While it’s true that not every company, and not even every field service company, has a need for a custom mobile app, it’s also true that when a business does have their own app, it elevates the way they are seen from a number of perspectives.
Here are seven of the most significant areas where perceptions are improved by development of a custom field service app.
1. Operations: Transparent
Operational transparency is a major issue for field operations. Customers want to know who is on their site and what they’ve done. Without an app, the evidence they receive is entirely anecdotal. It may be true and accurate, but what if it’s not?
For companies that provide field service, here are some common customer uncertainties that can be resolved with an app:
- Names of your employees who worked on their property
- When they arrived and left
- What work they completed
- Time and geo-stamped reports and photos
An app used by your field service team replaces those uncertainties with complete transparency. There are no questions about what has transpired.
2. Technology: Forward-thinking
What do Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet (owners of Google), Facebook and Alibaba Group have in common? Two things:
- They all are known for the technology they make, sell or use
- Each of the six ranks among the seven most highly valued corporations in the world
Today, every business wants to be known for its technology. Few companies can leverage technology to earn the kind of revenues these elite businesses generate. But SMBs and mid-market enterprises can enhance their reputations — inside and outside the company — by developing a custom mobile app that makes them known for their forward-thinking use of technology.
Developing a custom field service app should be part of the discussion for any business considering ways to upgrade their technology profile.
3. Customer Needs: Responsive
A benefit to a field service business in having their own custom mobile application is that it improves the way they serve their customers.
Data is more reliable because it is logged on the spot. Reports are delivered in real-time. Customers can feel confident that they are getting the service they signed up for and the accurate information they need.
Customers also appreciate the investment their vendor has made in providing superior service.
4. Competitive Position: A leader
What’s more effective in a sales presentation?
- Going through a 32-slide deck about how great your company is?
- Showing the prospect your custom app and the data it will deliver to them in real-time?
In every industry, prospects look to partner with companies that recognize and meet their needs. They also prefer companies that are easy to work with.
A custom field service app that makes it easy for customers to get the information they need without delay or human error (or having to ask for it) helps turn prospects into customers.
5. Workplace Appeal: Attractive to digital natives
Workplaces evolve.
- 40 years ago, every secretary expected an IBM Selectric II on their desk
- 30 years ago, typewriters were being replaced with word processors
- 20 years ago, secretaries and word processors had all but vanished, and every office worker expected a computer on their desk
- 10 years ago, broadband internet access became a requirement for many workers to perform research and other essential tasks
- Today, digital natives who grew up glued to smartphone and tablet screens expect to use them at work
The more your business attempts to hire young workers, the clearer it becomes that Millennials and Generation Z workers depend on technology. They work and communicate best on screens.
Especially in field service where their role may not involve a desk and a computer, you likely will find that young applicants are more attracted to a job if some of the work is done on smartphones or tablets.
And as you think about it, you’re likely to realize that an app that connects otherwise disconnected workers improves company morale, communication, efficiency and culture.
6. Value Proposition: Clear and unmistakable
According to Investopedia, “A value proposition refers to the value a company promises to deliver to customers should they choose to buy their product.”
Value propositions should also be concise and easy to understand. But the brevity required leaves the value propositions of many companies sounding alike.
Call it the “me too” value proposition syndrome.
A one-minute demonstration of your app should make clear to anyone exactly what it is that your company does and how it delivers value to your customers.
Essentially, your custom mobile app is the fulfillment of the promise in your company’s value proposition.
Your custom mobile app is the fulfillment of the promise in your company’s value proposition. Click To Tweet7. Public Relations: A story worth telling
News media are always looking for good technology stories, and an innovative field service app qualifies. In fact, the more innovative the app, the more newsworthy it is.
When you develop a custom mobile app for your field service company, you’re also developing a positive news story about your business.
Is Your Field Service Organization Considering an App?
How many of these seven ways that a custom app improves perceptions of your field service business could apply to you?
If your answer is three or more, it’s probably time to give serious consideration to hiring an app development company.
Reach out to our team today if you’d like to talk to us about having a custom field service app developed.
