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David Okpala
Is your field service solution helping you grow, or holding you back? Many organisations successfully design, build and use their own systems for Field Service Management. However, after rapid growth, many in-house solutions just don’t cut it anymore.
Welcome to our five-part blog series on Salesforce Field Service. In each article, we’ll explore how this solution can save you time and money, and enhance that all-important customer experience. Find out which challenges it’ll solve, the benefits you can realise and some inspiring customer success stories.
We’re releasing one article a week, but if you’re keen to get all the content ASAP, you can read our full eBook: Playing the Field (Service) – The Simpala Guide to Salesforce Field Service right here.
In case you missed them, read the previous parts here. Our final article talks through some of the pitfalls that customers can experience, and, based on our experience, how you can avoid them
Common Implementation Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Our consultants have over 10 years of experience implementing field service for clients in many different industries, and we’ve been involved in projects that range from straightforward to challenging.
Whilst each project is different, and every customer has their own unique needs and set-up, there are some things that we often see teams struggling with, time and time again.
QUOTE CALL OUT
“We’re thrilled to now have Simpala as our long-term Salesforce partner and look forward to continuing this successful collaboration. Highly recommended!” — Engineering, Construction & Real Estate Client
Here are some common situations and how to avoid them during your implementation project:
| Situation | How to avoid it |
| Missing internal processes
Some organisations grow so fast, and never get around to formalising processes. Bringing in tools and software can make things more confusing. |
Define internal processes first
Set up clear sales and service processes first. Then you can determine the improvements and benefits you want to see from the software.
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| Unaware of the possibilities
Salesforce Field Service has a lot of features and is always being updated. Some customers don’t know what’s possible with the technology, so the initial project scope is more challenging. |
Clear pain points & objectives
We work with our customers to understand process pain points and define clear objectives. We then design a bespoke implementation plan and offer guidance on the features and benefits from the get-go.
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| Team resistance
New technologies can be hard to implement if your team isn’t ready for change.
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Effective change management
Bring your team along for the ride. Show your engineers the tool and its benefits throughout the implementation project, not just at the end. Allocate an internal project champion to help with this – a point of contact for the internal comms, training and FAQ sessions. |
| Poor data quality
Without the correct input into the system, the output will not work effectively. We’ve seen it time and time again: bad data always leads to problems. |
Data governance
Implement processes and practices within your team to ensure accurate and consistent data entry and management.
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| Lack of understanding
Without proper training, your team cannot make the most of the system’s capabilities, and often, they won’t understand its value.
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Invest in tailored team training
We offer comprehensive training, tailored to each team. The benefits for managers vs field service team members are generally similar, but the day-to-day nuances of how to get the most out of the system are different. We can help you understand and then enjoy using it. |
| Insufficient testing
Without post-implementation checks and tests, customers can run into problems from day 1 – and instantly assume it’s not benefiting them. |
Post-implementation checks
Once the project is completed, an additional Simpala tester, from outside of the project, reviews the setup with a fresh perspective.
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A key aspect of running a successful project is to make it as straightforward for your business needs. We want to help you make the most of the solution, not overwhelm you with features. Every project is unique, as is the training and support we offer, too.
Curious to find out how Field Service could drive success for you, too? Join us at the Salesforce Tower on Thursday, 22nd May, at our exclusive Field Service event. Hear firsthand from our customer, PSS, as they share their impressive success story, achieving project ROI in just 13 weeks. Plus, our Head of Delivery will reveal strategies to engage your entire team and promote ROI.
Don’t miss out – find out more here.
Why Simpala
As a specialist Salesforce partner, we are uniquely positioned to help your company leverage Field Service to its fullest potential. We’ve helped many organisations by tailoring the system to their needs and sharpening up previously long-winded or confusing processes.
Here are some benefits of working with us at Simpala to implement Field Service within your business.
A Tailored Solution: One size fits all doesn’t cut it for us. We take the time to understand your business and design a solution for your needs and requirements, and that gives you the best results, quickly.
Expertise and Experience: Our consultants have over 10 years of experience in Field Service. Whether it’s the initial setup, training and adoption or ongoing support, we have it all and can’t wait to guide you every step of the way.
Extremely Competitive Pricing: We price our work aggressively to ensure Field Service is accessible to many. Our goal is to provide exceptional value, and we help you do that without breaking the bank.
Seamless ERP Integration: Whether you need to synchronise inventory data, track job costs, or manage customer information, we can create a seamless integration that meets your needs.