July 10, 2023
Written by
Aron Vaughan
As a small business owner, managing your field service operations can be a complex and time-consuming task. Balancing customer requests, dispatching technicians, tracking parts and equipment, and handling billing and reporting — it’s a significant challenge that requires streamlined processes and a keen attention to detail. The right field service management (FSM) software can make all the difference, transforming your operations into a well-oiled machine that drives customer satisfaction and business growth.
In this article, we’ll explore the best FSM software designed specifically for small businesses, considering factors such as ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and the unique needs of smaller operations. Whether you’re a veteran business owner looking to optimize your service delivery or a startup looking for an efficient way to manage your budding customer base, this guide will help you navigate the dynamic landscape of FSM software.
According to our experts at Technology Advice, here are our 5 top choices for FSM software for small businesses:
- Jobber: Best for ease of use
- FieldCamp: Best for detailed job scheduling and dispatching
- ServiceTitan: Best for integrations
- Connecteam: Best for real-time communication
- mHelpDesk: Best for workflow automation
In this article...
Top FSM software
Jobber: Best for ease of use
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Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Efficient scheduling and dispatching
- Comprehensive CRM tool included
- Online booking and payments
Cons
- Limited customization
- No offline mode
- Limited integration with third-party applications
Online booking: This feature allows clients to book your services online directly, thereby improving the customer experience and boosting efficiency. The ability to secure jobs quickly and efficiently can be a significant advantage for businesses.
Scheduling: Efficient scheduling is at the core of any field service management. Jobber’s easy and flexible scheduling system, which allows for quick assignment and rescheduling of jobs, can dramatically enhance workflow efficiency.
Invoicing and follow-ups: The ability to create, send, and follow up on invoices directly within the software can streamline the payment process. Automated follow-ups can also increase the likelihood of timely payments, improving cash flow.
GPS tracking: This feature allows businesses to track their team in real-time. This leads to better management and optimization of routes, potentially saving time and resources, and ensuring prompt and efficient service delivery.
Free trial available
Lite: $9/month
User limit: 1
Features: Manage unlimited clients, 24/7 client self-serve hub, send quotes and invoices, digital payments
Core: $49/month
User limit: 1 (additional users can be added for $29/month each)
Features: Everything in Lite, plus schedule and manage jobs, online request form, access over 20 built-in reports, 1-on-1 product coaching, access to Jobber app marketplace
Connect: $129/month
User limit: 1-5 (additional users can be added for $29/month each)
Features: Everything in Core, plus automated reminders, automatic payments, QuickBooks Online sync, online booking, Zapier Integration
Grow: $249/month
User limit: 1-15 (additional users can be added for $29/month each)
Features: Everything in Connect, plus quote add-ons and images, job costing, automated quote follow-ups, two-way text messaging, ability to tag and manage leads
The software provides a comprehensive suite of tools— including online booking, invoicing, GPS tracking, and robust client relationship management – all in a simple, easy-to-understand dashboard. Jobber’s seamless integration of these essential features into one platform makes it an optimal choice for small businesses seeking efficiency and ease of use in their field service management.
Founded in 2011, Jobber is a Canadian company offering field service management software designed for small home service businesses. It provides an all-in-one solution to help manage and grow businesses, with features including online booking, invoicing, scheduling, and GPS tracking. Over the years, Jobber has received recognition for its user-friendly design and comprehensive suite of tools. However, it also has areas for improvement such as limited offline functionality, need for more third-party integrations, and occasionally reported slow customer service response.
Visit Jobber
FieldCamp: Best for detailed job scheduling and dispatching
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Pros
- Comprehensive mobile app
- Detailed client history tracking
- Integrated invoicing and payment
Cons
- Less intuitive interface compared to competitors
- Integration limitations
- High cost compared to competitors
Job scheduling and dispatching: This is one of the most crucial features for field service businesses. Detailed scheduling and dispatching allows for efficient workforce deployment, helping to optimize productivity and service delivery.
Integrated invoicing and payment: The ability to generate invoices from job details and process payments online can significantly streamline billing and collections, improving cash flow and reducing administrative tasks.
Mobile app: A comprehensive mobile app that enables technicians to access schedules, job details, and customer information on-the-go is essential for field service businesses. This can enhance productivity and ensure that field technicians have the necessary information at their fingertips.
Client history tracking: Being able to track the history of all interactions with a client can significantly enhance customer service. It allows businesses to personalize their service and improve customer retention.
