Field service work is one of the most reliant industries on mobile efficiency. From HVAC, to mobile repair and plumbing-any business that manages workers in the field requires advanced tools for managing orders, invoices and schedules on the go.
To meet this need, developers have come up with all sort of mobile applications for getting the job done. But not all apps are created equal. I’ve culled through hundreds to identify some of the best Android and iOs options out there for field service. I compared ratings, reviews, social shares, downloads and functionality.
I eliminated any applications with fewer than three stars (or none at all), those that were too industry specific and ones only available outside the United States. Each review comes complete with the average user rating, operating system, pricing and downloads if available. Please feel free to let us know if we left your favorite app off the list.
eWO Lite Work Order Generator
Operating System: Android
Ratings: 3.5 stars of 14 ratings (Android)
Google+ Shares: 15
Downloads: 5,000-10,000
Price: Free (with monthly subscription)
eWO Lite Work Order is a popular option for HVAC, telecom workers and inspectors-though it works for other industries as well. The mobile application allows field workers to compose and manage work orders on the go. Also, companies can track parts and technician labor time with a desktop portal. The dashboard compiles data that workers enter while in the field.
DispatchTrack Field Operations
Operating Systems: Android
Ratings: 5 stars of 39 ratings
Google+ Shares: 37
Downloads: 1,000-5,000
Price: Free (with monthly subscription to software)
This application boasts a five-star rating from 37 reviewers. It offers one of the most comprehensive solutions for field service workers when paired with the company’s in-office solution. Users can map routes, log or escalate jobs, collect customers signatures and surveys, capture job images and accept credit card payment, among other services. Reviewers touted the app’s user-friendly interface and real-time connection to critical records and data.
vWorkApp
Operating Systems: Android , iOS
Ratings: 4.5 stars of 19 ratings (Android) and 3 stars of 11 ratings (iOS)
Google+ Shares: 14
Downloads: 1,000-5,000
Price: Free (with monthly subscription to software)
vWork is a popular option for companies that need primarily dispatch functionality. Office dispatchers can schedule jobs and monitor fleets via GPS tracking, while the mobile worker can update job status in real time. Users can also add notes to jobs and capture customer signatures.
GeoOP
Operating System: Android , iOS
Ratings: 4 stars of 14 ratings (Android), 3.5 of 20 (iOS)
Google+ Shares: 7
Downloads: 1,000-5,000
Price: Free (with monthly subscription)
GeoOP is a job dispatch and mobile workforce management system that you can set up in minutes and can be used on both Android and IOS platforms. The mobile app manages schedules, dispatching and tracks the location of field agents. The software also integrates with help desk, accounting and GPS systems.
FieldOne Mobile
Operating Systems: Android , iOS
Ratings: 3.5 stars of 16 ratings (Android), 3 stars of 9 ratings (iOS), 5 stars of 7 Software Advice ratings
Google+ Shares: 22
Downloads: 1,000-5,000
Price: Free (with monthly subscription to software)
FieldOne is one of the top-recommended server applications among Software Advice’s Field Services Software Reviews . The mobile application is an extension of the office-based version, with real-time data integration including customer records, time clock, invoicing and schedules. Relative to other field services software apps FieldOne had among the highest ratings. Jenson Refrigeration, Inc. gave FieldOne perfect scores in every category on Software Advice. The reviewer said of the mobile app, “The continuity and flow from taking a service call to invoicing is easy and efficient.”
Synchroteam
Operating Systems: Android
Ratings: 4 stars of 3 ratings
Downloads: 50-100
Price: Free (with monthly subscription to software)
I would put this application in the “up and comer” category. Three users reviewed the tool with high marks even with as few as 100 downloads. This is huge considering some applications with hundreds of downloads received no reviews, or only very bad ones. Pricing is on the affordable end at just $27 per month, per technician, if pre-paid. Synchroteam delivers jobs to mobile workers with customer name, location, description and contact information. Users can also update the job once it’s complete and collect the customer’s signature.
