Customer queries that require on-site support need to be assigned to the right field technician quickly and accurately. Dispatchers need direct access to information like a field technician’s current schedule, workload levels, and the customer’s history to identify the best field technician for each job. A job scheduling software gives them a holistic view of the information they need to provide efficient field service. 

Read this guide to learn:

 

What is a job scheduling software? 

A job scheduling software is a tool that helps your service team manage service requests, create job schedules, and dispatch field technicians efficiently. It is used by service businesses to greatly reduce the manual effort that goes into capturing information about service tasks, handling field service assignments, and tracking the progress of all current jobs.

Job scheduling software Job scheduling software

Why do you need a job scheduling software?

Here are a couple of reasons for you to deploy a job scheduling software like Freshdesk.

Easy dispatch management 

A job scheduling tool doubles as a workload automation solution. It streamlines the entire process of managing workloads so that the incoming service requests can be efficiently assigned to field technicians. A task scheduling solution also enables dispatchers to track the status of all jobs in the service task inbox and identify the right technician that needs to be assigned for the job.

Task inbox Task inbox

Prioritize jobs in real-time

Monitor all active jobs in a map view and super-charge your team’s efficiency by quickly identifying hot spots or areas with a higher number of field service requests. This allows your field service managers to separate isolated incidents from area-wide issues. Both dispatchers and managers can use the chart to view problem areas on a map and quickly assign technicians to that area. The broader map view also offers insights that can help you manage your resources better.

Map view Map view

Timesheets and invoicing

Service managers can track time spent by technicians on each job, create digital timesheets, and generate invoices through integrations. Freshdesk job scheduling software allows integration with popular billing software such as QuickBooks, Xero, and many others. You can get detailed reporting, avoid cost overruns, ensure optimal service delivery standards, and adhere to SLAs.

4 quickbooks integration 4 quickbooks integration

The benefits of job scheduling software

All information in one place

Access all the information about the workload, technician availability, and customer data at a glance to increase efficiency and streamline business processes. A job scheduling software becomes the reference point for everyone since all the information is available in one place. Dispatchers can get live updates about the progress of each service task and easily view the details of technicians available and updates on jobs currently being worked on.

Complete jobs faster

With readily available information about workloads and technician schedules, dispatchers can easily find and assign the nearest available technician to get to the job. This also leads to better coordination between field agents and service managers and a faster resolution time. A job scheduling software gives you and your team the data they need about who is meant to be working on what and how long.

Lower operational costs

Job scheduling and workload management become easier with a job scheduling software. A dedicated scheduling solution can reduce unnecessary site visits, improve logistics, and lower operational costs. The reporting and analytics capabilities can be leveraged to identify patterns in customer behavior and team performance to optimize your resources and ensure you don’t overshoot your cost estimates and overheads.

Essential features of a job scheduling software

We have compiled a list of must-have features for your new job scheduling software.

scheduled dashboard scheduled dashboard
Job notifications Job notifications
Digital signoff Digital signoff
take notes take notes

Essential features of a job scheduling software

We have compiled a list of must-have features for your new job scheduling software.

Schedule jobs with just a few clicks

Organize and manage all your service jobs with Freshdesk’s scheduling dashboard. Simply drag and drop to assign tasks to the right technician based on availability.

scheduled dashboard scheduled dashboard
Job Notifications

Notify technicians instantly of a change in their schedule every time they’re assigned to a new job, SLA breach, and updates in priority tasks and progress.

Job notifications Job notifications
Digital sign-offs

Agents on the field can receive digital signatures from their customers upon completion of their jobs.

Digital signoff Digital signoff
Real-time updates

Capture on-site information through photos and notes using the mobile app, ensuring your team is on the same page for easier collaboration on service tasks.

take notes take notes

How to choose the right job scheduling software

Here’s how you can deploy the ideal job scheduling software, one that’s right for your business.

Simple and intuitive UI

Job scheduling tools like Freshdesk combine powerful features with intuitive and user-friendly design, so you and your team can start assigning jobs and attending service requests right away with minimal training.

Access your account anywhere

Your customer information should always be handy, whether you’re out on the field or at the office. Your job scheduling software should allow technicians to access customer details, updated schedules, and equipment-related details wherever they are.

Unified platform for your team

An ideal job scheduling solution should bring your service and field teams together under a single platform. This helps them to have a complete overview of your workload and scheduled work orders to achieve maximum efficiency.

Offline availability

No network connectivity? No problem. Your job scheduling tool should help you deliver productivity on the go, allowing your technicians to use a mobile app to access task information, even without an internet connection.

Top 5 job scheduling software

#1 Freshdesk

Freshdesk is a SaaS-based job scheduling software that makes scheduling and assigning jobs simple and helps you manage critical batch processes with easy-to-use controls and an intuitive user interface. Freshdesk is an ideal job scheduling software for small businesses and larger organizations alike as it is simple and user-friendly. It can even scale with your business to offer you the functionalities as an enterprise job scheduling software.

*Free trial available for 14 days

Automation
  • Use the Freshdesk mobile app (available on Android and iOS) and automate notifications for technicians so they’re updated whenever they are assigned to a new job.

  • Your agents can reduce dependencies on quick solutions by deflecting repetitive tasks using automated workflows that intelligently execute precisely when needed.

  • Managers can use the field service management software’s task scheduler to assign new jobs to the right service groups.
Collaboration
  • Enable easier coordination between service teams, field teams, and other departments with Freshdesk Collaborator functionality.

  • Always have context about every service task when communicating or coordinating with other teams or field technicians.

  • Dispatchers can instantly share any job details and make collaboration quick and efficient.

Reporting
  • Analyze workflows, optimize your service operations, and ensure adherence to SLAs to achieve higher performance.

  • Create custom dashboards and derive insights to analyze field operations and monitor real-time performance for technicians.

  • Improve first-time fix rates, bridge operational gaps, and achieve faster resolution times from your mobile device.

#2 IBM Workload Automation Software

The IBM workload automation platform is an enterprise-grade process automation tool with an intuitive user interface that enables users to model, manage, and monitor their workloads.

Its key features include:

*Free trial available for 30 days

 

#3 Redwood Workload Automation Tool

Redwood is a SaaS cloud platform known for its workflow management functionality. This enterprise job scheduling software doesn’t require you to invest in new technology to get your batch jobs up and running.

Its key features include:

*Free demo available

 

#4 Stonebranch

Stonebranch is a SaaS workload automation software that helps streamline unattended workflows and facilitate file transfers. You can automate your processes on-premises, in the cloud, or on the hybrid server.

Its key features include:

*Free demo available

 

#5 Broadcom AutoSys Workload Automation

Broadcom job scheduling software is supported across operating systems like Linux, Windows, macOS, Unix, Amazon, Azure, and Google Cloud. It helps streamline basic workflows across ERP frameworks and private and public cloud.

Its key features include:

*Free demo available

FAQs about job scheduling software

 

Learn more about what Freshdesk has to offer

 

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