What Is Software for Service Businesses? Digital Operations Platforms
Software for service businesses is software that helps plan, carry out, document and invoice work done at the customer's site. There are several types, from spreadsheets and accounting systems to CRM and project management. The most comprehensive type is the digital operations platform, also called a field service management platform, which brings tasks, time, equipment, quality assurance and the invoicing basis together in one place. Microbizz is a Danish field service management platform for task and project management for companies with mobile employees.
Which types of software do service businesses use?
Most service businesses start with several small tools and later need them to work together. The table shows what each type is typically built for, and what is often missing when employees work at the customer's site. How much a specific system covers varies.
| Type | Typically built for | Often missing in a service business |
|---|---|---|
| Spreadsheets and calendars | Lists, simple planning, low start-up cost | Shared data between task, time and invoice |
| Accounting and ERP | Finance, invoicing, purchasing and stock | Planning and documenting work in the field |
| CRM | Customers, contacts and agreements | Execution, time and quality forms on the task |
| Project management | Projects, milestones and resources | Many small service tasks, time and invoicing basis |
| Planning and dispatch tools | Calendar, task assignment and routes | Registration, documentation and invoicing |
| Digital operations platform | The whole flow from task to invoice | Typically not accounting, which is connected |
Many companies use several of them at once. The problem arises when information has to be transferred manually between them.
What is a digital operations platform, and what does it cover?
One system for the whole flow
A digital operations platform brings together the functions a service business uses, from the first enquiry to the final invoice, so that they share the same data. At Microbizz, the basic solution consists of CRM, planning, tasks, time registration, invoicing, reports and forms. It can be extended with modules such as equipment, extranet, EDI, payroll, project management and route planning.
What the platform covers in a service business
- Case and task management with service agreements, inspections and ad hoc tasks
- Planning and route planning of employees and visits
- Mobile app for employees in the field, also offline
- Time and materials registration directly on the task
- Equipment, quality assurance and documentation
- Invoicing basis and reporting
- Extranet, where the customer can follow along
Cobblestone says on Microbizz's website that the system can be modulated to suit their needs.
The difference from point solutions
A point solution handles one task, while a platform lets the functions share data. The difference shows when a registered task has to become an invoice without double entry.
Who needs an operations platform?
Companies where employees work at the customer's site and the office needs an overview. Microbizz is used by contractors and tradespeople, service businesses, utility companies and facility management companies. For service businesses, that includes companies servicing, for example, ventilation and air conditioning or lifting and hoisting equipment.
When is something simpler enough?
If you have few tasks and few employees in the field, a spreadsheet and a calendar can be enough. If you are considering a joined-up solution, you can connect existing finance and payroll systems through API, plugins and integrations.
Frequently asked questions about software for service businesses
What is software for service businesses?
Software that helps a service business plan, carry out, document and invoice tasks at customers' sites. It can be stand-alone tools or one joined-up operations platform.
What is the difference between an operations platform and an ERP system?
An ERP system is typically built for finance, purchasing and stock, while an operations platform is built for the task itself: planning, execution in the field, documentation and the invoicing basis. Many companies use both and connect them.
Is an operations platform the same as field service management?
In practice, yes. Field service management is the name of the software category, and an operations platform is a platform in that category.
Can an operations platform be adapted to our workflows?
Yes, if it is built in modules. With Microbizz you can add functions as the need arises. You can book a demo to see how it looks with your own tasks.
What does software for service businesses cost?
It depends on the functions and the number of users. Contact Microbizz for a quote based on your own needs.
