What's the difference between a field software product and a solution?

When choosing field service management software for your business, there are many things that can sway your final decision.  

Sometimes, important considerations get overlooked as a single problem that needs urgent attention forces a decision. This often means the full scope of the need is not correctly identified, leaving you with silos in your processes. Or sometimes a special offer entices you to purchase a software product that you then discover cannot grow with your business. 

One important distinction to make when choosing a service management platform is the difference between purchasing a software product and deploying a software solution.  

Purchasing a software product may seem straightforward and cost effective on the surface but could end up costing you more in the long run.  

Whereas a software solution can seem like a big investment in time and money at the start, but it will save you time and money once deployed, if managed correctly. 

In this article we explore the difference between a product and a solution.

Purchasing a field service software product 

When you purchase an ‘off the shelf’ service management product you are confined to the capabilities of that product. If you are a small business without complex workflows, then this may suit you fine.  

You will undoubtedly be offered ‘onboarding’. This usually takes the form of basic training to get your employees using the software as quickly as possible, as well as some help to configure some of the basic functionality.  

This is in the vendor’s best interest as they want to ensure you continue to use the software for the duration of your license agreement.  

But, before long, you may hit a glass ceiling, and realise the product is not able to completely fulfil all your requirements or you have run out of space to grow.  

The long list of features you thought you were getting cannot be configured to your needs or only scratch the surface of the requirements you have. Or worse, the functionality you need is vapourware – new features, upgrades, and enhancements that are promised but never materialise.  

So, what do you do next? 

• Do you buy another software product and try to cobble the two together, or buy upgrades to the current product? 

• Do you revert to the old way of doing things, and operate some processes in silos? 

• Or do you instead deploy a field service software solution? 

Purchasing a field service software solution 

When you purchase a field service software solution you are purchasing a configurable platform that is built intelligently and can be shaped according to your exact behaviours or requirements.  

Instead of onboarding, you are guided through a deployment process. You are very much part of the project and your needs steer the direction and the speed of the deployment.  

It is more than just another app on your workstations or mobiles; it is a full business transformation and a new way of working for everyone in the business. 

The whole process starts with workshops where your outcomes are defined and the best way to reach them is agreed.  

During the deployment, Aeromark share best practice, drawn from our 30 years' experience in the industry, and encourage you to challenge the ‘why’.   

Effective deployment starts with a consultative understanding of what you do, why you do it and how can you do it better, using the configurable software toolset Aeromark provides. 

What is Aeromark’s Field Service Software Solution? 

Aeromark offer a cloud-based service and asset management (SAM) solution that manages services, assets, and property. The platform is adaptable and customisable to your specific needs, all while driving efficiency through best practices. 

The SAM is a configurable database to store and manage all data related to sites, assets, contracts, warranties, SLAs, Schedules of Rates, and more— anything that could influence service decisions in your business. 

All tasks are integrated into a workflow accessible from the back-office via work queues, or remotely through a mobile app and online portal. These workflows are managed within the SAM from start to finish, creating an audit trail of actions and interactions.  

The solution provides you full visibility and control over your entire service and facilities operation, in real time. 

What is the deployment process? 

Unlike a software onboarding, which are often templated and not customisable, deployment of the Aeromark SAM is never the same twice. 

We work in partnership with you to get under the skin of your business and understand the issues you are facing and the direction you are travelling in. Our highly experienced team will then guide you through configuring your solution to your exact requirements, using your live data.  

Your team will learn to use the system through hands on configuration of every element so by the end of the deployment project they are experts in your bespoke solution. Your current team can then train any new employees on the system as they join your business.  

The deployment process is iterative and takes as long as needed for the system to be fit for purpose; typically, a deployment project will last between six to twelve months.  

The platform will grow with you as you scale your business, and you have access to a dedicated service delivery team and an account manager to support you whenever needed to make any adjustments (within the confines of your contract) as required.  

To find out more about deploying a field service software solution get in touch to arrange your demo today.