The 7 Best Field Service Management Software for Small Business in 2024
Looking for field service management software for your small business? We’ve reviewed 7 of the best apps on the market to help you!
Payroll, compliance, and time tracking are functions you don’t want to mess up in your field service business. To ensure you have the right solution for your business needs, we’ve compiled a list of the seven field service management software for small businesses in 2024.
In this article, we’ll examine the best solutions for managing field service teams, providing an overview of their key features and pros and cons. We’ll also see what actual users say about their experience.
Let’s start with a quick overview of our entries.
Top Picks
Below, you’ll find a summary of each app we’ve reviewed, with our scores, each app’s ideal use cases, its pricing, the availability of any free trials or free tiers, and the platforms on which the app is available. Each app has been thoroughly investigated and analyzed for users like you, with pros and cons, key features, integrations, and real user reviews.
Let’s take a look…
9.3 
14-day free trial, (no card needed)
8.1 
Demo available upon request
EDITOR’S NOTE: We created Workyard – the first app reviewed here – to address issues we encountered while struggling to track and manage construction payrolls for over 700 workers in over 50 construction businesses. We built the Workyard app from the ground up to support construction companies like yours, with industry-essential features like the industry’s most accurate time clock app with GPS and geofencing, intuitive contractor scheduling, construction cost tracking tools, and more.
Learn more about how Workyard works on our main website, or sign up for a 14-day free trial today to see what Workyard can do for your business.
Workyard
Scoring
Key Features
-
Best-in-class GPS time clock
-
Integration with payroll systems and workflow in minutes
-
Labor compliance in-app functionality
-
Scheduling for individual workers and teams
-
Job-tracking with real-time data
-
Job costing for all types of jobs
-
Reporting with analysis and insights
Time card data automates payroll
Accurate labor cost capture and calculation
Great mobile experience
Occasional app bugs
GPS tracking can drain device battery
Some standardized features could be more customizable
Highlights
Workyard’s specially designed tools help you manage field service teams, optimize schedules, and track time accurately to maintain profitability with each service request.
Best-in-Class GPS Time Clock
Workyard’s time clock uses live phone-based GPS tracking alongside personalized geofencing to accurately track workers’ locations. Even in the field, you can rest assured every service personnel’s worked minute will be accounted for.
Field employees no longer need to punch time cards manually – in fact, they may not even need to clock in on their phones. Workyard automates clock-in and clock-out for every employee. The app also puts every team member on a map you can view anytime.
Workyard makes sure you have accurate reimbursements for vehicle trips by calculating mileage and journeys via GPS.
With its precise GPS tracking, Workyard makes sure that every timecard and timesheet is accurate, reflecting actual labor costs so you can keep projects profitable.
See why 50,000+ workers and over 10,000 contractors use Workyard (and why construction managers and leaders like you have rated us 4.9 of 5 stars on Capterra). Explore Workyard and start a 14-day free trial today to see how we can speed up your construction and workforce management.
Integrations
Workyard integrates with your CRM, accounting, and payroll for streamlined business processing. Its native integrations include QuickBooks, Gusto, Oracle NetSuite, Rippling, and more.
Within minutes, Workyard seamlessly imports employee and project data to other systems for streamlined billing, invoicing, and job cost reporting.
Workyard also exports data to CSV for use in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. The app’s Developer API also lets you connect to more systems not already on the list.
Labor Compliance
Workyard is equipped with built-in labor guidelines for managing compliance. The platform creates automatic audit trails to document time records for every employee on your team.
Workyard is FLSA-compliant and stores records in an online, searchable repository. You can also use Workyard to set rules for mandatory breaks and overtime by state and stay compliant with labor regulations.
Scheduling
Workyard makes it easy to assign team members to projects and tasks with its visual calendar dashboard.
With Workyard’s construction scheduling software, you can:
- Schedule multiple jobs for any worker (or several workers to the same job)
- Assign job duration from start to completion
- Add to-do checklists to each job
- Track scheduled jobs by status
- See schedules by week, month, or task
- Organize schedules by job type, deadline, date, and others
- Repeat scheduled projects or tasks
Workyard’s mobile app syncs employees’ schedules in real-time so everyone stays on the same page.
Job Tracking
Workyard’s job-tracking software places key metrics and real-time updates at your fingertips.
With Workyard, you can easily:
- Capture job progress with the mobile app
- Increase transparency around project activity
- Speed up business processes
- Improve billing and job estimates with labor costs
The platform provides vital field service data, including:
Labor time and costs. Every timecard submission includes hours worked per job and/or cost codes.
Site visits. Every employee clock-in and clock-out is automatically captured.
Worksite vehicle trips. Relevant driving trips to each job site are tracked and recorded.
Project updates. Every worker assigned to a job can share progress updates with notes and photos.
Receipts. Team members have the autonomy to record receipts and attach them to the relevant job.
Job Costing
Workyard’s live cost tracking captures job costs by recording and analyzing time card submissions.
