Once a service company is already convinced of the advantages and the importance of digitizing its processes, it is time to decide on the best software solution for its business. This is where the debate comes in: Custom software or Saas software for specialized field services.
To make the best decision, the first step is to analyze the needs of the business and the medium and long-term consequences of any of the decisions.
What is custom software?
They are solutions developed by “ad-hoc” technology companies for a specific client. Programmed to solve the specific problems and needs of the client in question.
The development of custom software has different phases: analysis of processes and systems used by the company, internal and external proposal for improvements, planning and prototype of an operating system, execution, testing, implementation, employee training, etc.
The time it takes to build custom software development will depend on the complexity of the business management method itself, the needs of the company, improvements in some part of the processes, the success of tests, staff training, etc.
DISADVANTAGES OF CUSTOM SOFTWARE
The main problem involved in the development of custom software is that it usually focuses on meeting the immediate needs of the business, that is, those of the moment in which the development is proposed. What usually happens is that soon these needs change or evolve in a short period of time. Then the development plan must be modified and adapted, lengthening the implementation time of the solution.
Furthermore, in an environment where technology and processes evolve at breakneck speed, it seems clear that business processes will be different over time and the need to have solutions that adapt to them is essential. Custom developments are static, it is a one-time investment that does not guarantee improvements, all the improvements that are required in the future will have to be invoiced separately.
The rigidity of custom software is often the main disadvantage, since in the age of digitization, flexibility and adaptability are essential in the implementation of technology.
A SOLUTION THAT SUITS YOUR BUSINESS
SaaS software developers for field services have an enormous knowledge of the needs of their industry, which is also constantly expanding thanks to customer feedback.
Cloud field service solutions are really flexible, Praxedo, for example, thanks to its configurable modules allow it to adapt to any business with field teams. In this way, it is not in any case the business that has to adapt its processes to a tool, but rather it is the solution itself that adapts, responding to the specific needs of the company.
The advantage of this type of solution is also its ability to constantly evolve. A solution developed in order to meet a need such as improving productivity and agility in the management of field services, will constantly work to be more and more complete. In the case of Praxedo, new functionalities are incorporated several times a year so that customers can get the most out of the solution.
Faced with rigid custom developments, cloud solutions respond to the reality of companies, with their flexibility and adaptability.
Advantages of an Advanced Cloud Solution: Saas Field Service Software
As we are seeing, cloud solutions offer multiple advantages for businesses. Below, we highlight some of them because they are key when making the right decision:
AGILITY IN IMPLEMENTATION
Really with a cloud solution ( field service Saas software ) there is no implementation as such. The use of the solution is imminent. It is only necessary to configure its main functionalities such as: Location of the company and its branches, loading of clients and contacts, loading of technicians and their schedules and also adaptation of the work reports and proformas so that they respond to the work model of the company.
This configuration can last a few days, which allows you to take advantage of the digitization of processes almost immediately. This advantage is fundamental for a project of this type since time is money, and the sooner you start taking advantage of the solution, the sooner the advantages can be reflected in the company’s results.
CONNECTIVITY
Something that clearly determines the implementation time of a solution is the connection of the same with existing tools. This is the case of the connection with the billing solution or ERP, which is usually quite common in service companies since it greatly facilitates the billing of the work.
There are multiple ERP solutions and there is not always an easy way to connect them with other software. The advantage of Saas field service software is that being in the cloud and having a broad knowledge base thanks to experience with various clients, they usually have API connectors already developed, which enable communication between them in a fairly simple way. both technological solutions.
This, with a customized solution, can be a real headache, since an ERP is not going to favor integration with a solution that only one company uses. It is not profitable for them. And the development of this integration by a provider will probably have a high economic cost and of course a cost in time as well.
LATEST TECHNOLOGY
Cloud solutions are constantly nourished with new functionalities, they are alive to respond to the changing needs of their users. This is a huge advantage of Saas technology. Companies can ally themselves with a solution that allows them to grow and with which they can work in the long term.
SaaS field service software providers are able to listen to the needs of their customers to constantly adapt the solution, and thus constantly offer a state-of-the-art product.
The decision to opt for one solution or another can largely determine the future of the business. Therefore, it must be considered, taking into account all the advantages offered by cloud technology.