Choosing the Right Field Service Software for Your Business Needs

Field workers’ responsibilities grow in a number of ways that can come in various manners, such as running maintenance, overseeing installations, fixing systems and equipment, and more. Thus, overseeing all these works and performing at a high level can be a daunting task.

However, the good news is that you can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your organization by using good field service management (FSM) software. Since they support the consistency of your field service procedures and raise the standard of customer service, good field service management systems are essential.

The field service management market is progressively growing as interest in FSM technology rises. Since this industry is anticipated to reach $4 billion by 2025, many field software products are expected on the market every day; the question is which one is right for you.

In this article, we have put together nine of the best software products on the market today, based on their usability and management features. We also put together what to look for when selecting field service software.

Related Article: Setting Up a Home Office for Remote Work

What is Field Service Software

With field service software, you can link your agents, mobile workers, assets, and clients on a single platform to provide great on-site support. Field Service is an ideal and intelligent field service management system.

The field service management app gives you a full picture of the whole service chain right from making an appointment to ensuring a good customer experience. It also gives your mobile technicians the knowledge, real-time insights, and procedures they need to always provide great sales and service.

Here’s a table that compares the top nine (9) field service software products on the market. 

Tool Name	Best For	Free Plan/Trial	Cheapest Plan (Monthly Plans)
Jobber	Workflow monitoring and GPS tracking	Free plan	$9
Housecall Pro	Job scheduling	Free trial	$49
Skedulo	Scheduling and visibility of work flow	None	$59
Salesforce	Team productivity and user satisfaction	Free trial	$25
Mobi Work	superior logistical coordination	Free Trial	$39
FieldPoint	Administrative management	Free Trial	Available on request
IFS	Stock and work order management	none	Available on request
Oracle Cloud	Automated dispatch and scheduling	none	Available on request
ServiceMAx	IoT management	none	Available on request

Jobber

Source: Jobber 

Jobber  is a cloud-based field service solution company that helps small and medium-sized businesses manage their operations more efficiently. It offers a range of features that can help businesses streamline their workflows, automate processes, and provide better service to their customers.

Key Features of Jobber

• Scheduling and dispatching
• Invoicing and follow-ups with Professional template
• Quotes and estimates
• Customer relationship management
• Mobile app to run your day-to-day operations
• Job forms 
• Email and postcard marketing 
• Credit card processing 
• Reporting 

Pros of Jobber

• Easy to use: Jobber’s intuitive interface and user-friendly features make it easy for businesses to get started with the software
• Comprehensive feature set: Jobber offers a wide range of features that cover all aspects of field service management, from scheduling and dispatching to invoicing and payments
• Customizable templates: Jobber provides customizable templates for quotes, invoices, and other forms, allowing businesses to create professional-looking documents quickly and easily
• Mobile app: Jobber’s mobile field service management  app makes it easy for users to manage their business on-the-go, thereby providing access to key features and data
• Integrations: Jobber integrates with a range of popular business tools that allow businesses to streamline their workflows and automate processes

Cons of Jobber

• Limited customization options: Jobber’s templates are customizable, but businesses may find it challenging to create custom forms or documents that suit their specific needs
• Limited reporting and analytics: While Jobber provides basic reporting and analytics features, businesses may require more advanced reporting and data analysis capabilities
• Mapping Issues: Users have reported several mapping issues, one of them is that the reset can only be done twice in a day, which is not ideal 

Pricing 

Here are the current pricing plans for Jobber:

• 14 days free trial start available 
• Lite Plan: For new businesses getting set up with quoting, invoicing, and payments at $9/month for one user. Covers everything including Managing unlimited clients, 24/7 client self-serve hub, Send quotes and invoices and Online payments
• Core Plan: price starts at $29/month for one user, features include all on lite plan plus Schedule and manage jobs, Access over 20 built-in reports, 1-on-1 product coaching and Jobber app marketplace
• Connect Plan: $85/month Includes all Core features,  Online request form, Automated reminders, Automatic payments and QuickBooks Online sync available for just 5 users
• Grow Plan: $175/month – Includes all Connect features, plus: Quote add-ons and images, Automated quote follow-ups, Tag and manage leads and Customer referrals which is available for up to 15 users 

