Choosing the right mobile app can be transformative for field service businesses. With so many options on the market, it’s tough to know which one suits your needs best.
Whether you’re shopping for a field service app for the first time or considering a switch from your current mobile solution, this article will help you narrow your options and understand what to prioritize.
We’ll cover the six core qualities that field service companies should seek in a field service management app. These insights are based on real-world experiences from the field service industry experts on our team — veterans running successful HVAC, plumbing, and electrical businesses.
We’ll then demonstrate how ServiceTitan incorporates these key qualities and list 14 other field service apps to consider.
Table of Contents
6 key qualities to look for in a field service mobile app
7 alternative comprehensive field service mobile apps
7 additional mobile apps for field service
Want to see how ServiceTitan works to streamline your service business operations? Schedule a call to get a free, live, one-on-one walk-through of the features we describe throughout this article.
6 Key Qualities to Look for in Field Service Mobile Apps
Through our work serving more than 100,000 contractors, we’ve learned that the following six qualities are essential for service companies to have in their field service app:
1. Organization and Ease of Use
A key benefit of using a field service app is to eliminate lost, sloppy, or disorganized paperwork. Apps should host and organize every relevant document and piece of information that your technicians need.
It’s also important that the app is user-friendly. If it isn’t, techs will often resort to their traditional handwritten paperwork, bringing back key issues that an app is meant to solve.
2. Real-Time Access to Key Job and Customer Information
Apps should provide up-to-the-minute information about all current jobs, as well as detailed service histories and records of any previous work done for a customer that field workers can access while they’re on site.
If technicians aren’t handed or emailed every document they need for a job, this can create delays or mistakes. In addition, if techs aren’t provided with customer histories and past service reports, they can mistake a longtime customer for a new one, or try to sell an upgrade for a product that’s already been installed — both of which are surefire ways to harm customer relationships.
3. Centralized and Seamless Communication Between the Field and Office
Without a field service app, back-office and field staff often communicate in a variety of disconnected channels. They collaborate through miscellaneous calls, texts, and emails that make it difficult to track which messages have been received, as well as where to find relevant updates and job information.
A field service app should seamlessly centralize all communications between your office and mobile workforce, whether it relates to a technician’s status on the job, last-minute requests by customers, or on-the-fly schedule changes.
4. Sales Enablement
Field service technicians historically have not enjoyed the process of selling. They didn’t get into the trades to be salespeople, but to be trades people. And yet, service businesses want their techs in the field to spot upsell opportunities, increase average ticket prices, and contribute more to profitability of the business.
Your field service app should solve each of these problems: It should make it easier for technicians to generate more revenue while also relieving them of the need to be “salesy.”
5. Accountability Enablement
The nature of field service work is that once technicians leave the office, managers and business owners can only hope that their technicians will follow best practices and standard operating procedures in the field. But relying on hope is an uncertain and painful experience, leaving room for shortcuts, mistakes, and missed opportunities.
A well-designed field service app should help foster accountability among technicians while they’re in the field, and also make it easier for techs to provide the best possible customer experience.
This can bring peace of mind to service teams and managers, allowing everyone to feel confident that they’re following best practices.
6. Customer Experience
Finally, in a competitive environment, providing top-notch customer satisfaction is essential for maintaining and growing a customer base. As consumers have come to expect convenience and seamless customer experiences, it’s important to choose an app that’s easy for them to use, empowers them to make educated purchase decisions, and allows them to complete transactions on the spot.
Now, let’s look at how ServiceTitan’s mobile app works to facilitate each of these key functions.
ServiceTitan’s Mobile App for Field Service Businesses
ServiceTitan’s mobile app, compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems, offers an intuitive user experience that techs love, beginning with the home screen dashboard:
From the dashboard, techs can quickly and easily see the jobs they have scheduled for that day, each presented as a job card with basic information such as:
Customer’s name
Scheduled date and time
Address
Arrival window
Tags identifying other key job information (e.g. potential member, replacement opp, etc.)
Then, each card can be tapped to pull up a dedicated page with further details about that job, as shown here:
This page will display further information such as:
Detailed work order descriptions
Distance to the job site
Ability to get directions
Access to the call recording between the office staff and customer
And as the job progresses, any new assets that are created — such as images of the job site or installation, recommended estimates, pinned notes, or purchase orders —are automatically stored through that page, easily accessible at any time (by anyone in the company who may need to see them).