You can group and filter job costs by:
- Employee
- Project type
- Duration of project
- Cost code
- Date
Workyard receives each log and time card submission, automatically calculating job costs for each task. The platform does this for every employee on your team and updates your dashboard in real time.
Workyard synchronizes job cost data and time sheets with existing accounting software for faster processing.
Reporting
Workyard creates customizable reports and dashboards to give you insights for better business and workforce management.
Generate and customize the following reports in minutes:
- Time cards (detail, summary)
- Time card notes
- Time off summary
- Pay period time
Project and cost code time (detail, summary)
Workyard allows you to create the following reports:
Task report. Filter and group entries by time, cost code, and project code
Project report. Create project reports on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis
Progress report. Export current project notes in PDF and CSV format, including image attachments
Employee time report. Create reports on teams’ worked hours, labor costs, and activity on job sites
Workyard places key metrics and data at your fingertips to help you gain insight into project labor costs and understand how employees spend their time.
Reviews
Workyard users say that the app has greatly reduced payroll errors and delays. However, some users report occasional app bugs.
iOS user SimmyLuvsChrist says Workyard has made life easy and delivers on its promise to provide real-time updates:
Life made easy! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Being able to Clock-in with ease has been one less stress. The App is easy to use and I can locate the information I need without issue. There is not a delay in updates or a constant need to refresh the app.
Android user Andrew Webb loves the apps’ time-tracking and labor costing features:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great for keeping track of employee hours. Even better than that I can get reports on the labor costs for each of my projects without any extra effort!
Workyard user Sam D. says the app has greatly reduced payroll errors and delays:
First time Geo-Fence Time Clock User – Love Workyard! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: We have loved getting onto digital timecards, and have found the direct export from Workyard to our payroll company to greatly reduce payroll errors and delays. We strongly recommend this service to any company looking to upgrade their payroll timecards.
Pros: Workyard was incredibly simple to roll-out, easy to train our current staff how to use, and easy to geo-fence projects.
Cons: The geo-fence feature can get complicated with projects that are in the same building, or very close to each other.
Pricing
Free Trial?
YES
14-day trial with no credit card required
Time Tracking
Annual: $6 / mo. per user + $50 base fee
Monthly: $8 / mo. per user + $50 base fee
Workforce Management
Annual: $13 / mo. per user + $50 base fee
Monthly: $16 / mo. per user + $50 base fee
Field service businesses save thousands with Workyard
See How
FieldPulse
Scoring
Key Features
-
Scheduling and dispatching with job photos and notes
-
CRM with customer communication tools like email and SMS
-
Mobile estimates and invoice item templates
-
Job and work order management with technician and manager assignments
-
Service agreements with technician sales materials for upselling
Great customer support
Good scheduling features
Easy to set up
More mobile features for field technicians could be added
Expensive for small businesses
No free trial for users to test before committing
Highlights
FieldPulse is a field services solutions provider for trade businesses, like HVAC-R, plumbing, and electrical contractors.
The platform offers streamlined solutions for scheduling and dispatching with its calendar and GPS tracking features. Field workers can clock in and out, plan routes with one-click navigation, and attach photos and notes to jobs.
FieldPulse’s Mobile Invoicing app connects inventory lists to invoices. This means the system automatically updates inventory records with every completed field assignment. The platform also offers pre-made estimate templates, which can be linked to the calendar to schedule new jobs.
The mobile app supplies technicians with sales materials for upselling, potentially creating more sales when field workers present service agreements to repeat customers.
FieldPulse integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks, financing apps like Square, HR, and recruiting systems like BlueRecruit, and other third-party partners.
Reviews
FieldPulse users found the app useful but had comments about the platform’s cost.
iOS user CoolTechMech says the app is useful, but needs more functionality for field technicians:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
App is pretty good but I have a couple of things to recommend. One being auto correct, sometimes autocorrect doesn’t work and it will autocorrect to a word that not even English. Secondly, my techs and feel that comments and field notes should be editable. There are times where we need to edit our notes for spelling and or grammar mistakes. Also, there are times when I need to edit a comment if there was additional scopes of work performed on that same day. PLEASE help us out and make this available in the next update.
FieldPulse user Crystal D. praised the customer support, but had reservations about the cost:
So far so good ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros: I liked the fact that [sensitive content hidden] my Customer Success Specialist, is so very kind and helpful. Whenever you need her she is right there to answer all of my question.Cons: What I like the least is the fact that it’s rather pricey for a small business just starting out. Plus they don’t give you a trial to use first. We had to purchase it first and there was a 15-day refund policy in place. But I would have preferred a trial without committing first.
Pricing
Free Trial?
NO
Demo available upon request
Tiers
$99 per user / mo.
