Top 4 Reasons Why the Cloud is the Future of Field Service

Nearly three-quarters of all U.S. businesses are now using some cloud-based business application and over half of those companies reported using the cloud to advance business priorities, according to a recent industry study.

If you feel like your business is stuck in one place, a cloud-based field service software can be a solution that helps you achieve more with less. Field service platforms like RazorSync are specifically designed to simplify scheduling, dispatch, paperwork and customer service to help you save time, cut costs and reduce business process complexity. When it comes to implementing business process management systems, there can be significant capital expenses that weigh on your bottom line and prevent you from acquiring the tools you need.

With cloud-based field service management software, where data is stored and managed remotely, you can take advantage of all of the functionalities of an on-site system while eliminating the cost, burden and risk of implementation, security and update requirements of a traditional premise-based system. Working in the cloud means you don’t need any IT whatsoever; everything is automatically managed and updated for you.

Why Should A Field Service Company Invest in the Cloud?

Why move to the cloud?

“Cloud computing is computing based on the internet,” according to Salesforce. “Where in the past, people would run applications or programs from software downloaded on a physical computer or server in their building, cloud computing allows people access to the same kinds of applications through the internet.”

There’s nothing complicated about moving into cloud computing, in fact, doing so helps simplify and reduce complexity overall. Almost everyone who goes on the internet most likely already uses some cloud-based service already. When you update your Facebook profile, you’re technically using cloud computing. When you log into your Gmail account, you’re using cloud computing again. You most likely already rely on cloud computing solutions to solve business challenges, so adopting a cloud-based field service management solution doesn’t have to feel like a stressful technological leap.

The Top Benefits of Moving Field Service to the Cloud

With field service automation software, companies have a cost-effective way to generate more revenue without having to add staff. Additionally, they can improve the productivity of service technicians and significantly improve customer service.

Here are the top 4 benefits of moving field service to the cloud:

1. Moving Field Service to the loud Reduced Implementation Costs

Many business management solutions require companies to install the software on-premises, which can be costly and complicated. With an on-premise system, the company must take responsibility to maintaining, monitoring and updating the system. This includes everything from software and servers to the network infrastructure. Using a cloud-based mobile field service application is the way companies can take full advantage of the business benefits of a field service software.

For a moderately sized implementation, costs could easily total more than $100,000. This would include servers, storage, communications infrastructure, racks and enclosures and software licenses. With a cloud-based solution, on the other hand, all of the equipment previously listed would reside in the cloud. The infrastructure burden is shared by multiple parties and users, which enables service providers like RazorSync to deliver a first-rate field service solution at a reasonably low monthly subscription fee.

2. A Cloud-Based Solution can be Implemented MUCH faster than premise-based

Field service solutions that must be implemented on premise require a lot of time. It takes time to find the right servers, storage, peripheral equipment and software. Not just anyone can do it either; it takes expertise and know-how to ensure everything is compatible and can communicate. Even once you have the physical equipment configured, you must install and ensure software runs correctly–as task in and of itself.

Cloud-based field service management solutions require little to no hardware other than your mobile device, tablet or personal computer. Software and hardware maintenance costs are included in your monthly subscription fee, along with software upgrades and patches. Additionally, there is far more reliability with a cloud-based system, because data centers are geographically dispersed along with storage. By adopting a cloud-based solution, field service companies can have the peace of mind of knowing they are always taking advantage of the latest hardware, software and communications features available on the market today.

3. Cloud-based Field Service Management Solutions are Easily Scalable

When you purchase a software license, there’s typically only support for a predetermined number of users. Otherwise, you have to pay more money to add more. The challenge is that when you need new licenses, a lot of software companies will require you to purchase a set number, even if that number happens to be far higher than you need.

A cloud-based solution can be easily scaled to fit the needs of your organization. Unlike an on-premise solution with traditional software licenses, you only have to pay for the amount of users you need. You can scale the solution to meet your needs and, if things change, you can always reduce the number of users you’re paying for.

4. The Cloud Allows you to go Mobile and Take Your Business With You

Because cloud-based applications are managed remotely, you can access them from any device, including mobile devices and tablets. The next time you or one of your technicians is in the field, you’ll have the information you need at your fingertips in an instant.

If your technicians are relying on memory, sticky notes or disparate document management systems, it’s far more likely that mistakes will occur. With a cloud-based business management system, you can accomplish more outside of the office and ensure things are done correctly because everyone has access to the same consistently updated data.

Real-time updates can be shared between the office and the field, so everyone is always on the same page. A cloud-based solution can help field service technicians like plumbers, electricians, maintenance technicians and HVAC professionals automate many aspects of their jobs. This includes scheduling, quoting, invoicing, dispatch, and more.

With the ability to monitor technician activity and ensure they are at the right jobs, at the right time and with the right materials, you can significantly boost customer satisfaction. Moreover, you can complete more jobs in less time while spending less money and employ fewer people. A cloud-based field service platform can help you run a truly lean business.

Take Your Field Service Organization to the Cloud with RazorSync

If you’re ready to take your field service company to the cloud and reach a new level of business efficiency, contact us at RazorSync for a demo or trial. When it comes to managing your business, the flexibility, reliability, and convenience of the cloud are unmatched. You can work from anywhere and have total control over your data and documents. Cloud computing eliminates the high cost of hardware, and you don’t have to worry about implementation or software updates because they are done for you automatically.

The cloud gives you the opportunity to connect separate departments of your business like never before for increased collaboration. This can have a direct positive impact on your bottom line. Moreover, adopting a cloud solution is becoming the norm and, in some ways, remaining competitive in this day and age may start to depend on it.

Lastly, sometimes systems are compromised or, in a worst-case scenario, fail completely. With an on-premise system without adequate data recovery protection, a system failure could be devastating. However, with the cloud, there are robust disaster recovery capabilities. Your data will be protected and downtime minimized.