Across the globe, individuals, organisations and industries have been galvanised to play their part in ensuring greener and more sustainable economies for a more prosperous future. And while South African businesses and organisations are increasingly investing in becoming more sustainable, with 70% of SMEs prioritising sustainability according to a recent survey, becoming more “green” can be an expensive and complex journey for businesses.

However, there’s an opportunity for organisations to become more sustainable in a way that is not only cost-effective but also reduces any waste while driving up inefficiencies, and that is through the improved management of resources in the field. 

Managing the operational tasks conducted by employees off-site and away from company property can be a complex and difficult task involving intensive planning, the deployment of numerous skilled and specialised employees or independent contractors, and the management of technical or hazardous equipment or locations. But, with the right technological tools relevant to the management of services such as maintenance, repairs, and installations, organisations can better understand the environmental impact of its resource management by analysing production and consumption patterns and using this data to promote resource efficiency, reduce waste, and increase resilience.

“Field Service Management (FSM) technology is proving to be a vital tool in supporting the transition to adopting greener business practices. By optimising operations, reducing waste, and enhancing efficiency, FSM technology is not only driving business success but also contributing to a green economy,” says Anand Subbaraj, CEO of field service management platform Zuper. 

Beyond ensuring more resilient and healthy communities and ecosystems, becoming more sustainable can help organisations reduce costs as well as identify new opportunities for growth and development. In fact, McKinsey estimates that sustainability can affect operating profits by up to 60%.

1.    Optimised routing and reduced fuel consumption

Traditional field service operations often involve inefficient routing, leading to excessive fuel consumption and increased carbon emissions. FSM solutions utilise advanced algorithms to plan the most efficient routes for field technicians, minimising travel time and distance. This reduction in fuel usage directly lowers the carbon footprint of field service operations, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. 

2.    Go paperless!

The FSM technology-enabled digital transformation significantly reduces the reliance on paper. Traditional field service operations involve extensive paperwork, from work orders to invoices and reports, but FSM solutions streamline everything by providing a single dashboard, platform, or app to create orders, dispatch techs, track progress and chat to off-site professionals. This shift not only enhances operational efficiency by boosting first-time fixes with real-time collaboration but also reduces paper waste, conserves trees and reduces the environmental impact of paper production.

3.    Efficient resource management

By providing real-time insights into inventory levels, companies are able to manage their resources more efficiently. This ensures that only the necessary parts and materials are used, while optimising inventory management can help reduce the need for excess storage and transportation. Improving first-time-fix-rate by equipping technicians with precise diagnostics and comprehensive information, which reduces repeat visits and minimises travel-related carbon emissions, is also another way that FSM technology can help to improve efficiency and decrease fuel consumption per job.

4.    Enhanced equipment lifespan through preventive maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for extending the lifespan of equipment and machinery. By leveraging real-time data and predictive analytics, FSM solutions can identify potential issues before they become major problems, scheduling maintenance tasks proactively. This approach minimises unexpected breakdowns, reduces the need for emergency repairs, and extends the lifespan of equipment and machinery. For example, it can help reduce and maintain optimal electric usage in homes and businesses by making sure that HVAC units and environmental control systems are operating at peak efficiency by scheduling regular preventive maintenance (PM)  and specifying the tasks that must be completed during a PM to make sure equipment is operating optimally.

It’s clear that FSM solutions hold significant potential to help companies minimise their environmental impact. And, as businesses continue to embrace these technologies, they are able to not only drive operational efficiency but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. 

“Businesses and organisations need to start moving towards creating more circular ecosystems and operations where resources are used and managed more efficiently if we are to truly transition to more sustainable business practices. As such, leveraging and adopting FSM technology is not just a smart business move, it’s a step towards a more sustainable future that ensures a better quality of life for all,” concludes Subbaraj.

About Zuper 

Zuper empowers fast-growing service businesses to scale and modernise their field operations with the industry’s most comprehensive, flexible, and customisable field service management solution. Zuper’s platform integrates seamlessly with industry-leading apps and CRMs and comes with personalised support, as well as robust reporting and analytics. Thousands of users globally rely on Zuper’s automated workflows to enable field workforce collaboration and deliver their customers the best possible experience. Operating since 2020, Zuper Inc. is headquartered in Seattle with offices in India. Learn more at Zuper at www.zuper.co.