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The Application of BYOD in the Field Service Industry
The BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trend is picking up steam in the field service industry. And for good reason, the application of BYOD has been a key driver in increasing customer satisfaction by enhancing the efficiency of many businesses. However, like most revered solutions that appear too good to be true, BYOD does come with its fair share of risks. To successfully incorporate BYOD into an organisation, taking a deeper look into these risks can help identify the best strategies to manage them.
What is BYOD?
In today’s work environment, employees are no longer required to work exclusively on a company-issued computer. Instead, organisations have adopted BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), giving employees the freedom to bring their own devices in the field. Many businesses also require flexible work schedules from their employees, supporting the use of personal devices to complete tasks from home or when they’re on the move. It’s a trend that has quickly taken off within businesses of every size across industries such as transportation, telecommunications, health care and of course, field services. BOYD has become fair practice for employees and companies as it minimises the chance of losing or destroying expensive company equipment.
What Are the Advantages of BYOD?
Ever since its inception, BYOD in field service has been a significant element in operational development and is considered a leading component for the growth of field service organisations. However, BYOD policies need to be tailored to suit the specific requirements of each business. In the following sections, we’ll be discussing some of the advantages and disadvantages that come along with BYOD.
Cuts Organisation Costs
Among its primary advantages, BYOD policies can potentially save a small fortune for an organisation’s IT department. Allowing engineers to use personal devices rather than supplying them with company-owned hardware can reduce capital outlay and operational expenditures, which frees up funds to invest in other aspects of their business. Instead of managers handing out devices to their in-field service workers, a mobile workforce management software installed on a personal device is all that’s necessary. Here, employees can easily communicate with their office team, field-based staff and customers while managers can track and monitor performance.
Increases Employee Productivity
It’s been shown that employees using portable devices for work can boost productivity by 34%, as it saves employees 58 minutes each day to focus on company tasks. So why is this? Simply put, engineers understand how their devices work, saving them the time and trouble of learning new features on a device they only use for work. This increases productivity, allowing employees to complete tasks quicker and more efficiently.
Boost In Customer Satisfaction
If you want to leave a good impression on your customers and deliver effective field service management, applying BOYD to your team can undoubtedly do so. Bring your own device policies enable engineers to access customer data and information on-the-go, including customer accounts they need for job-related duties. Engineers can also respond quickly to customer requests and emergencies, providing excellent customer support compared to that of traditional management practises.
Increases Employee Morale
The use of personal devices can also dramatically improve employee morale. Working on a personal device means an engineer can work from anywhere, alleviating the monotony of a typical office setting. Additionally, employees may prefer certain types of apps or operating systems over others – allowing them to choose what will best suit their needs. 
What Are the Disadvantages of BYOD?
Just like any other practice in business, BYOD has a few drawbacks. Although most would consider the pros to outweigh the cons, you must be aware of some of its possible determinants and how they can affect your service business.
Vulnerability to Security Breaches
BYOD means your business data and information is accessible to employees using their personal devices.
Since these are often used for non-work-related activities such as watching online videos, checking social media, or even shopping, there is an increased risk of the information being compromised by malware or spyware if not appropriately protected. However, one way you can overcome this is by strictly implementing BYOD security, which involves installing a firewall, antivirus, and encryption tools.
Another potential security risk is a lost or stolen employee device containing sensitive information. Data thieves or hackers gaining access to your company’s data can cause significant damage, causing sensitive customer information to be exposed.
Compatibility Between Devices and Company Systems
Implementing BOYD in field service requires thorough planning to ensure employees can communicate using their devices with others using company gadgets. Many organisations use cloud-based software to let all employees have access to company information.
If a company’s preferred app doesn’t run cross-platform, BYOD can only be implemented once a company switches to a particular software provider that runs on multiple platforms. Otherwise, employees will not have access to needed information, and it won’t be easy to share files.
Potential Privacy Issues
One standard problem is company information shared on a non-work device. Maintaining a balance between workplace security and respecting individual rights to information will help prevent any workplace problems.
Your BYOD security policy should clearly state the degree of information your staff can access, such as confidential company documents and customer data while off duty or working from home using their own gadgets.
BYOD in field service has been controversial among corporations and government offices where information is highly confidential. However, as mobile apps become more popular, reasons for implementing BYOD are now being considered more seriously by both companies and their workers.
If you’re in the construction industry where security and communication are an on-going concern, Joblogic’s field engineer app can maximise service efficiency by seamlessly connecting your back office and field engineers in one system. We also have a wide range of apps that can help you make your business more productive even while practising BYOD.
Book a demo with Joblogic today with our team of specialists to find out more information.