Implementing new software in a company can be like pulling teeth sometimes. Employees don’t get it, or it is hard for them to get used to using the software and they revert to their old ways causing the implementation of the software to fall flat.
A failed field service management software implementation can cost a company a ton of time, money and resources, and ultimately leave them with nothing to show for it. As such, it is crucial that when companies decide to implement field service management software, they do it correctly.
1. Analyze needs
Before even starting, a company should analyze their needs. In this step, it is important to get the input of the field workers themselves. These are the people that are going to be working most intimately with the software, and if the software chosen ultimately does not meet their needs, or doesn’t make their job easier, it is a total waste of time and money.
Make sure that everybody who will be using it gets a platform to state their preferences, and use this as a starting point to search for the most optimal field service management software.
2. Analyze features
Once a company has identified their needs, they then have to find a field service management software that can meet all or most of those needs. In addition, companies should keep an open mind – even though they have an idea of what they need, there may be additional features that could be helpful that they hadn’t even thought of, or didn’t know existed.
The idea around implementing field service management software is to optimize field workers’ time and to save the company money. By analyzing the available features, companies can take what they know they need and combine it with other helpful features to choose the most optimal software for their company, and more specifically, for their employees.
3. Take advantage of free trials
Many field service management software will offer some sort of free trial which will allow companies to explore the platform before finalizing their decision. This is important because what’s on paper doesn’t always come through as well in practice. That is to say, the software may sound perfect in its description, but may not come through in practice leaving the company with a software that does not actually meet all of its needs.
It is better to take some time to find the right one rather than rushing into a decision that ultimately isn’t good.
4. Check reviews
When it comes to a software like this that requires so much interaction and constant use, word of mouth will likely speak the truth. Ask around or look online for people’s opinions about different field service management software.
No software is likely going to be perfect, so companies have to find the software with the most benefits and fewest faults, or at least that has faults that don’t affect their productivity too severely. Reviews and feedback from past customers will allow the company to make a list of pros and cons to choose from when making a decision.
5. Organize adequate training and support
One of the biggest causes of failed software implementation is inadequate training or support. Employees should be properly trained and guided on how to use the field service management software in order to facilitate the change in processes.
Different software companies will provide different levels of training and support, so it is a good idea for companies to find out what kind of training, information, and support they will be receiving for they software they ultimately choose.