powerful reporting and analytics tools. These capabilities allow professionals to collect and analyse data on performance, costs, and other important aspects of the business. Deep analytics help identify bottlenecks in processes, make informed decisions, and find ways to improve.

Who Needs Field Service Management Tools?

Today, the best field service management software tools are becoming essential across a multitude of industries requiring employees to be dispatched to job sites. This can include maintenance, equipment installation, repairs, and a host of other services. Here are some of the main users:

1. Equipment Maintenance Companies
   • Mechanical and electrical services: Required for scheduling maintenance and repairs at customer sites.
   • IT service technicians: Use field service management software for system troubleshooting.
2. Delivery and Logistics Services
   • Courier services: Optimise delivery routes and times.
   • Transport companies: Control cargo movement and vehicle condition.
3. Real Estate Service Companies
   • Property management companies: Oversee maintenance personnel work, including utilities and cleaning.
   • Security services: Manage security calls and respond to incidents.
4. Agricultural Enterprises
   • Farms: Manage technician departures for equipment repair and maintenance.
   • Agronomists and field technicians: Monitor tasks in the fields.
5. Systems Integrators and Technology Companies
   • Video and audio installers: Schedule jobs and manage resources for equipment installation.
   • IoT-enabled services: Manage data and monitor equipment performance in the field.

Key Functions of Field Service Management Tools:

1. Scheduling and Dispatching
   • Automatically create work schedules based on employee availability and call prioritisation.
   • Notify customers of assigned services and job times.
   • Tools to manage emergency calls and changes to scheduled tasks.
2. Route Optimisation
   • Algorithms to calculate the most efficient routes for field staff.
   • Account for traffic, congestion, and other factors to minimise travel time.
   • GPS integration for real-time navigation.
3. Inventory Management
   • Control the availability of necessary materials and equipment to provide services.
   • Automated tracking of deliveries and stock status in warehouses.
   • Demand management and procurement planning.
4. Communication and Feedback
   • Tools for rapid interaction between field staff and the central office.
   • Systems to obtain feedback from customers when work is completed.
   • Real-time chat and messaging capabilities.
5. Reporting and Analytics
   • Create reports on completed jobs and evaluate employee performance.
   • Analyse customer data and identify trends in customer relationships.
   • Monitor the fulfilment of KPIs (key performance indicators).
6. Mobile Solutions
   • Mobile applications for anytime, anywhere access to information and tasks.
   • Ability to document work performance and receive reports on a mobile device.
   • Synchronisation with cloud systems for data storage.
7. Integrations with Other Systems
   • Capabilities to integrate with CRM systems to manage customers and their requests.
   • Synchronisation with ERP systems to keep track of finances and resources.
   • Integration with customer support systems to handle inquiries and complaints.

Top Best 13 Field Service Management Software Tools

These tools assist in planning, monitoring, and managing tasks related to outreach, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Here is a list of top software tools:

1. Shifton
   • Aims to find a programme that not only efficiently solves current problems but also has the capability to adapt to growing business needs.
   • Key criteria for success include user interface, integration, mobility, analytics, and process automation.
2. ServiceTitan
   • Designed for home service companies such as plumbers, electricians, and HVAC specialists.
   • Features include rostering, worker management, invoicing, and job tracking.
   • Integrates with systems like QuickBooks and Google Calendar.
3. FieldPulse
   • Cloud-based management solution for small businesses.
   • Offers tools for job rostering, project management, invoicing, and client communication.
   • Integrates with QuickBooks and Stripe.
4. Workiz
   • Designed for companies like cleaning and plumbing services.
   • Features job rostering, invoicing, customer management, and workflow automation.
   • Integrates with online booking platforms and Zapier.
5. Housecall Pro
   • Comprehensive solution suitable for various industries.
   • Offers scheduler, CRM features, billing, and online booking tools.
   • Integrates with QuickBooks, Mailchimp, and other services.
6. Jobber
   • Cloud-based solution for SMBs to track jobs, invoice, and communicate with clients.
   • Features include schedule management, workflow automation, CRM, and online payment.
   • Integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, and Stripe.
7. ServiceMax
   • Geared toward large enterprises.
   • Offers job tracking, inventory management, performance analysis, and reporting.
   • Integrates with ERP systems and Salesforce.
8. Service Fusion
   • Comprehensive FSM service with rostering, customer management, and billing.
   • Integrates with GPS for vehicle tracking and QuickBooks for accounting.
9. RazorSync
   • Cloud-based software with invoicing, schedule management, and client communication.
   • Offers a mobile app for on-site access and integrates with QuickBooks.
10. ServiceBridge
    • Suitable for businesses like cleaning and construction.
    • Provides routing, time management, billing, and CRM features.
    • Offers marketing automation and CRM integration.
11. Zuper
    • SaaS platform with rostering, task management, and results tracking.
    • Offers a mobile app and integrates with QuickBooks.
12. mHelpDesk
    • Cloud-based solution for project management, invoicing, and client management.
    • Features document automation and QuickBooks integration.
13. Salesforce Field Service
    • Extension for the Salesforce platform for large organisations.
    • Offers process automation, inventory management, and customer interaction.
    • Supports integration with multiple third-party applications.

How To Choose the Best Field Service Software

Choosing the right field service management software can significantly impact business efficiency. Consider the following aspects:

• Essential Features: Look for rostering, billing, CRM, and mobile app capabilities.
• Types of Software: Decide between total management solutions, specialised tools, or integrated systems.
• Ease of Use: Ensure the platform is intuitive for quick adaptation.
• Customer Support: Choose a provider with reliable support and available resources.
• Integrations: Ensure compatibility with other systems you use.

By considering these factors, you can select a solution that optimises your processes and meets your specific needs.