If enabled, techs can dispatch themselves when they’re ready to head to the job, and office staff will receive automated notifications as they reach the job, begin work, or complete work. Alternatively, businesses can adjust settings so that only dispatchers, office staff, or certain team members have the ability to dispatch techs.
From each job page, techs can also access the other essential tools they need throughout the lifecycle of a job. Via the left sidebar, they can view and utilize:
Customer History: Techs can see previous estimates, recurring services, existing equipment, previous invoices, photos, and videos from previous jobs, and more.
Job Forms: Techs can access job forms that require customer signatures such as warranty agreements, as well as forms that foster accountability and better customer service (such as service and installation checklists, or pre-appointment customer experience checklists).
Estimates: With seamless pricebook integration, techs can build attractive estimates and multi-option proposals on the fly, right from their mobile device. Or they can select and customize pre-built estimate and proposal templates built by the back-office team. (We’ll discuss this more below.)
Invoices: Techs can easily generate invoices and send them to customers in a variety of ways.
Closeout: Once they complete a job, techs can accept payments on the spot from customers via check or credit card.
Notably, our app has offline capabilities, so all of these features and workflows are available even when techs are outside of zones with cell service or internet connectivity (a key feature that not all software solutions offer).
Now, let’s zoom in on our mobile estimates feature as it plays an integral role in many key facets of a field service app: tech experience, customer experience, sales enablement, etc.
From the estimates tab, you can view any previous estimates that have been quoted to that customer, or create a new estimate for that specific job. When creating a new estimate, you can use a template or configure it from scratch by selecting items from your pricebook.
The pricebook categories and search bar make it easy to find what techs are looking for, and each item can be tapped to see more relevant information about that product. For example, detailed product descriptions, flat rate price, member price, pictures and videos, and warranty information.
Techs can then tap “Add to Option” to add that equipment to one of their estimates in a Good-Better-Best-style proposal.
Once a proposal is ready, techs can tap “Present” to enter a presentation mode built for providing a clean yet detailed customer experience, while also taking the burden of “selling” off of the technician.
Customers can tap into each option for more details, view pictures of equipment, and even see rebate and energy savings data. Once they’ve selected the right option for them, they can apply for financing through one of our financing partners, if needed, or close out on the spot.
At that point, field technicians can collect payment however customers want to pay, whether through cash, check, or credit card. (They can scan checks right from the mobile application, reducing your need to visit the bank to deposit checks.)
When the job is done, dispatchers can be automatically updated on their tech’s status, and techs can move on to their next job (or take their break, follow up on unsold estimates, clock out, etc.).
Want to See These Features in Action?
In reality, ServiceTitan’s mobile app is just one side of a more holistic field service management software, which also includes extensive desktop features for business owners, CSRs, dispatchers, and managers.
For a live, one-on-one walk-through of the work order management features we’ve discussed throughout this article, and a look at how the mobile and desktop sides of our platform work together, schedule a free demo today.
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7 Alternative Comprehensive Field Service Mobile Apps
While we’re proud of ServiceTitan being one of the most comprehensive field service mobile apps available today, we understand that many service businesses may want to explore multiple apps and software options before choosing one for their business.
So, to help you understand the differences between ServiceTitan and other popular field service software on the market, we’ve listed 7 general purpose field service apps below. If you want more detail, we’ve also written detailed comparison articles on many of our top competitors, here.
HouseCall Pro
Housecall Pro is a mobile field service management solution for home service businesses. Similar to ServiceTitan, it offers a wide range of features outside of invoicing, such as scheduling and dispatching, estimates, QuickBooks integration, and more.
However, when compared to Housecall Pro, ServiceTitan offers:
Deeper native pricebook functionality.
Ability to drill down further into reporting metrics and trust your numbers.
Automated tagging features that help increase revenue.
Gated work sequences and customizable forms to facilitate accountability across the organization.
Offline functionality that allows techs to use our mobile app when out of cell service zones.
For more details on these differences, check out our complete comparison article: Housecall Pro vs. ServiceTitan
Service Fusion
Service Fusion describes itself as an “All-In-One Field Service Management Software.” Like ServiceTitan, it offers a wide range of features, including estimates, invoices, customer management, scheduling and dispatching, and more.
However, when compared to Service Fusion, ServiceTitan offers the following as a part of our base product (while Service Fusion charges extra for many of these features):
Robust membership billing capabilities (bulk membership billing, and automated monthly or annual billing options).
Scheduled report automations.
Call booking automations for easier job booking and better customer experiences.
