How to Automate Your Field Service Data Collection

Automating field service data collection can save your organization time, money, and a lot of frustration. The best field service data collection software allows you to take in and process real-time information about many aspects of your business and make timely improvements. 

Understanding the importance of field service data collection is one thing. Finding the right data collection app and automating the process is another. At GoCanvas, we have field service apps for different industries, including maintenance, construction, sales, human resources, and more. 

Continue reading to learn how to automate your field service data collection using customizable GoCanvas field service apps. 

What Are The Benefits Of Data Collection Automation? 

Whether you’re actively collecting data in an organized manner or not, the data exists. Every appointment, route, customer feedback, etc., offers your company an opportunity to analyze and improve business functions in real-time so long as you have the data to do it. 

Field service data collection can help your business improve in many areas, including: 

• Workflow and dispatch efficiency 
• Time savings 
• Budgeting and elimination of revenue leaks 
• Employee effectiveness and communication 
• Customer satisfaction 

Additionally, when you have the correct workflow, job descriptions, expectations, and technology, field service data collection can help to keep your business organized and your employees accountable.

How Do You Create An Automated Workflow For Data Collection? 

Filed service workflow automation isn’t just about getting rid of paperwork. It’s about much more. The best data collection automation software and apps connect every step of the process, from dispatch to data collection to analysis tools. 

Learn the five steps for creating an automated data collection workflow below. 

1. Identify Key Processes, Players, and Tasks 

The first step in automating your field service data involves identifying the data collection processes you want to automate, the employees involved, and the tasks involved in the automation process (i.e., workflow mapping). 

Areas you’ll want to identify for each data collection task include: 

• The type of data that is collected 
• How many people and/or tasks are involved in the process 
• How long does each task take to complete 
• Devices and software used to collect the data 
• The team that will analyze the data 
• When, how, and where the data should be reported 

2.  Identify Potential Bottlenecks 

In addition to the information above, data collection workflow mapping requires you to identify and eliminate potential bottlenecks. For example, suppose you currently require field service technicians to submit their paperwork at the end of the work week. In that case, it could hinder the ability of other parties to complete their tasks promptly. 

3. Identify and Gather  Field Service Data 

Now that you know what data you want to collect, who’s involved, and eliminated bottlenecks, you’ll need to specify the scope of data you want to migrate into your new process. In most cases, starting with a small percentage of data is better so you can have an optimal workflow by the time your new data collection system is 100% live. 

4. Go Live 

Supposing you’ve picked a field service data collection app (if not, try GoCanvas today), you’ll need to gather your data, solidify collection methods, and customize your data collection apps, forms, and/or software. It’s important to note that refining and perfecting field service data collection takes time. The sooner you start, the faster you’ll have a well-oiled data collection machine.  

5. Test Your Data Collection Process & Make Improvements

Depending on the size of your business and scope of work, it may be best to release pre-launch versions of your data collection software to ensure it meets your company’s needs. After you’ve gone through an alpha and beta testing mode, your company should be ready for a full launch. During this time, it can be helpful to solicit feedback from beta users and make improvements as needed. 

Automate Field Service Data Collection With GoCanvas 

The data collected by field service technicians can be a valuable asset to your company. However, how the data is collected, its accuracy, and how fast it can be reported play a significant role in your data collection efforts. At GoCanvas, our field service apps are affordable, efficient, and mobile. Check out how GoCanvas field service automation can help your business stay organized.