Free trial available
Start: $29/month
User limit: 1
Grow: $49/month
User limit: Up to 10
Manage: $99/month
User limit: Up to 25
FieldCamp integrates invoicing, payments, time tracking, and client history all in one platform. The software’s mobile app also allows field technicians to access job details and schedules in real time. Furthermore, FieldCamp supports detailed and flexible scheduling and dispatching based on team members’ skill sets, optimizing workforce deployment. It’s a particularly suitable choice for small to medium-sized businesses that require a solid, all-round field service management solution.
FieldCamp is a relatively new player in the field service management software industry. It is designed to aid small to medium-sized businesses in managing their daily operations, offering an array of features such as detailed job scheduling, dispatching, integrated invoicing, payment systems, and a comprehensive mobile app.
The platform is recognized for its functionality, but some users have noted its limited customization options and interface as areas for improvement. Furthermore, it has limited third-party integrations, which may not suit businesses that heavily rely on other software tools.
FieldCamp’s pricing structure is tiered, accommodating varying sizes of businesses, but it could be considered a bit high for some small businesses. However, the depth of its features and capabilities generally provide good value for its cost.
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ServiceTitan: Best for integrations
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Pros
- Vast number of integrations with other software
- Comprehensive features
- Customer portal allows customers to book and track service appointments online
Cons
- Limitations on reporting
- Limited offline capabilities
- Bugs reported with software updates
Integrations: ServiceTitan integrates with many popular software solutions, including QuickBooks and Sage Intacct. These integrations streamline operations and help ensure consistent data across platforms.
Customer portal: This feature allows customers to schedule and track their service appointments online, enhancing customer experience and engagement.
Mobile app: The ServiceTitan mobile app provides field technicians with real-time access to job information, schedules, and customer data, enhancing productivity and service delivery.
Comprehensive operational features: ServiceTitan’s software includes a broad set of features covering dispatching, scheduling, invoicing, customer relationship management (CRM), and reporting. It effectively provides an all-in-one solution for field service management.
Job booking and marketing features: ServiceTitan provides features that aid in marketing and job booking, helping businesses increase their leads and conversion rates.
Starter: $125/user/month
Standard: $398/user/month
ServiceTitan’s standout feature is the extensive integration capability with popular accounting, inventory, and marketing software, making it a central hub for all business needs. The software also offers a comprehensive suite of features such as dispatching, scheduling, invoicing, customer relationship management, and advanced reporting. Furthermore, ServiceTitan’s customer portal and mobile app improve customer experience and technician efficiency. Despite being a pricier option, it can provide significant value by improving operational efficiency and customer service.
ServiceTitan is a leading provider of field service management software, founded in 2012 by Ara Mahdessian and Vahe Kuzoyan. The company was born out of the founders’ desire to provide their immigrant families, who were tradespeople, with better software tools to manage their businesses.
ServiceTitan’s platform offers comprehensive features, including dispatching, scheduling, invoicing, sales, and reporting. It’s recognized for its robust integrations with popular software solutions, enhancing its utility as a central hub for business operations.
However, ServiceTitan’s pricing is on the higher end, and its feature-rich interface can be complex to learn initially. Some users have reported occasional software slowdowns, limited offline capabilities, and concerns with customer support. Despite these challenges, ServiceTitan’s comprehensive features and integrations make it a popular choice, especially for businesses looking for an all-in-one solution.
Visit ServiceTitan
Connecteam: Best for real-time communication
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Pros
- Flexible pricing structure with free entry-level tier
- Mobile-first approach
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Lack of advanced scheduling features
- Feature limitations in lower tiers
- Inconsistent updates
Real-time communication tools: Connecteam offers a variety of communication features such as chat, updates, and a suggestion box, facilitating instant and efficient communication among teams.
Mobile app: Connecteam’s mobile app allows employees to access job information, schedules, and communicate with their team from anywhere, making it a robust solution for field service management.
Time tracking: Connecteam provides a time clock feature, allowing businesses to track and manage their workforce’s hours effectively.
Employee onboarding and training: Connecteam includes features for creating and distributing training materials and checklists, making it easier to onboard new employees and ensure consistent training.
Task management: With Connecteam, businesses can assign tasks to their employees, track their progress, and receive notifications when tasks are completed, enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.