Recommended reading: 6 Best Product Management Software to Help Streamline Your Process

Housecall Pro

Housecall Pro is a cloud-based field service management software made for companies that provide home services like plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning, cleaning, and landscaping. The software comes with a set of tools that can be used to manage different parts of a business, such as setting up appointments, sending out field technicians, processing invoices, and keeping track of the status of jobs and payment processing. 

Key Features of Housecall Pro

Some of the features of Housecall Pro include

• GPS tracking
• Card Reader and Job Costing
• Quickbook integration
• In App Chat
• Sales proposal tools
• Dispatching and Reporting
• Email Marketing Tool

Pros:

• Easy-to-use interface: Housecall Pro has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and understand, making it a great option for businesses that want to streamline their operations without investing too much time in software training
• Mobile app: The platform has a mobile app that allows technicians to access job details, track their time, and communicate with customers while on the go
• Comprehensive features: Housecall Pro offers a wide range of features, including scheduling, invoicing, payments, customer management, and reporting, all in one platform
• Integration with other tools: The platform integrates with other popular tools like QuickBooks, Google Calendar, and Zapier, which can help businesses save time and increase efficiency
• Excellent customer support: Housecall Pro has a knowledgeable and responsive customer support team that is available via phone, email, or chat to assist users with any questions or issues

Cons

• Pricing: Housecall Pro can be expensive for smaller businesses, with plans starting at $49 per month and going up to $199 per month
• Limited customization: While Housecall Pro offers many features, some businesses may find that the platform does not offer the level of customization they need for their specific needs
• Limited industry-specific tools: While Housecall Pro is designed for field service management, some businesses may find that it lacks industry-specific tools or integrations that they need for their specific type of service
• Learning curve: Despite its user-friendly interface, Housecall Pro may still require some learning and adjustment for businesses that are used to other types of software or manual processes

Pricing

• 14 days free trial
• Basic plan: This plan is priced at $49 per month and is designed for small businesses that need basic scheduling, dispatching, and payment features. It includes one user account, online booking, scheduling and dispatching, payment processing, and some basic reporting features
• Essential plan: This plan is priced at $109 per month and is designed for medium-sized businesses that need more advanced features like marketing automation, custom checklist, advanced reporting, and integrations with other tools like QuickBooks and Zapier
• Max plan: This plan is priced available at request, any additional user cost $35/mo each. It’s designed for larger businesses that need additional features like custom reporting,total revenue tracking,  team management, and API access. Advanced reporting

Skedulo

Skedulo is another field management software designed to help businesses of all sizes manage assigned jobs, track employee productivity, and solve scheduling conflicts. It provides automated scheduling to eliminate errors and inefficiencies and uses SMS and push notifications to communicate with workers instantly. 

It also offers optimized routes and schedules to save time as well as analytics and reporting through visual resource mapping. Additionally, Skedulo offers a Software Development Kit (SDK) to help customize and extend the platform to fit the way a business works.

Key Features of Skedulo

Skedulo is a field service management software that offers a variety of unique features to help businesses manage their field service operations. Here are some of the standout features:

• Automated scheduling and restoring of shifts
• Real-time communication and Virtual meetings
• Visual resource mapping
• Customizable work order forms
• Software Development Kit
• Workforce Analytics

