5 Methods For Collecting Your Field Service Data

Field service data is the new gold for HVAC, IT, oil and gas, facilities management, construction, maintenance, Telcom, and countless other industries. Data collected by field service workers (i.e., employees conducting work on customer premises) can transform your business, increase efficiency, and streamline business operations. 

How the data is collected matters just as much as the information obtained. With that in mind, there are five methods you can use to collect field data. They include: 

• Interviews.
• Observation.
• Paper Surveys / Questionnaires.
• Reviewing Field Service Worker Documents.
• Field Service Automation Apps & Software.

Continue reading to learn more about each. 

What is Field Data Capture?

Field data capture refers to any information field workers (i.e., carpenters, plumbers, IT specialists, consultants, etc.) collect and input into digital or physical forms. Generally, the type of data collected can include information like: 

• Customer satisfaction surveys.
• Electronic signatures.
• Employee performance metrics. 
• Travel time and GPS location. 
• Best dispatch strategies. 
• Revenue by employee per field service visit. 
• Delivery times. 
• The time it takes to complete specific tasks.
• Inventory levels.
• Cost of parts, delivery, and labor per job. 
• And much more. 

The field service data that needs to be collected depends on the industry. However, one thing is clear— every field service company can gain valuable insights from detailed and organized data collected from workers in the field. 

What is a Field Data Collection App?

Field data collection apps collect and analyze quantitative and qualitative data in real-time while employees are in the field. In most cases, this can be accomplished on a mobile device (i.e., iPhone or Android device) or a laptop. Generally, they help businesses streamline field service dispatch, analyze data, and ultimately provide a better customer experience. 

Learn about the 5 methods for collecting field service data below. 

1. Interviews

One of the oldest methods of field service data collection is interviewing employees when they return from completing a work order. While there are some benefits to collecting data in this method, it can yield inconsistent and inaccessible results. 

2. Observation 

Another way to collect data from employees in the field is to send a supervisor on every work order to observe. Having a senior employee observe another worker has some value. However, sending multiple employees out for one service order, sales call, etc., is a strain on business resources. Further, aggregating that information and turning it into actionable insights can be challenging. 

3. Paper Surveys / Questionnaires 

Many businesses use paper surveys and questionnaires to evaluate customer satisfaction or employee performance. While this is a great starting point, it can lead to an unnecessary bulk of paperwork, which can strain business operations. Further, analyzing data obtained through paper surveys and questionnaires can be challenging. Due to illegible handwriting, transcription mistakes, inaccuracies, and more. 

4. Reviewing Field Service Worker Documents 

If your field service business reviews all employee documents to assess employee performance, customer satisfaction, costs, etc., it can take forever to collect essential information. 

For example, suppose your business waits until the end of the month (when employees turn in their reports) to assess mileage, dispatch needs, employee performance, etc. In that case, your business is constantly making decisions based on old data, which can leave you at a competitive disadvantage. 

5. Field Service Automation Apps & Software 

Field service automation apps and software can drastically improve employee efficiency, customer satisfaction, and your business’s bottom line. These mobile applications help to: 

• Minimize the time it takes to collect and analyze data.
• Decrease the likelihood of duplicate documents. 
• Limit the cost of data storage.
• Enable searchable data. 
• Increase the volume of data your business can analyze. 
• Enhance real-time visibility of what’s happening in the field. 

Learn how GoCanvas field service automation apps and software can help to improve your business’s efficiency by replacing the paperwork with digital field service forms. 

What’s The Best Field Service Software?

GoCanvas field service automation apps and software fit all types of businesses and needs. They are dynamic, customizable, and easily accessible on mobile devices. 

Our customers report a 24% increase in productivity after using our apps. One of the best parts is you can build and roll out your customized field service automation application in under a day. See why thousands of customers trust us to take their business to the next level. Sign up for a free trial today – no credit card required.