Picture this: a fleet of service vehicles crisscrossing the city, where field service technicians are racing against the clock to reach clients. They are navigating through unpredictable traffic patterns.

In this scenario, without real-time location tracking, managers are left in the dark about the status of workers’ locations. It’s difficult to coordinate a mobile workforce without crucial visibility into their whereabouts and activities.

By simply including GPS in your tech stack, you can have real-time visibility into your field service operations. In this article, we help you understand how real-time location tracking works and its benefits for improving field service efficiency.

What is real-time location tracking?

Field service management software is a dedicated tool to automate, streamline, and manage field service operations. Capable FSM software uses AI, IoT, data analytics, and more to run your FSM operations on auto-pilot and reduce manual work.

It is better to choose an FSM software that includes GPS functionality to enable real-time location tracking. Using this feature you get real-time tracking of workers and asset movements to make quick operational decisions.

How does real-time location tracking work with FSM software?

Real-time location tracking relies on Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. It uses satellites to determine the precise location of mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, or GPS-enabled vehicles. These devices continuously transmit their location data to the FSM software, allowing managers to monitor their field personnel in real-time.

Now, the FSM software collects, processes, and visualizes the location data received from field personnel. Then, it analyzes and provides managers with real-time insights into their activities. They can view the location of each field worker on a digital map interface along with relevant information such as job assignments, status updates, and customer details.

Using this information, one can set up automation in FSM software to manage workers and assets in real time.

5 key benefits of adopting real-time location tracking for FSM

The lack of real-time insights into field operations not only undermines productivity but also jeopardizes the delicate balance between resource allocation and customer satisfaction.

Knowing this, here are five key benefits to consider when opting for GPS-enabled FSM software:

1. Enables dynamic scheduling

By knowing the real-time location of field service technicians, managers can assign tasks more efficiently based on proximity to the job site.

For example, if a new service request comes in, the system can automatically assign it to the nearest available technician. This reduces response times and maximizes productivity.

2. Share ETA with customers

Since you know the real-time location of workers, you can provide customers with accurate arrival times and updates on the status of their service appointments.

For example, if a customer may have ordered an emergency repair for a malfunctioning appliance. By sharing ETAs, you provide transparency, which reduces customer anxiety and overall satisfaction with the service provided.

3. Enable geo-fencing to track worker activities

Geo-fencing is an advanced GPS feature that helps fortify your job site using virtual boundaries. When field service technicians enter or exit these specific areas, managers get instantly notified to take action. This enables them to monitor and manage field activities more effectively.

For example, sometimes workers can roam around a job site without being productive. When they cross geo-fenced borders of the job site, managers get alerted and they can take action on the worker. This helps increase worker accountability and helps with compensation and labor audits.

4. Geo-tagging for information sharing

Geo-tagging involves associating geographical metadata with digital assets such as photos, videos, or documents. Using this feature, field service workers can capture and annotate location-specific information during service visits. This helps document work completed and provide proof for the same.

5. Automated dispatching triggered by location

If you are working with a vendor to refill your inventory, then you can trigger automation to send alerts when certain fleets are on the road. This helps you ensure you are never out of stock and also have the required amount based on demand.

It also helps in the dispatching of jobs. For example, when a new service request comes in, the FSM software can identify the closest technicians and automatically dispatch them to the job site, reducing response times.

Use Zuper to enable your field services with real-time location tracking

Zuper enables your field service business with GPS where you can implement advanced features like geo-fencing, geo-tagging, automation, and more — book a demo to learn more.

Capitalize on the Power of Data for Enhanced Customer Engagement

Real-time location tracking unlocks a treasure trove of valuable customer data. By leveraging this data, you can craft data-driven digital marketing campaigns that resonate with your target audience. Here’s how:

• Targeted advertising: Analyze location data to understand customer demographics and service needs in specific areas. Use this information to develop targeted social media campaigns, geo-targeted ads, or personalized email marketing initiatives.
• Proactive customer service: Anticipate customer needs based on past service requests and technician locations. Offer pre-emptive support or maintenance reminders through targeted messaging.
• Customer journey optimization: Track customer journey touchpoints and identify areas for improvement. Use location data to streamline the scheduling and service experience, leading to higher customer satisfaction.

How A Digital Agency Can Help

A digital marketing agency can help you harness the power of real-time location tracking data to achieve your business goals. We offer a range of services, including:

• Data analysis and strategy: Our experts will help you extract valuable insights from your location data and develop a data-driven marketing strategy.
• Content marketing: We can create targeted content campaigns that resonate with your customers based on their location and service needs.
• Campaign management: We’ll manage and optimize your digital marketing campaigns across various channels to ensure maximum reach and impact.

Take Your Field Service Business to the Next Level

By combining the power of real-time location tracking with a strategic digital marketing approach, you can significantly enhance customer engagement, optimize operations, and gain a competitive edge. Let a digital agency help you unlock the full potential of this powerful technology.