Pros

• Absence & leave Management:  Employees can submit paid time off (PTO) or leave of absence requests that managers can approve or deny with the platform
• Time & Attendance Tracking: skedulo lets employees track the hours they have worked through integrations with time tracking products or built in time tracking features
• Customizable workflows: Skedulo allows businesses to customize their workflows to fit their specific needs, which can save time and increase efficiency
• Mobile app: Skedulo has a mobile app that makes it easy for mobile workers to access their schedules, communicate with their team, and complete tasks on the go
• Analytics: Skedulo provides businesses with tools designed to help analyze employee data and develop baselines for evaluating and optimizing workforce management
• Multipurpose: Regardless of the sector you’re in, Skedulo makes scheduling mobile employees easy and efficient

Cons

• No Free Plan or trial 
• Limited integrations: Skedulo has limited integrations with other software, which can make it difficult for businesses to integrate it into their existing workflows
• Cost: Skedulo can be expensive for small businesses, especially if they don’t have a large mobile workforce
• Reliance on internet connectivity: Skedulo relies heavily on internet connectivity, which can be a problem in areas with poor connectivity
• The application can sometimes be slow 
• Live chat option: There is no live chat option on skedulo. Therefore there is  no way to communicate directly through the app

Pricing

Skedulo has not provided pricing information for this product or service. This is common practice for software sellers and service providers. Contact Skedulo to obtain current pricing.

But according to information on the Internet, Skedulo has two subscription plans based on a per-employee, per-month rate: one for mobile workers and one for schedulers. The pricing for mobile workers is $59/user/month, and the pricing for schedulers is $79/user/month.

Recommended reading: The Best Resource Management Software to Streamline Your Workflow

Salesforce

Salesforce Field Service is a cloud-based software solution that helps businesses manage their field service operations. It is designed to help companies with mobile workforces efficiently manage their resources, schedule appointments, and track work orders.

Salesforce Field Service also includes a number of other features such as inventory management, time tracking, and reporting. Overall, Salesforce Field Service is a powerful tool for businesses with mobile workforces. It can also help streamline operations, increase efficiency, and improve the customer experience.

Key Features of Salesforce

• Automation & Workflows
• Service Cloud integration for Slack
• Omni-Channel Routing
• Customer Service Analytics and Reporting
• Telephony & Voice
• A third-party app in the form of AppExchange
• Service Cloud Voice – Call Center Management
• Customer Service Incident Management

Pros

• Usability: Salesforce field service is usable across several industries including automatic, communication, energy and utility, banking to mention a few
• Customizable: Because to Salesforce’s great degree of adaptability, organizations may customize it to meet their own requirements and workflows
• Scalable: Salesforce is designed to grow with your business, so you can add new users, features, and integrations as needed
• Cloud-based: Salesforce is a cloud-based platform and that means you can access it from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes it easy for remote field service teams to collaborate and execute tasks
• Mobile-friendly: Salesforce has a mobile app that allows users to access the platform on their smartphones and tablets
• Integrations: Salesforce offers a wide range of integrations with other business tools and services such as email, social media, and accounting software

Cons 

• Cost: Salesforce can be expensive, especially for small businesses. The platform has a variety of pricing tiers, and some features may require additional fees
• Complexity: Salesforce is a complex platform that can take time to learn and master. This may be a barrier for some businesses or users who prefer simpler tools
• Dependence on the internet: Since Salesforce is a cloud-based platform, it requires a reliable internet connection to function properly. This can be a problem in areas with poor connectivity or during internet outages
• Downtime: Like any cloud-based software, Salesforce can experience downtime or technical issues that can disrupt business operations. This downtime can affect customer service and productivity
• Limited support: Salesforce offers limited support to users who are not on a premium support plan. This may be a problem for businesses that require more assistance
• Data security: Since Salesforce stores sensitive business data, there is always a risk of data breaches and cyber attacks. Therefore, businesses need to ensure they have proper security measures in place to protect their data

Pricing 

• 14 days Free trial  on all plans
• Essentials: Starting at $25 per month with an All-in-one sales and support app
• Professional: Starting price of $75 per month with complete service CRM for teams of any size
• Enterprise: The enterprise plan offers all services on the essential and professional plan alongside a customizable CRM for comprehensive service. Plan starts at $150 per month
• Unlimited: This plan provides unlimited CRM power, combines the power of Service Cloud, Sales Cloud, Dispatcher, and Field Service Technician. Pricing starts at $300 per month

Mobi Work

Mobi Work is field service management software that is based in the cloud and is made to help businesses run their field service operations. It assists businesses with technicians in the field by providing improved logistical planning, tracking, and other services to help them do their work quickly and efficiently.

