Have you ever heard about Epicor’s Field Service Management (FSM) module? As Bob Dylan once sang to the sweet harmony of his guitar, the times they are a-changin’. While we don’t have a guitar, nor a beautiful voice, one thing is certain: times are changing and it’s time you change with them.
When it comes to manufacturing, the process can be a long one. The different stages of orders, production, delivery, inspection, installation, etc. can be in itself a task to manage. Many systems are available to keep up with the different processes, but what about your technicians off-site?
Scheduling, tracking, and organizing installations are somewhat a juggling act without the proper tools in place. An ERP can help with the foundation, but when it comes to providing a satisfactory service to your customers, a field service management system must be in place.
A manufacturing execution system (MES) handles your production workshop and an ERP software keeps all your core foundations running smoothly, which leaves us with a system to streamline all your operations that occur off site.
Whether it’s consultants, sales, repair and maintenance, customer support, installations, or inspections, all these field services need to be managed. And believe us when we say, a company that doesn’t have a system in place to manage all these tasks is on a downward spiral.
Field service management (FSM) software is designed for organizations in the manufacturing industry – but not exclusively – to help with organizing, scheduling, employee assignments, route planning, resource allocation, and specific instructions for off-site technicians and field workers.
The software provides real-time updates on productivity, task completion, itineraries, and support for all types of situations that might occur on the job.
For companies who provide installation, equipment maintenance, repairs, on-site services for clients and technical expertise, an FSM system will optimize employees’ positions, availability and skills for each specific job.
Take a health care manufacturer, for example, who produces specialized medical machinery for hospitals. They’ll most likely have technicians in place to repair and maintain the equipment should there ever be a breakdown or problem.
Without an advanced system in place, you’re left managing the ins and outs of each field worker manually, which is bound to leave many errors and duplicates. Just like a company needs precision on the workshop floor, the same thought process should be for the human-side of operations.
It has been proved time and time again that an ERP, like Epicor Kinetic, improves the core processes of manufacturing companies. Thanks to automation there is increased productivity and full control over raw materials and supply chain.
While all is good at the actual company site, organizations must never forget about their field service operations. Especially since most manufacturers have technicians that often work at different job sites.
A field service management solution will simplify life not only off-site technicians, but for the company as well. Let’s take a look.
At Epicor, field service management is here to stay. Located on the Cloud for easy access, Service Pro for manufacturing is field service management software for companies with service technicians. A mobile app, visual scheduler, asset management, and business intelligence are among the many features available on this software that is integrated with Epicor Kinetic.
To learn more about why you should implement a field service management software to your current ERP, contact our team of experts today.