The use of predictive analytics technology is gradually becoming more common in field service management to ensure services are delivered efficiently and effectively. For an organisation that manages mobile workforces, artificial intelligence (AI) powered analysis offers countless benefits.
Predictive analytics has the potential to revolutionise a business and can be incredibly useful for housing associations, maintenance contractors and local authorities who want to improve their competitiveness and performance.
In this article, we will explain what predictive analytics is and explore the benefits of using it in field service management. We’ll also offer some guidance on where to source the best field service management software.
What is predictive analytics?
A subset of data analytics, predictive analytics uses statistical algorithms and machine learning techniques to predict future events and outcomes. It achieves this by using historical and real-time data from various sources to make highly accurate predictions. The data can then be used to provide valuable insights that help to improve business operations and identify new opportunities.
Predictive analytics is particularly useful in industries that rely on mobile workforces to provide a service, whether that’s in housing, healthcare, manufacturing or any other relevant sector. When it comes to field service management, predictive analytics can be used to find out:
- What work is required and when
- Which mobile workers are best suited for a particular job
- Scheduling and resource allocation
- How to be more efficient with time
- Parts and tools that may be required
- Customer demands, feedback and grievances
- The safety and welfare of operatives
For all of the above and more, predictive analytics provides the relevant data and correct analytics tools to create predictions that can be used to solve field service issues.
The benefits of predictive analytics
A variety of industries use predictive analytics to analyse large volumes of data to identify trends and patterns that can benefit business operations. Here, we look at how organisations can use predictive analytics to make data-driven decisions and improve their field service management processes.
All of the below benefits are highly relevant to housing associations, maintenance contractors and local authorities that use mobile workforces to provide repairs and maintenance services to tenants.
Improve resource allocation
Resource allocation is one of the biggest challenges associated with managing mobile workforces. Fortunately, predictive analytics can help make the process of allocating resources more efficient by accurately forecasting service demand and operative availability.
An operative’s skillset, location and availability, as well as historical service data, can all be analysed to ensure work is allocated effectively and efficiently. Not only does this help with workday capacity planning, but it also reduces travel time and improves tenant satisfaction.
An example of this is when a housing association uses historical data to inform and predict when a particular maintenance job may need to be carried out next, and which operator is best placed to perform the work.
AI technology allows field service management teams to understand their operations more clearly and make informed decisions.
Be more proactive and reduce downtime
Insights into patterns and trends in service data, whether that’s operative availability or tenant demands, help an organisation to be more proactive. The insight gained from predictive analytics means more accurate data-driven decisions and proper planning and scheduling.
Businesses will not only benefit from being one step ahead of the game and organised, but they will see a significant reduction in unplanned downtime. Housing associations, maintenance contractors and local authorities can therefore improve reliability and performance for day-to-day repairs work, meaning emergency maintenance isn’t as big a disruption.
Enhance worker safety and wellbeing
It’s not only important to provide a decent service and keep tenants happy, but good field service management also relies on you being able to keep your operatives safe while they work. Predictive analytics can monitor mobile workers in real-time, improving visibility across the workforce to identify possible risks.
If safety incidents are high for a particular job, then organisations can take the appropriate steps to ensure safety measures are improved and operatives are properly briefed beforehand. By using data to address possible risks, you can reduce incidents in your mobile workforce and create safer worker environments.
Better customer satisfaction
Predictive analytics significantly improves tenant experience by analysing their behaviour, service history, preferences and feedback. This means organisations can be more proactive and prepared for the maintenance work that’s required, tailoring their approach depending on the needs of the tenant.
The more attentive and efficient you are, the happier your tenants are going to be. This is especially true when you get the repairs work right at the first time of asking without any major hiccups. Using accurate data to drive good relations with your tenant is hugely beneficial for everyone involved.
Reduce costs
All of the benefits mentioned above will help to drive down costs at your organisation. By using predictive analytics to eliminate inefficiencies, streamline operations and boost workforce productivity, you won’t be unnecessarily pouring money down the drain.
At a time when housing associations are under more scrutiny to keep tenants satisfied than ever before, keeping costs low is an integral part of ensuring a business remains profitable while providing a best-in-class service.
How can ROCC help?
Predictive analytics will play a critical role in shaping the future of field service management, but in order to make use of it, you’ll need reliable field service management software that uses the latest AI-powered technology. In doing so, you can unlock all of the benefits we have discussed in this article, gaining valuable insights and informing the decisions you make as an organisation.
If you’re a housing association, maintenance contractor or local authority that wants to optimise your mobile workforce and deliver superior maintenance and repairs, then look no further than ROCC.
One of the standout components of our market-leading software is ROCC’s Predictive Analytics and Forecasting feature. Combining data from ROCC, your other systems and publicly available information, predictive forecasting can aid you with any future events that will require a set amount of resources.
For example, It could help you to predict which properties may never make a profit, or even help you to consider how small changes to a property now could drastically improve how it performs in the future.
This next generation of analytics not only comes with 10 pre-built example forecast models, but ROCC will also provide in-depth consultancy to help you build any forecasting model you need.
For more information, get in touch with a member of our team today.
