In an evolving energy market, the need for efficient, reliable field services has never been more pronounced.
From assembly to troubleshooting and repairs, field services teams play an integral role in maintaining Australia’s energy system, by ensuring these energy systems are installed correctly, operate efficiently and meet consumers’ needs.
However, as renewable projects have increased, so too has the demand on these teams. Add smart meters, consumer energy resources and unpredictable weather into the mix and field crews are busier than ever.
The problem is only compounded by the skilled labour shortages affecting every industry across the country.
The challenges
To understand how to provide the support the industry needs most, leading field services provider Droppoint went straight to the source – surveying field service decision makers and end users about industry level trends facing the sector, aiming to get to the root of the logistical difficulties that plagued the industry in 2024.
Within the IT, telecommunications and utilities industries, Droppoint found that technician productivity and the visibility issues associated with inventory were among the most common challenges.
These sectors felt the least equipped to address labour shortages and workplace management. Additionally, only a quarter felt equipped to handle supply chain queries, and only 17 per cent felt equipped to handle increased customer expectations for faster turnaround times.
This is particularly concerning, as respondents also reported that the top three most critical service level agreement (SLA) metrics are response times, accuracy and completeness of service, and uptime and reliability.
Droppoint’s research also shows that inventory management is a key challenge for utilities, with 46 per cent experiencing prolonged wait times for parts – making it difficult for them to meet their SLA metrics.
Limited real-time visibility of inventory levels and inventory demand prediction also contribute to difficulty meeting SLAs. Without an accurate understanding of the available inventory, field service teams are unable to efficiently plan or respond to urgent requests.
As renewables continue to boom, supply chain queries, tight deadlines and inventory challenges will only increase, highlighting the critical role of reliable and efficient field service technicians.
These teams are the backbone of the Australian energy industry, so finding a trusted partner is the key to success.
The solution
With Droppoint, field service organisations no longer need to suffer through ineffective logistics.
Droppoint tracks and manages deliveries and parts for you, ensuring you always get the right part, to the right place at the right time.
The one-of-a-kind MOS (Material Orchestration System) manages workflows through the entire part lifecycle, combining transport, inventory and location management to provide intelligence across logistics to improve business outcomes.
MOS provides end-to-end visibility and can stand alone or integrate with existing systems, centralising your information – improving your field service technicians’ productivity and inventory management.
Droppoint’s pick up and drop off network has more than 500 convenient locations across the country, with parts available for collection 24/7.
Intellihub Head of Supply Chain, Stuart Sproull, said with Droppoint, the company is able to provide assets and inventory to its technicians, close to where they live.
“Droppoint not only has the flexibility for weekend and out-of-hours pickup, but our technicians are also able to collect inventory close to their homes. It minimises their travel and gives them the best opportunity to complete an increased number of jobs per day.”
Additionally, Droppoint’s state-based team provides regional expertise and rapid response to your field logistics needs, ensuring your requirements are met, wherever you are.
“It’s not all data driven through apps and technology,” Mr Sproull said.
“There’s a human element, which is really important. It helps technicians feel like they’re being listened to.”
Mr Sproull said at the end of the day, technicians are the boots on the ground, dealing with stock shortages, irate customers, weather and more.
“The support that Droppoint provides is key to making sure technicians are supported in the field.”
Droppoint is Always On, so you don’t have to be.
For more information, visit droppoint.com.au
