Top Field Service Technology Trends for 2024: Sustainability

As we wrap up our series on the technology trends that will likely be in the 2024 spotlight, our final one is #10: Sustainability.

Consumers have been increasingly demanding accountability from the companies they work with. They expect statements and proof of action concerning environmental policies and actions. As awareness increases about the dire impact of CO2 emissions, consumers are expecting companies to put actions in place to reduce their carbon footprint, control waste, minimize energy consumption, and discontinue the use of hazardous materials.

For some organizations, this calls for a full-scale change in attitude and policy. For others, it’s a tightening of standards that are already focused on conscientious stewardship of natural resources.

Some organizations are turning their green initiatives into differentiators, actively promoting their efforts. A recent Gartner survey found that 42% of leaders are currently leveraging sustainability activities to drive innovation, differentiation, and enterprise growth through sustainable products.

For field service organizations, sustainability most impacts dispatch of field technicians. Service vans can be perceived to be gas guzzlers. Fortunately, modern field service management solutions can help the organization make smart dispatch decisions, reducing the amount of time vehicles are on the road. Less driving means less exhaust contributing to poor air quality.

By optimizing scheduling and dispatch, organizations can reduce unnecessary travel, conserve fuel usage, and reduce CO2 exhaust. Assigning the right-skilled technician to the job also helps with first-call resolution rates, as does having the service vehicle appropriately stocked with necessary tools and replacement parts. Fewer trips to the warehouse for parts reduces mileage. This also minimizes wear on the service vehicle, such as tires.

Helping consumers to see the value of repairing goods, rather than placing them, also helps reduce waste and prevents unnecessary disposal of items, like appliances, going to landfills.

With modern field service solutions, organizations can better monitor their spending, waste, and conservations measures. Intelligent decisions can be made to protect the environment, reduce emissions, and focus on sustainable practices. Not only will this help meet consumer expectations, it’s the right thing to do. Consumers and corporate citizens, alike, must share the responsibility.

To learn more about sustainability and field service, check out our industry guide: Sustainability in the Field Service Industry: Best Practices and Technologies.