Key Features of Mobiwork 

Mobiwork offers a number of key features which include;

• Schedules and Dispatching
• Maps & Turn-by-Turn Navigation
• Parts, Inventory & Price List
• Notifications & Communications
• Workflows Automation
• Work Orders
• Service Contracts & Recurrent Routes
• Estimates / Quotes
• Route Planning & Optimization

Pros

• Easy to use: MobiWork has a simple and intuitive interface that make it easier for users to learn and navigate the software
• Mobile access: The software can be accessed from any mobile device, thereby allowing field workers real-time visibility of job details and status
• Customizable: Due to MobiWork’s extensive customizability, users may modify the program to meet their own requirements
• Comprehensive features: MobiWork offers a wide range of features, including scheduling, dispatch, inventory management, and invoicing, making it a one-stop solution for field service management
• Integrations: MobiWork integrates with other software systems such as QuickBooks, enabling businesses to streamline their operations

Cons

• Cost: MobiWork is a subscription-based software and this can be a bit pricey for small businesses
• Limited support: The company’s support hours are limited which may be inconvenient for users in different time zones
• Complex setup: The initial setup of MobiWork can be complex, requiring technical expertise
• Lack of customization for reporting: While the software is highly customizable, the reporting features are limited in terms of customization
• Limited language support: MobiWork only supports English, which may be a barrier for businesses operating in non-English speaking countries
• So many options and customizations that it can be intimidating at first glance

Pricing

One price edition of MobiWork is available for $39, and MobiWork also provides a free trial.

Fieldpoint

Fieldpoint is a field service management solution that enhances medium and large business operations. This software offers an all-in-one package that changes service firms to operate simpler, better, and more lucrative enterprises with trustworthy ERP connectors, thanks to its more than 25 years of industry expertise.

Fieldpoint makes R&D investments. Thus, it carries out service delivery through continual product improvements and mobile features. It is a comprehensive application set with unique industry extensions that provides organizations with a suite with the appropriate capabilities for particular needs.

Key Features of Fieldpoint 

It has several options available for your field service which include;

• Activity Tracking
• Centralized field service solution and back-office staff
• Customizable Forms
• Electronic Signature
• Scheduling and dispatching
• Contact Database
• Business intelligence and reporting
• Jobs and projects costing
• Software deployment with FSM
• Operational automation is made possible by the Internet of Things (IoT).
• Checklists on the go for simple tracking

Pros

• Customizable: Fieldpoint offers a fully flexible platform that allows organizations to customize the program to their own needs and operations
• Proper integration: Due to integration with formidable business software such as Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics 365, QuickBooks, and NetSuite, Fieldpoint improves efficiency, raise customer satisfaction, and enhance income
• Comprehensive features: Fieldpoint offers a wide range of features including scheduling and dispatching, job management, invoicing and billing, and real-time reporting, among others
• Mobile functionality: Fieldpoint offers a mobile app that allows technicians to access work orders, update job statuses, and communicate with the office while on the go
• Customer portal: Fieldpoint offers a customer portal, where customers can access job details, view invoices, and communicate with technicians directly, which can improve customer satisfaction and reduce the workload of the office staff

Cons

• Customer support: Based on reviews, customers support when user encounter issues are poor in that of responses and accessibility
• Limited scalability: Fieldpoint may not be as scalable as other field service industries which can limit its usefulness for businesses with aggressive growth goals.