Free plan available
Operations Basic: $35/month (or $29/month if billed annually)
For the first 30 users
Each additional user costs $0.6/month ($0.5/month if billed annually)
Includes time tracking with all report types, GPS, and unlimited jobs, shift info, open shift claiming, and more
Operations Advanced: $59/month (or $49/month if billed annually)
For the first 30 users
Each additional user costs $1.8/month ($1.5/month if billed annually)
Includes everything in Operations Basic, plus advanced filtering, smart groups, geofencing for the time clock, recurring tasks, and more
Operations Expert: $119/month (or $99/month if billed annually)
For the first 30 users
Each additional user costs $3.6/month ($3/month if billed annually)
Includes everything in Operations Advanced, plus live GPS tracking, multi-branch management, process automation, and more
Connecteam offers a unique blend of robust real-time communication and field service management features, including task management, time tracking, and employee onboarding. Its mobile-first approach allows field workers to access necessary information on-the-go. The software’s user-friendly interface promotes ease-of-use, making it an excellent choice for businesses with non-tech-savvy users. Its affordability and flexible pricing plans, including a free tier for small businesses, makes it a cost-effective solution.
Founded in 2016, Connecteam is a Tel Aviv-based company that provides an all-in-one employee management app, designed to help businesses manage their mobile and deskless workforce. The software offers robust features for real-time communication, job scheduling, time tracking, and employee training, making it a comprehensive solution for field service management.
Connecteam’s user-friendly interface, mobile-first approach, and affordable pricing structure have earned it recognition among small and midsize businesses across various industries. However, some users have reported limitations in customization options and occasional performance issues.
Despite these challenges, Connecteam continues to innovate and improve its platform, aiming to provide a versatile and accessible solution for managing remote and field-based teams.
Visit Connecteam
mHelpDesk: Best for workflow automation
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Pros
- Excellent automation capabilities
- Highly customizable
- Comprehensive feature set
- Integration with QuickBooks
Cons
- Complexity for novice users
- Lack of advanced reporting and analytics
Job management: mHelpDesk’s job management feature enables small businesses to efficiently create, assign, and track jobs from start to finish.
Mobile app: With mHelpDesk’s mobile app, field technicians can access job details, update statuses, and communicate with the office in real-time, enhancing productivity and customer satisfaction.
Invoicing and payment processing: mHelpDesk’s invoicing and payment processing feature allows small businesses to generate professional invoices and streamline the payment collection process.
Customer relationship management (CRM): With mHelpDesk’s CRM capabilities, small businesses can maintain a centralized customer database, track interactions, and provide personalized services, strengthening customer relationships.
Scheduling and dispatching: mHelpDesk’s scheduling and dispatching feature helps small businesses optimize resource allocation, minimize response times, and improve overall operational efficiency.
Starting from $169/user/month
mHelpDesk offers comprehensive features that streamline business processes, saving time and reducing errors. Its intuitive interface ensures that small business owners and their teams can easily navigate and utilize the software without requiring extensive technical knowledge. By providing a seamless and efficient solution for workflow automation, mHelpDesk empowers small businesses to optimize their operations and improve overall productivity.
Founded in 2011, mHelpDesk has established itself as a trusted provider in the industry. With a focus on workflow automation, job management, invoicing, and customer relationship management, mHelpDesk offers a user-friendly platform that helps businesses streamline operations, enhance productivity, and strengthen customer relationships. The company’s history and commitment to delivering efficient and intuitive software solutions have contributed to its reputation as a reliable choice for small businesses in need of field service management tools.
Visit mHelpDesk
Key components of FSM software
Scheduling and dispatch: This feature allows businesses to manage their workers’ schedules, assign jobs, and dispatch field workers efficiently. It can handle routine scheduling, emergency jobs, and even rescheduling in case of changes or cancellations.
Work order management: FSM software enables the creation, assignment, and tracking of work orders. This includes the ability to update the status of the work order, add notes, and sometimes even create invoices once the job is complete.
Mobile access: Most FSM solutions offer a mobile app or interface, enabling field workers to access job details, customer information, and update work order statuses on the go. Some also offer features like GPS navigation, offline access, and mobile payments.
Inventory management: This feature allows businesses to keep track of their inventory, including tools, equipment, and parts. It can help field workers know what’s available before they head out for a job, reducing the risk of delays due to missing parts.
Customer relationship management (CRM): CRM features help manage customer information, track service history, and improve customer communication. Some FSM tools may integrate with existing CRM systems.
Billing and invoicing: Some FSM software includes features to create, send, and track invoices, allowing for seamless billing as soon as a job is completed.
Reporting and analytics: FSM tools often include reporting capabilities, providing insights into things like worker performance, job completion times, common service issues, and overall business trends.