Custom Forms Plus Dispatch
doForms
Operating Systems: Android , iO S
Ratings: 3.5 stars of 94 ratings (Android), 5 stars of 25 ratings (iOS)
Google+ Shares: 149
Downloads: 10,000-50,000
Price: Free with software purchase
There are hundreds of applications that offer mobile device forms. But this strongly-rated application is designed for companies that need both dispatch and custom work order forms in a single app. It’s best suited for field service workers that don’t need more complex scheduling functionality. Businesses can create and deliver custom forms with single- and multiple-choice answers, barcodes, signatures, sketches, pictures, video, audio notes and GPS locations. Also, data collected from mobile application forms is automatically sent to an Internet-accessible online database.
Favorite Enterprise Vehicle Tracker
aCar
Operating Systems: Android
Ratings: 4.5 stars of 13,974 ratings (Android)
Google+ Shares: 2,400
Downloads: 500,000-1,000,000
Price: Free
ACar is heads and shoulders above its peers regarding downloads, shares, reviews and ratings. This application is suited for the one-man independent field service contractor who needs to track fuel and other vehicle-related expenses. The app can track several vehicles and provide statistical reports, reminders and automatic data backup. A pro version ($5.99) can also export data to spreadsheets and import data from other sources, among other functions. Users talked about the app’s intuitive interface and fantastic customer service.
GPS Tracking Only
WAY GPS Phone Tracking
Operating Systems: Android
Ratings: 3.8 stars of 3,886 ratings (Android)
Google+ Shares: 3,000
Downloads: 100,000-500,000
Price: Free
WAY GPS Phone Tracking was the most reviewed and Google+ shared GPS tracking application I discovered. The tool allows field service companies to easily and discreetly track fleet vehicles. The application doesn’t show up on the user’s phone in the form of an icon-it runs in the background-but the office manager can log into an online portal and instantly see all field employees’ location on a map. Location can be tracked in real-time, by day, or from a previous day. It’s insanely easy to use and set up.
Invoicing Apps
QuickBooks Mobile Invoice
Operating Systems: Android , iO S
Ratings: 4 stars of 1,089 ratings (Android), 3.5 stars of 476 ratings (iOS)
Google+ Shares: 710
Downloads: 100,000-500,000
Price: Free (with Quickbooks Online subscription)
Intuit’s QuickBooks mobile application is the most downloaded free invoicing mobile application. The application is available for both iOS and Android operating systems and logged impressive shares and ratings. Users can manage customers, projects, invoices, estimates, expenses, payments and quotes.
MobileBiz Pro
Operating Systems: Android
Ratings: 4.7 stars of 317 ratings (Android)
Google+ Shares: 183
Downloads: 1,000-5,000
Price: $22
MobileBiz Pro doesn’t require a subscription to any other software. The application boasts an impressive 4.7 rating and has a large number of social shares relative to the number of downloads. The company describes the application as a feature-rich sales and billing “must-have” for any small business that invoices in the field. It supports local taxes, currency and date formats. It also tracks customer balances, invoice cost and profit. It comes with built-in reporting, customizable templates and receipts. Users complemented the professional-looking invoices and quotes. It’s an affordable alternative to field services companies that don’t require complex scheduling or dispatching.
Invoice2go
Operating Systems: Android , iO S
Ratings: 4.2 stars of 326 ratings (Android), 4 stars of 315 ratings (iOS)
Google+ Shares: 407
Downloads: 10,000-50,000
Price: $9.99
Invoice2go is great for companies that only need a basic desktop companion. This mobile application is also offered both on Android and iOS and comes with a free in-office version, or a more complex desktop offering for as little as $49 per year. The tool comes with more than 20 built-in invoice styles that can be exported as PDF documents. Users can add PayPal buttons to invoices for faster payments.
Invoice Plus Vehicle Tracking
Mobile Road Warrior
Operating Systems: Android
Ratings: 4.8 stars of 24 ratings
Google+ Shares: 31
Downloads: 100-500
Price: $15.99
Another “up and comer,” this mobile application received a large quantity of reviews relative to downloads and an impressive 4.8-star average. This application combines invoicing with work time, mileage and expense tracking. Users can create invoices, receipts, estimates, orders proposals, quotes, returns and invoices. The Mobile Road Warrior also supports QuickBook databases, logo customization and signature capture.
