Imagine the field technicians commuting more than 1000 miles for servicing and maintenance of field equipment at the customer’s site only to find that a couple of inventory parts are missing in the service truck.
Now, the mere thought of driving back and forth, covering such a huge distance, to get back those missing service parts can be highly frustrating for anyone including the customers. That’s where efficient service truck inventory management comes in, which is not possible without using an easy-to-use, scalable, service truck inventory software.
Service truck inventory management system
Now, many field service managers tend to blame the crews for failing to replenish their service trucks, but deep down, we all know that it starts at the top.
For managers and supervisors who are consistently struggling with accurate service truck inventory, there are some tried-and-tested solutions to make their (and their crews’) lives easier. So, let’s get started and fix the cracks in the service truck inventory management system one and for all.
To begin with, lets take a look at what a service truck inventory management system is.
Truck replenishment points
Service truck inventory software provides real-time information about inventory levels
What is Service Truck Inventory Management? A field service truck inventory system is a process where users have a real-time visibility of every part on their field service trucks, as well as provide information on usage of parts at site, which enables the warehouse to replenish service truck inventory before understocking becomes an issue.
What is Service Truck Inventory Software? Service truck inventory software provides real-time information about inventory levels on the trucks, which helps prevent search and handling time, while defining truck replenishment points. The service truck replenishment app helps users prevent loss from mismanaged returns and optimize day-to-day truck inventory operations.
While using the right truck parts inventory software has become a necessity in this tech-savvy age, users would be surprised to know that it’s not a be-all and end-all solution. Next up, they will dig deeper into different ways of managing service truck inventory management that can help the field service company save time, money, and resources significantly.
Managing Service Truck Inventory System
- 5 Effective Ways to Manage Service Truck Inventory System
Implement a preventive maintenance strategy - This one deserves to take the first spot because incorporating technology has become quintessential for businesses. The competition is getting increasingly tough and no field service business can afford delayed operations and low customer satisfaction rate.
Using a powerful, easy-to-use service parts management software like FieldEquip helps field service businesses completely digitize and streamline their field operations, which also includes managing inventory on trucks.
The software gives managers and field technicians a 360-degree inventory visibility
The software gives managers and field technicians a 360-degree inventory visibility in real-time, from anywhere, on any device. FieldEquip’s service parts management software easily interacts with ERP platforms to manage order requests, track parts transfers, and capture consumption. All the information available on a single dashboard helps managers and field service with the following:
- Automatic generation of a purchase order
- Reduce unnecessary delays
- Cut down miscommunications of outdated information and locations
- Track the location of each part
- Manage inventory lists from anywhere
- Mobile app allows for quick accessibility to field technicians and backend staff
Practicing predictive maintenance
Implement a preventive maintenance strategy - Many organizations practice predictive maintenance i.e. it is performed only when required, as per assets’ current condition. However, this method can cause problems if users want to optimize their truck inventory management as this maintenance happens only when the equipment has broken down or is not performing properly.
On the other hand, preventive maintenance of the service truck inventory takes place at regular intervals to ensure optimal assets performance and condition. This solution is implemented by businesses to make sure that any potential mechanical issues are identified and resolved before they occur.
Truck inventory management software
Maintaining accurate inventory records through a service truck inventory app
Provide training to field service technicians - A report from SHRM, 2022, mentions that 76% of employees prefer to stay in a company that offers on-site training and development. It’s surprising how many organizations still don’t take employee training seriously, but the company should not be the one among them.
The field technician crew should be well-trained and learn to use the latest technology like that of service truck inventory management software. Doing so will enable the field technicians to track parts movement and usage, manage work order requests, etc.
Maintaining accurate inventory records through a service truck inventory app will help the field technicians to control and ensure that the right parts are available at the right place and at the right time.
Bare-basic security system
Have a robust warehouse security system - If users think they can trust all the staff and do away with a bare-basic security system for their inventory stockhouse, they need to think again.
No way they are telling users to have a skeptical eye towards the staff, but since they are preoccupied with other crucial tasks, it would be too much to expect them to closely monitor the inventory stock all the time. Inventory inaccuracies can lead to chaos in the service truck inventory management system.
Here are a few steps users can take to make the inventory security system more robust and efficient.
- Install high definition CCTV cameras in the warehouse in a way that every part is easily captured 24*7.
- Install lockable cupboards and lockers to prevent unhindered access to spare parts and equipment.
- Make employees present in the warehouse aware of the importance of regularly checking and updating inventory levels.
- Restrict employee access to inventory warehouses
Maximum operational efficiency
Integrate inventory management with work order sharing - Only top-rated field service management software allows for seamless integration of inventory management with work order systems. Such useful functionality allows the on-site technicians to perform multiple tasks like creating truck safety walkaround and completing a work order while easily updating both forms to a replenishment request form.
Field service businesses across various industries need to be spot-on with their service truck inventory management to ensure maximum operational efficiency and timely completion of field equipment maintenance. Using a top-rated field service software is imperative for businesses in this tech-driven age.