ALSO READ: Best Field Service Management Software for QuickBooks
Why is FSM important for small businesses?
Field service management (FSM) software is of paramount importance for small businesses seeking to optimize their operations and field service processes. FSM solutions bring a host of benefits that directly contribute to the success and growth of these businesses.
Firstly, FSM software enhances operational efficiency by automating manual tasks like scheduling, dispatching, and invoicing. By eliminating time-consuming paperwork and reducing human errors, small businesses can operate more smoothly and with greater productivity.
FSM software significantly improves the customer experience. Small businesses can provide prompt responses to service requests, offer real-time updates on job progress, and ensure timely job completion. This level of responsiveness and transparency enhances customer satisfaction and fosters customer loyalty.
Tools for FSM facilitate optimal resource allocation for small businesses. Whether it’s field technicians, equipment, or inventory, FSM solutions help businesses effectively manage and allocate their resources. This ensures that resources are utilized efficiently, minimizes idle time, reduces travel costs, and maximizes overall resource utilization.
Business service software also streamlines workflows by providing a centralized platform for managing end-to-end processes. From job creation and assignment to tracking progress and generating invoices, FSM software ensures that all steps are seamlessly integrated, saving time and effort for small businesses.
ALSO READ: Best HVAC Software for 2023
Finding the right FSM solution for your business
Selecting the right field service management software can greatly improve the efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction of a small business. By automating processes like scheduling, dispatching, and invoicing, these solutions help streamline operations and reduce human error. Even though the initial investment might seem daunting for a small business, the long-term returns in terms of increased efficiency and customer retention can be significant. Keep in mind, the best field service management software for your small business will be the one that suits your specific needs and integrates well with your existing systems. As technology continues to advance, small businesses that leverage these tools will be better positioned to meet customer expectations and stay competitive in the marketplace. Don’t hesitate to request demos or trial periods to ensure you’re making the right choice for your business.
Looking for the latest in FSM solutions? Check out our Field Service Management Software Buyer’s Guide.
Featured partners
1 Quickbase
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Big ideas aren’t simple to execute. So we’re here to help you tackle any project, no matter how complex. We’re Quickbase.
Quickbase helps customers see, connect and control complex projects that reshape our world. Whether it’s raising a skyscraper or coordinating vaccine rollouts, the no-code software platform allows business users to custom fit solutions to the way they work – using information from across the systems they already have.
Learn more about Quickbase
2 Synchroteam - Field Service Management solution
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Real-time interaction with your mobile workers. All kinds of businesses and industries leverage Synchroteam's power to mange their mobile workers efficiently, simplify business processes and optimize costs.
Synchroteam Field Service Management software works great for SMB, medium-sized business and enterprises in HVAC, Electrical, Inspection, Pest Control, Plumbing, Maintenance, Scheduling, & Security.
Learn more about Synchroteam - Field Service Management solution
3 Zuper
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Zuper is the most flexible and customizable field service management platform offering fast-growing service businesses with comprehensive features, best-in-class app integrations, and industry-leading service and support. With Zuper, you can bring your customers, field technicians, and back-office staff together to deliver an exceptional field service experience every time.
Learn more about Zuper
Methodology and selection process
At TechnologyAdvice, we assess a wide range of factors before selecting our top choices for a given category. To make our selections, we rely on our extensive research, product information, vendor websites, competitor research and first-hand experience. We then consider what makes a solution best for customer-specific needs.
By defining business needs, we can determine the essential features organizations in various sectors require, and select platforms that will cover all bases. Reputable providers known for their ease of use and customer satisfaction are added to our compilation list for further analysis. We then evaluate each solution on the list based on the features they offer, considering the platform’s usability, integration capabilities, customization options, mobile access, and any other relevant functionalities.
Price plans, hidden fees, customer reviews, and customer support are also assessed in the selection process. Technology Advice writers will often take advantage of free trials and demos to get a first-hand user experience of available software. Finally, we curate a comprehensive list based on the previously stated factors, ensuring readers have the necessary tools to make an informed decision.
FAQs
Field Service Management (FSM) software is a system designed to help manage a company’s field operations, which includes scheduling service orders, dispatching agents, tracking vehicle locations, and managing job status, among other tasks. For small businesses, FSM software can greatly enhance efficiency and productivity by automating various tasks.
Choosing the right FSM software depends on your specific business needs. Some important factors to consider are functionality, ease of use, customizability, scalability, cost, and customer support level.
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