Pricing

• Available free trial
• Fieldpoint Service Applications has not given a price. Both software vendors and service providers do this often. To get the most recent prices, you can contact Fieldpoint Service Apps here.

IFS Field Service Management

A hybrid deployment system called IFS Field Service Management manages the whole service lifecycle. It allows for real-time data updates and on-the-go data access with mobile support and is also accessible on all devices.

It may be tailored to fit the particular requirements of each organization and, in order to maintain efficiency, can map out complicated service scenarios. Strong items like parts, contracts, and service management assist clients in providing better customer service.

Sector Specialties serves the manufacturing, service, engineering, construction, telecommunications, and energy industries.

Key features

• Work Order Management
• Spare Parts Management
• Service Contract Management
• Warranty Management Software
• Service Project Management

Pros

• Provides richness of capabilities to sectors that are targeted
• Accentuate working together with leading business people
• Extremely customisable
• High brand awareness and client base in some sectors
• Efficient schedule optimization
• Efficient teamwork and contract management
• Mobile App: View all critical service information and get real-time updates of service data from the field

Cons

• Language Support Service: It only supports one language; making it a less option to non-English users
• For sectors outside of the primary focus, functionality may not be as robust
• It may be too complicated for smaller businesses to customize
• Learning curve is steep: Upgrades can be challenging and there is a general lack of brand recognition which might eventually put the budget for product improvements at risk

Pricing

• Not provided by vendor 

Oracle Field Service Cloud

For technicians and back-office management, the Oracle Field Service Cloud offers a number of fieldwork features and advantages as a component of the Oracle Cloud. Any-sized business may benefit from it.

There are many features, such as self-learning and predictive technologies, accurate geocoding, auto-responding, mobile capabilities, and more. It is implemented on the cloud.

Key Features of Oracle Field Service

• Precise Geo-Coding
• Job Assignment
• Dispatch
• Flexible Mobile Application
• Scheduling
• Omni-Channel Communication

Pros

• Boost Customer Satisfaction: By automatically matching the appropriate technology with the appropriate user, overall satisfaction is raised and customer retention is boosted
• Automated dispatch capabilities that allocate personnel based on parameters like schedule, location, talents, and more free up resources and time
• Deal with Important Issues: Get immediate alerts regarding urgent maintenance needs or other business-critical concerns, such as safety risks
• Run Anywhere: A system built to run on network computers, set-top boxes, PCs, workstations, minicomputers, mainframes, and massively parallel systems will provide seamless accessibility

Cons

• There is no option for on-premise installation.
• APIs cannot be used
• It is not permitted to create bespoke or batch invoices
• If several modifications are made to an item’s serial number on the same day, the equipment supersession history cannot be kept up to date
• It is impossible to preserve and track the whole equipment service history, including usage, repairs, and maintenance, for the field representative’s real-time access

Pricing 

• Not provided by vendor

ServiceMax

For field workers and back-office administrators, ServiceMax is an enterprise-grade system that can help with managing crucial activities like personnel routing, job scheduling, inventory management, onboarding, and more. ServiceMax takes care of important issues in the field service sector for most industries, no matter how big they are.

Because it is built on the cloud, it can be used on many different platforms such as smartphones, tablets, desktop computers, and devices that are built in. It is meant to be added to both new and existing IT infrastructures in the fields of medicine, education, energy, manufacturing, mining, and utilities.

Key Features of ServiceMax

• Internet of things (IoT) Management
• Work Order Management
• Real-Time Scheduling and Dispatch
• Mobile Technician Enablement
• Service Contractor Management
• Built-In Analytics