Property data to spot sales opportunities and drive revenue.
For more details on these differences, check out our complete comparison article: Service Fusion vs. ServiceTitan
FieldEdge
FieldEdge is a field service management software and field service app for service businesses. It offers a wide range of features like ServiceTitan, including functionality for quotes and invoicing, scheduling and dispatching, service agreements, and more.
However, when compared to FieldEdge, ServiceTitan offers:
For residential service businesses:
Integration with Google Local Services Ads.
Seamless access to membership information during call booking.
Adjustable capacity planning to optimize schedules for max profitability.
Real-time technician tracking.
Greater customizability and drill-down capabilities for reports.
For commercial service businesses:
Ability to create customer-specific pricing.
Built-in customer portal with base subscription.
A suite of project management and project tracking tools for longer-term projects.
Dynamic form capabilities that ensure staff follow best practices and improve data quality.
Native equipment tracking and inventory management.
For more details on these differences, check out our complete comparison article: FieldEdge vs. ServiceTitan
Successware®
Successware® is a business management solution for the trade industry, serving HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other trade businesses. Its platform offers features such as call booking and CRM, dispatching and scheduling, a mobile app, and other tools for running a service business.
However, when compared to Successware®, ServiceTitan offers:
Integrations with top accounting software used by service businesses such as QuickBooks and Intacct.
Clean, reliable, easily accessible data through practical and customizable reports (employee performance scorecards, service agreement reports, call conversion reports, etc.).
Robust customer experience features such as technician GPS tracking, technician bios, and SMS text updates that can be automated or managed through the dispatch board.
Marketing ROI reports that show which campaigns, geographic areas, and incoming calls are generating the most revenues.
A customer support team focused on building businesses — not just answering software questions.
For more details on these differences, check out our complete comparison article: Successware® vs. ServiceTitan
Kickserv
Kickserv is another field service management software offering a variety of tools for large and small businesses. Like other FSM software, it provides a mobile app as well as desktop features for job management, scheduling, managing your workforce, and more.
However, when compared to Kickserv, ServiceTitan offers:
Mobile app with customer convenience features with stable offline functionality.
Customizable forms and pricing tools in the field.
Two-way SMS texting for customer inquiries and scheduling changes.
Pre-appointment GPS Tech Tracking for accurate arrival times.
End-to-End presentation mode: A visual pricing tool and estimate builder with good, better, best options.
And more.
To view these and other differences, check out the feature comparison chart on our comparison page: Kickserv vs. ServiceTitan
ServiceTrade
ServiceTrade is a field service software specializing in supporting commercial service businesses. Like other FSM software, it offers tools for scheduling and dispatching, a mobile app for technicians in the field, analytics for business management, and a variety of other tools for running operations.
However, when compared to ServiceTrade, ServiceTitan offers:
Robust features for residential service businesses whereas ServiceTrade is primarily commercial-focused (i.e. we’re more suitable for hybrid shops).
Greater capabilities to drill down into reporting data.
A more streamlined call booking process with additional features (such as access to property data).
Deeper pricebook functionality that’s natively built into our software.
For more details on these differences, check out our complete comparison article: ServiceTrade vs. ServiceTitan
ServiceMax Go
ServiceMax, like other field service solutions, is designed to provide better visibility into your field service operations. It offers a number of products, such as Asset 360 for Salesforce, ServiceMax core, ServiceMax FieldFX (their mobile app), and ServiceMax Engage (for customer engagement).
However, when compared to ServiceMax, ServiceTitan offers:
The ability to toggle smoothly from one feature to another without the hassle of opening multiple windows, programs, or add ons, which can disrupt workflow.
Advanced customer communication features included in our base subscription (ServiceMax requires an add-on fee).
Highly customizable visual pricebooks that help grow average ticket prices and increase close rates.
Service agreement features that are more tailored for service businesses.
For more details on these differences, check out our complete comparison article: ServiceMax vs. ServiceTitan
7 Additional Mobile Apps for Field Service
Finally, we’ve listed 7 other mobile apps that are useful for field service businesses, ranging from camera and timekeeping apps to scheduling and fleet management apps.
CompanyCam: Great Camera App for Field Service
CompanyCam is an innovative app built for field service contractors that lets you capture every part of a project or job photographically via your mobile device. You can take unlimited photos, annotate them with arrows, comments, and tags, and organize them by project which can be shared with your team and customers in real-time.
