fbpx

How can a solar field service management platform help your business?

Whether you need to streamline operations at your solar installation business, reduce your back office staffing costs, or take on more work without drowning in admin, a platform that comprehensively manages your workflows can make life easier.

In this article we discuss the many ways a field service management platform can take your business to the next level.

You may already have heard of solar field service management platforms but are unsure what they’re used for, or how using one can improve your productivity. 

Here, you’ll find answers to all of your questions on how they can help you to run – and grow – your business.

What is a solar field service management platform?

For project managers, busy backroom staff and teams heading out on jobs, a field service management platform uniquely brings together all of the information and support you need in one slick system.

From opportunity qualification and quote approval through to installation and job completion, it streamlines the progress of every project and gives you centralised visibility and control.

For the first time, you and your teams can record and access all information relating to each solar installation in one place. It means less stress, no unnecessary admin, and getting every job done with minimal fuss.

We already have design software, isn’t that the same thing? 

In short, no – they complement each other. Your design software helps you to build your proposals and render your design, and your field service management platform takes over to handle the installation stage. 

When the design is finalised, the design specification and bill of materials is entered into your field service management platform, so your back office and installers can check that the right equipment has been delivered from your wholesaler. 

From then on, your field services platform helps you to manage the job through, from scheduling your teams on site, to tracking every task and completing all of the necessary MCS paperwork.

Can a platform like this help me win customers more efficiently?

In short – yes. A field service management platform captures all the required details of a solar customer enquiry and can help your business to respond more quickly.

From a pin they can place directly on their property in Google Earth, to information about their current energy supply, you’re better equipped to understand the exact details of each customer’s home, the state of their roof, even obstacles to installation and shading issues in advance of every job. That means better accuracy in the design stage and the need for fewer revisits – not to mention a better customer experience.  

Equally, anyone who has gone to the effort to record this information can be considered a hot prospect – not a tyre-kicker. You’ll waste less time on lead qualification, freeing up your capacity to take on more jobs and boost your profits.

How else can a solar field service management platform help my business?

Using a platform like Jumptech essentially reduces hassle and fuels faster installations. Everyone involved – from the surveyor to your scaffolders and engineers – efficiently ticks off their to-do list using the platform.

Each job can be managed centrally by your back-office team so you can stay on track and keep your business moving. Your customer communications can even be automated, so you can guarantee a consistent, five star experience, while lightening the customer service load from your back office team.

How exactly do the platforms cut admin time?

As your business grows it’s natural to worry about the added paperwork required to manage jobs. More documentation naturally puts pressure on your team.

But with a solar field service management platform, task details are updated digitally, at all stages of the work, scrapping the need for piles of paperwork.

Second, the challenge of managing multiple trades on site is removed. Each element of a job is integrated into one single platform. Everyone has access, so they can update their own progress while checking everyone else’s.

Teams that work on the installation – scaffolders, roofers and electricians – can easily access vital information, log problems and let everyone know when their work’s done. There’s less risk of something going wrong because teams are so well informed.

And third, if you’re concerned your engineers are bogged down with admin rather than getting on with the next installation, worry no more. Much of the required information – such as G98 form submission and details needed for the DNO notification – is auto-completed by the software and can be submitted instantly.

All of which means your firm can grow, safe in the knowledge your processes can cope.

Can the technology help me to handle compliance issues?

Complying with standards and regulations is a key concern for every solar installation business. Field service management platforms like Jumptech are designed to incorporate a series of detailed but simple questions and requirements that ensure full compliance.

This includes mandatory elements around MCS, like the model and serial numbers of solar equipment that must be uploaded ready for spot checks.

Regardless of role or stage of the installation, no one leaves a site before the relevant documentation has been submitted.

Do customers benefit from businesses using the platform?

Customers experience a high-quality and slick service. They can stay on top of developments throughout the process. Status updates inform them what’s happening and what comes next.

Customer communications can be automated and standardised for consistency but also branded as your business for continuity. This provides the friendly and helpful ‘personal touch’ many people want from an installation service.

How do I find out more?

Got questions? Get in touch or to book a demo of Jumptech and we’ll explain how better solar installation management could help your business.