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Have you ever tackled a utility field service project, only to find it evolving into something quite different from what was initially planned? This scenario is too familiar in infrastructure upgrades, especially when multiple contractors are involved. That is why your work management software must be adaptive and flexible.
Strategic planning is vital, yet the reality of field service often demands agility – from both your team and your work management systems. It's all about adapting quickly, staying agile, and responding effectively to the constantly evolving field service landscape.
One of Fieldman's clients recently set up a work management platform for a water meter deployment project. Once in the field, the crew encountered an unexpected challenge: they found eighteen different types of water meter box lids, whereas the city aimed to consolidate these to just five. The utility contractor had to modify the business process by adding new steps to replace the old box lids.
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Another common scenario involves supply shortages. For instance, a different Fieldman client, also a utility contractor, was in the midst of installing water meters following a specific workflow. Partway through the project, they discovered that the antennas needed for the meters were out of stock and would not be available for another six months. The project's workflow needed immediate upgrading.
Such unforeseen challenges are not just common, they've practically become the norm in field service projects.
Work management platforms for utility field service projects should be capable of implementing these changes within minutes. Otherwise, an entire project could be put on hold, waiting for developers to configure a new workflow and for technicians to update their field service apps. This can lead to delays and increase the risk of missing project deadlines.
Legacy work management platforms or off-the-shelf enterprise solutions with ready-to-use workflows often lack this flexibility. For them, it might take weeks to implement any modification. In contrast, SaaS solutions, and specifically cloud-native platforms like Fieldman, provide this essential adaptability.
The cohesive concept of "cloud-native," as we understand it today, took shape mainly in the 2010s. Cloud-native technology offers remarkable flexibility due to its design for easy updates and scaling. It breaks applications into small, independent parts called microservices, making it simpler to modify or expand parts without affecting the whole system. Its emphasis on quick and continuous updates means businesses can adapt rapidly to changes, keeping them agile and flexible.
Think of cloud-native platforms as a set of Lego blocks – reconfigurable, flexible, and not requiring expensive developers to make changes.
For an AMI deployment project where antennas were unavailable, Fieldman swiftly removed two critical steps from the workflow: scanning the barcode and connecting an antenna. This change was instantly reflected across the platform, updating the workflows in the field service app for all fifteen technicians. The result? Uninterrupted work despite a significant hurdle.
Embrace cloud-native technology. It's not just about keeping up with changes; it's about being ready for them. In the fast-paced world of utility field services, agility is not just an advantage – it's a necessity.
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