All photos are location and time-stamped, which is a useful feature if an issue comes up, and stored securely in the CompanyCam cloud.
CompanyCam is a good choice for field service teams that need a photographic record of their projects.
ConnectTeam: Solid Field Service Time Management App
ConnectTeam is a popular app that helps manage scheduling, tasks, and work hours for field service teams. Features include templates that allow you to build checklists and share schedules and notes with your mobile workforce that they can confirm remotely.
The app’s Time Clock feature allows team members to log precise work hours with the in-app clock or directly on digital timesheets. This lets you oversee attendance in real-time and receive notifications of late or missed clock-ins. Then, timesheets can be exported or integrated with payroll software like QuickBooks.
This is a good app for managing a small team of field workers, and there is a free plan for up to 10 users, but you will need separate software solutions for estimating and invoicing.
Dynamics 365: Good Field Service App for Microsoft Users
The Dynamics 365 field service app helps schedule and dispatch field service teams to multiple locations.
Built on the Microsoft Power Apps platform, the app has a portfolio of business applications that users can choose from and that work together with existing Microsoft applications. This mobile app lets you track work orders, generate recurring maintenance appointments and invoices, and manage inventory.
Because Dynamics 365 is designed to work with other Microsoft applications, this app is probably best suited to those who can make the most of the integrations.
FleetSharp: Best Fleet Management App
FleetSharp is an app for tracking commercial vehicles. Powered by Google Maps, the app gives you accurate locations of your field service trucks along with street view and interactive traffic reporting.
Features include the ability to see the truck’s current location as well as the direction and speed it is traveling. This lets you view the nearest driver to any location, which is useful for emergency call-outs when you need to dispatch a tech quickly. You can also create custom geofences to receive alerts when vehicles enter or exit a location (e.g. a job site).
The app will send you automatic alerts so you can monitor the maintenance of your vehicles (e.g. tire rotation and warranty information) as well as whether your field workers are driving safely (based on speeding, rapid acceleration and harsh braking).
This app is a good option for field service companies with large fleets of service trucks that are looking for specific fleet management features.
RazorSync: Good App for Tracking Techs
RazorSync is a full-featured field service management app that offers scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and payment collection.
The app provides GPS tracking, automatic messaging for techs and customers, and integrates with QuickBooks. RazorSync lets you assign non-urgent work with an open deadline, allowing field workers to get to it when time is available. You can also assign small tasks (such as picking up a tool) for when techs have free time in their schedule.
The “clock in clock out” function means that employee hours and locations can be monitored and logged for accurate payroll spending.
Reviews are generally positive with most users finding the app easy to use and the features for tracking techs useful. Some would like more customization options, and others have reduced the number of notifications to customers as these were found to be more than required.
Salesforce: Best App for Salesforce Users
If you’re already a user of the all-encompassing CRM platform Salesforce, the Salesforce mobile app is an obvious add-on for your mobile workforce.
By choosing the apps you need from Salesforce’s suite of “Lightning Apps,” you can access tasks, calendars, reports, and more, in real time, so you can work across all aspects of your business from your mobile device. Field service features include mapping and navigation to monitor techs’ locations, van stock inventory and pricebooks, and the ability to control which fields mobile workers see.
The platform is huge and complex, so the mobile app is not for the faint-hearted but it is a good option for experienced Salesforce users.
Read our post on the top CRMs here.
Skedulo: Great Scheduling App for Field Service
As its name suggests, Skedulo offers a ton of scheduling and dispatching features for mobile workforces. It also provides reporting insights and integrates with Salesforce CRM (see above).
With Skedulo, you can view daily, weekly, and monthly schedules of allocated and dispatched jobs, view and edit job notes and attachments, and capture customer signatures while you’re at the job site. You can also view customer information, past jobs, and open the job address within native map applications to navigate to jobs.
Skedulo also has a handy feature that suggests the most suitable field service worker for a job by qualification and availability. This helps you meet customer requirements by sending the right techs to the right service requests.
Reviews are generally positive, although some users express concern that it’s difficult to manage clients with multiple properties and sub addresses. Other users enjoy the two-way texting, notifications, and email automation features.
Schedule a free demo to see how ServiceTitan can streamline your field service operations.
ServiceTitan Software
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and substantially elevate the trajectory of their business. Our comprehensive, cloud-based platform is used by thousands of electrical, HVAC, plumbing, garage door, and chimney sweep shops across the country—and has increased their revenue by an average of 25% in just their first year with us.
