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In today's digital age, most field service workers have traded pen and paper for mobile devices and laptops, allowing them to work online from virtually anywhere. While obviously convenient, there are times and situations when connectivity issues require field service workers to work offline. This makes having the right contractor dispatching software like ThermoGrid crucial to keeping your business going.
The need to support most people online has caused many software providers to overlook the importance of supporting workers who cannot always be online. Because of the nature of their work, the use of field service management software with offline capabilities has become increasingly popular in recent years. Offline apps allow users to continue using the app even when they don’t have internet access. Forrester has even published a trends report outlining the benefits and challenges of working offline.
As a field service business owner, you know not all job sites have reliable internet connectivity. Technicians who serve remote, rural properties, or old buildings where cell phone service is unreliable, depend on their mobile apps to access service call information and to input new customer data into the service call. Your tech’s ability to work offline ensures they can still perform and complete their tasks without interruption. Here are the five most important things to consider when ensuring your team is able to work offline.
The right mobile app allows technicians to continue building their invoices, access customer data, input new information, and access service history and plan information — even offline. Modern mobile apps allow techs to enter information without internet access, with the knowledge it will be synced automatically once they regain network connectivity. This helps techs remain productive and avoid job delays, even in areas with poor internet connectivity.
Working offline maintains data security by allowing workers to access and update info without an internet connection. This is especially important for field service workers who deal with confidential information like financial information and trade secrets. Securing your customer’s private information is key to maintaining trust and business. Offline mobile applications are especially useful in the field service and retail industries because workers can process sales and track inventory without requiring constant internet connectivity. So, if you're looking to boost your productivity and keep your data secure, you need to work with experienced developers who know how to create these kinds of apps.
Despite these benefits, there are challenges associated with the use of offline apps. One of the biggest is ensuring input details are properly synchronized when the user reconnects to the internet. If your data doesn’t sync correctly, it can lead to major issues. In other words, a massive headache for everyone involved. Many apps like ThermoGrid use automatic synchronization to address this challenge, ensuring that data is properly updated and synchronized when the device reconnects to the internet.
Another challenge is around technology-resistant field techs, who tend to be resistant to change. Complicated access to web-based apps can be challenging to train. New hires need to be trained quickly and efficiently as well. The right app embraces a "Mobile-app-forward" user experience, offering simple, minimalist workflows for easy use.
Being able to continue working without service can also help field service workers conserve their device’s battery life and reduce data usage. When workers are constantly connected to the internet, their devices use more battery power. This can be a problem when workers are in remote areas without charging points or limited coverage. By working offline, workers can conserve their battery life and data usage, making it easier to complete their tasks without annoying interruptions.
Learning about these benefits can help field tech business owners like you make the right choice when adopting ThermoGrid's contractor dispatching software. It’s never too late to start providing workers with tools and technology without internet service, ensuring they can perform in any situation.