6 Ways IoT Is Transforming Field Service Businesses
One of the essential growth drivers for any field service business today is IoT(Internet of things) technology. Companies that have integrated their field service management software with IoT applications have witnessed improved productivity, increased profitability, and enhanced customer experience.
Before the advent of IoT, field service technicians had to struggle with unidentified malfunctions, misidentified specs, and delays from inaccurate diagnoses. But today, IoT has changed field management system and redefined them for the better.
Field Service Management and IoT integrate seamlessly to link field service operations and customer engagement. Your time-consuming field service activities such as scheduling maintenance or locating vehicles are done in real-time with IoT integrated devices. Remote diagnosis and predictive maintenance, which were thought to be the technology of the future, are here, and companies are using them to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
If you haven’t embraced IoT for whatever reasons(expense or security concerns), in this article, we give you enough reasons why you should be using IoT to drive significant efficiencies across your field service operations.
7 Ways IoT Helps Field Service Management Businesses
The following are the reasons why IoT is becoming increasingly popular for field service organizations:
1. Training Through VR and AR
AR (Augmented reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) have incredible uses in field service management applications. VR can be used for training technicians and professionals for whom field training is not practical, safe, and convenient. This helps untrained workers get enough time to learn the job in a safe and controlled environment.
Future advancements in technology will enable AR and VR to accurately simulate the conditions of the field environments to prepare untrained technicians for job complexities without having to put them on the field and expose them to possible danger.
2. Proactive Approach to Repair and Maintenance
The field service industry usually employs the break-fix approach. The repair services are offered only when the client reports the damage. In a way, repair services are reactive in nature. But IoT can change this. IoT sensors enable machines to report their status autonomously, allowing technicians to predict upcoming maintenance requirements – transforming a reactive repair service approach to a proactive one.
3. Real-Time Data Monitoring and Diagnostics
IoT devices collect real-time data and help companies get a more accurate picture of equipment conditions. This data is reviewed and then used to inform technicians about when and which services to deploy. This rules out monthly routine maintenance work as tasks are assigned to the technicians based on the accurate diagnostics received from IoT hardware sensors.
4. Zero-Stock Inventory
In the field service industry, it can be difficult to keep track of inventory. But now, thanks to IoT systems, it’s easy to maintain a zero-stock inventory. IoT connected devices and applications automate your inventory list and maintain it so that you never have the problem of surplus stock parts in your warehouse.
5. Easy Diagnosis of Malfunctions
Identifying and addressing equipment malfunctions and failures have always been imperative for field service management organizations. IoT identifies malfunctions without any human intervention. However, the repair function has to be done manually.
6. Improved Efficiencies
IoT technology sends real-time, automated data alerts to teams of field service technicians that help them improve their efficiencies. The IoT monitoring technology highlights the scope and urgency of the issue and helps the field technicians work smarter and safer.
Summing Up
IoT technology is here to stay. So, you must adopt IoT technology to stay relevant in your business. But make sure you and your teams understand the benefits of IoT and the importance of making the switch from manual business operations to more data-driven, automated, remote operations.