Pros

• Automation services: They can assist with work automation and significantly lessen the strain on back-office management
• Developed with Salesforce Chatter: The app utilizes messaging and communication channels provided by Salesforce. Technicians may connect with home-base management and officials by using the picture-sharing and instant messaging facilities, as well as with each other
• Customer Support: Based on a variety of criteria, including skill level, location, schedule, aptitude, and more, the program is able to match the appropriate tech with the right task. This way, consumers obtain rapid and effective support
• Software runs anywhere: The software can operate anywhere and at any time. It even offers offline access, thanks to a cloud-based distribution mechanism. Users may provide their team with a wide range of tools to keep them connected and motivated.
• Industry knowledge: They provide clients with typical field service functions, including maintenance and construction, in addition to serving the healthcare, IT, mining, energy, and utilities sectors. Topcon, Kinetico, Compac, and Sony, are among ServiceMax’s principal clients

Cons

• Although the application offers a complete field service management software solution, the user interface is rather complicated
• User-unfriendly dispatch console functionality
• The majority of the customization and configuration capabilities may be implemented manually
• There is no on-premise installation available because it is a cloud-based service
• The solution forbids technicians from filling out any paperwork pertaining to regulatory, safety, or inspection checklists

Pricing 

• Available free trial
• Plan prices are available on request

Tips For Selecting the Best Field Service Management Software

When selecting a field service software solution, there are several important factors to consider. Here are some key things to look for:

Ease of Use

Ease of use should be at the top of your list regarding field service management software. After all, what good is a program that is difficult to navigate and configure? 

The software should have a user-friendly interface that is easy for your team to learn and use. Look for software that has intuitive navigation, clear instructions, and minimal training requirements. Examples of software in this category include Jobber, Housecall Pro, and Skedulo.

Mobile Accessibility

A good field service software should be accessible from mobile devices, so that your team can look up job details and update their status in real time. Mobile apps are available for all of the software reviewed. 

Customizability

Seek out software that can be adjusted to match the particular demands of your organization. This includes the ability to customize forms, reports, and workflows. Fieldpoint, Jobber, Salesforce, Housecall Pro, and Skedulo all have this feature. 

Comprehensive Features

The software should offer a wide range of features that support all kinds of field service management, such as scheduling, dispatching, inventory management, invoicing, and reporting.

Integration with Other Software

The field service software should integrate seamlessly with other software systems you are already using, such as accounting software or customer relationship management (CRM) software. Salesforce integrates properly with CRMs and accounting software.

Security and Data Privacy

The software should have robust security features to protect your data and ensure data privacy compliance.

Customer Support

Look for a software provider that offers reliable customer support, including ongoing training, technical assistance, and regular updates.

Cost-effectiveness

Finally, consider the cost of the software and whether it represents good value for money. Look for software that offers flexible pricing options and a clear return on investment (ROI) for your business. 

Which Field Service Platform Should You Choose?

When selecting a field service software platform for your company, selecting one that will meet your core needs is critical, as the focus of these platforms differs from each other. 

Hence, to choose the right platform for your business, we have examined the suitability of some field service management software for specific businesses.

For Small and Medium Businesses

Small and medium-sized businesses need easy-to-use and navigate platforms with features like automation, customizability, and integration. Most importantly, it should be affordable. 

We recommend MobiWork, Skedulo, and Housecall Pro for small and medium businesses. All three platforms offer easy-to-use interfaces that make work order management simple.

For Enterprise Businesses

A field service software for enterprise businesses needs scheduling and dispatch management and must have advanced features of automation, integration with several CRMs and accounting systems. We recommend Salesforce, ServiceMax, Oracle, and IFS. These fit in for large businesses. 

Recommended reading: 5 Best HCM Software in 2024 (Reviewed)

FAQs on Field Service Software

Conclusion

Technology is the proactive approach that determines the direction the field service business is taking. Consumers don’t like to wait; they want the answers instantly, and using antiquated techniques may be costing your company money. To avoid losing customers to the expanding competition, your operations must be effective.

With so many field service management choices available, from the free Jobber field service software to the more enterprise FieldPoint and ServiceMax, a wide range of features awaits you, so making a decision shouldn’t be challenging. 

When you have a real-time view of reports and other inventory control for field operations, you’ll wonder why you didn’t convert earlier.