10 easy steps you’ll want to take before implementing your field force automation

10 TIPS TO BETTER PREPARE FOR YOUR FIELD SERVICE AUTOMATION PROJECT

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Field Force Automation projects have the potential to completely revolutionize your working methods. In time, you’ll be able to guide your teams much more efficiently. But only if you’ve adequately prepared them for what’s coming. Here are 10 things you absolutely must keep an eye on:

1 - Communicate with everyone involved from the very

start

Look before you leap: 10 easy steps you’ll want to take before implementing your Field Force Automation

How? Send out an e-newsletter. And ask management to regularly chat to end-users about your field force project. The next question: why? You’ll find that change is not something everyone can take in stride. And even though most field force automation is user-friendly, you’re still asking people to change the way they work. This is a lot easier if they have mentally prepared themselves.


2. Peek over the fence

Whether you choose Odyssee Service or a completely different application, it’s certainly worthwhile talking to a client who has already implemented the same solution. Look, question and learn.

3. Make sure you’re open to a new way of working

Field Force Automation Software results from an analysis of extensive amounts of feedback from clients and users. Make sure you benefit from all that knowledge and insight! But be open-minded. Look at how your new field force application approaches different tasks, jobs and of course, administration. If you take this approach on, you need to know it will improve your working methods. A different way of working is not necessarily a bad thing. But if your current way of working isn’t at all compatible, you won’t just be frustrated, you’ll quite possibly encounter extra costs tailoring software to your needs.

10 easy steps you’ll want to take before implementing your Field Force Automation


4. Look your data in the eye

An application that works well is the result of a good analysis, high-performance software, an understanding implementation process, training and … the right data. If your data is polluted with double-ups, errors, details that have been saved differently in different systems or any of the many other issues, it will make your new application unworkable. In other words? This is the time to put the data you’re working with under the microscope.

5. Take your management team and internal stakeholders on a

project camp

From project manager to end-user without forgetting higher management, take the most important stakeholders, the ones who have an influence on your project, on a half-day training session in the Odyssee Academy (or anywhere else where they will find targeted training). You’ll learn how to make your field automation project successful. Which means that from the word ‘GO’, everyone will be working together to achieve the same goal.



6. Be uncompromising

In line with point five: stick to your plan. Don’t compromise. You might think it's a good idea to work towards different goals. But think about it: you can ride a tandem bike with two people, but only one of them chooses which direction you’ll be going. The same applies with an RFP; you can gather every hope, need and desire from all your different departments, but they all have to take the same factors into consideration: the way in which jobs, timesheets and categories are defined, data separated, etc. Before you start your project, make sure that any potential stumbling blocks have been moved out of the way.

7. Choose the right time

Users are not ready to start using a new system during your busy times. After all, clients always come first. If you need to get used to new procedures, undertake new training and work out possible bugs, it’s going to result in a lot of stress and annoyance. Everyone is far more open to implementing such projects in calmer times.



8. Deliver everything in one step

One of the biggest advantages of a field force automation project is that every single step is integrated. From the very moment a client makes a request, right through to time of the final invoicing. In real time and without the need for any paper. But if you deliver it in phases (e.g. first the internal services, then the external services), you’ll sabotage your own project! Your internal service will need to use a new system, but also have to manually process everything for the external service! If you’re certain that delivering the project in full will be too great a change for your teams, even with training, there is a possible way to introduce your project in phases. This will mean running limited pilot projects. Let your internal and external teams work with each other in the new system and become used to it this way.



9. Provide training

Not every technician and planner has digital ability running through his or her veins. Not even if they were born in the digital age and raised on a diet of internet and smartphones. A new application will probably take a little time getting used to. Especially if you consider that a new application is often a way of activating new functions that weren’t possible with your previous software. We know the newest generation of apps are extremely intuitive and user-friendly, but you’ll have a return on your investment much more quickly if you provide training and coaching.



10. Provide evaluation periods

Tests are part of any good project plan. They answer those vitally important questions like: are we on the right path? What are the next steps? And how are we going to evolve from here? This is why it’s so important, not just to properly define what the KPIs are for your project, but to continuously gather formal and informal feedback from your end-users. At the same time, don't forget that you'll probably will be working with a supplier who has insight from earlier implementations: a wonderful source of knowledge! Make sure you don’t let it go to waste!

Make sure you speak to our Odyssee Field Service experts today!


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ASK FOR YOUR DEMO NOW!

Would you like to know what a field service automation project could mean for your company?

Contact our field service experts for more info or ask for a free demo!

Charles ConventCEOOdyssee Service+32 2 513 48 19

Iuliana BaciuMarketing ManagerOdyssee Service+32 2 513 48 19

Ben GoosseProduct ManagerOdyssee Service+32 2 513 48 19








10 easy steps you’ll want to take before implementing your field force automation

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