ServiceTitan
Scoring
Key Features
-
GPS tracking and timesheet breakdown
-
Integrated workforce management and marketing tools
-
Mobile automated tools for warehouse and tech crews
-
Client portal with work orders and payments
-
Job costing with project progress and material tracking
User-friendly
Great customer service
Good client portal features
Difficult onboarding and setup
Rapid updates upset user workflows
Slow mobile performance
Highlights
ServiceTitan is service management software for home service businesses, and it also supports commercial and residential contractors. The platform specializes in field operations management tools, such as scheduling, crew management, technician tracking, and project tracking.
ServiceTitan tracks technicians’ clock-ins and clock-outs as well as their driving times, vendor runs, and wrench times. The platform automatically breaks down time and labor costs from the field so you can check the profitability of your field team’s jobs.
You can set up branded estimates and proposals in ServiceTitan, as well as automate recurring service agreements for your clients. The platform’s client portal allows customers to track technicians on their way to work sites. Clients can also view personalized service pricing, request services, and pay their invoices online.
ServiceTitan offers a dedicated inventory app to track materials from purchase to the warehouse, streamlining operations and management processes.
Reviews
ServiceTitan users said the app does a great job of streamlining client transactions, but its mobile version needs a major overhaul.
iiOS user J800k says the app is almost perfect, but the app runs slow on mobile devices:
Almost perfect⭐⭐⭐
Been knowing about this application for several years now. Began to utilize it as soon as I got into plumbing. Everything works fine but there are some things that would make it better.For example, when I need a purchase order ( P.O ) I can’t save it without having to fill out ALL the blanks. I get it, it’s necessary but in the version I began with I did not need to do that. I like to enter them at the end of a project. Just makes it easier to use. Also it does tend to be slow at times. I would restart my iPad, uninstall and reinstall and the app would still not open. Making the app user friendly would increase the ratings. …Besides that, I have no other issues. Thank You Service Titan!
Android user Collin Verge reports multiple issues with the mobile app:
⭐⭐
Fixed needed: 1. Since I’ve been using this app for the past 7 months, I always find myself needing to refresh the app when I pull up to a customers house. When I try to hit the “arrive” button, it does nothing unless I refresh the app and try again immediately.2. Just purchased new phone last week(Pixel 8 Pro). Since using this app on the new phone, I am no longer able to upload pictures of the job onto the customers account. The screen freezes and pics are not added. Please fix these issues.
ServiceTitan user Leon W. says the app improves client experience and transactions, but the onboarding process is a little challenging:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: Our overall experience with ServiceTitan has been really great! It is the best software by a long shot! It is pricey but you certainly get what you pay for.Pros: We love how easy ServiceTitan makes things on our customers. Automated text messages when a technician is on the way, ability to pay their invoice online, and fast online scheduling with real time availability makes us very simple to do business with!
Cons: The implementation and setup is quite the process. New feature onboarding requires a lot of research and figuring out for yourself. ServiceTitan helps as much as they can but not having a dedicated account rep anymore makes this a little challenging.
Pricing
Free Trial?
NO
Demo available upon request
Starter
Must contact sales for pricing
Essentials
Must contact sales for pricing
The Works
Must contact sales for pricing
Jobber
Scoring
Key Features
-
Calendar management with personalization features
-
Job scheduling with team member schedule comparison
-
Automated job booking based on preferences
-
Instant invoice generation with customized email or text follow-up
-
Integrations with payroll and marketing systems
Easy to use for beginners
Good user interface
Flexible for multi-trade businesses
GPS tracking (Fleetsharp) needs improvement
Invoicing feature needs to be simplified
Users report low value for cost
Highlights
Jobber is job scheduling software targeting general contractors and other construction industry professionals.
Its construction business management software helps project owners schedule crew members and communicate with customers. The software also tracks time and materials used for various jobs to keep estimates accurate.
Contractors can use Jobber to map and route jobs, as well as track progress. The platform also comes with a client hub where customers can request projects, confirm job details, and receive updates on work progress.
The platform instantly generates invoices at job completion or on a pre-set schedule (ex. after each visit, every month, etc.). You can also set up custom notifications reminding customers about due payments through emails or text messages.
Jobber integrates with a broad range of business apps, like QuickBooks Online, Stripe, Zapier, MailChimp, CompanyCam, Google Local Services, and others.
Reviews
Jobber users say the app adapts well to different trade businesses and improves efficiency. However, it needs to deliver more value for the cost and improve key functions such as reporting and GPS tracking.
iOiOS user Emisydet says the app has improved business efficiency, but the reporting and GPS functions need fixing:
Great organizational tool⭐⭐⭐⭐
We love Jobber for logistics, organizing routes, setting up and keeping track of one-off and recurring jobs, materials, chemical services, etc, also the ability to upload pics and notes and to make changes to routes or job details without having to track down crews working on loud equipment.
…The reports are very basic and have a lot of room for improvement – hence 4 stars. When we download reports we have to heavily edit them in excel to be useful. That gets annoying bc of time required which no landscaper has to spare. The report shortcomings might really matter to a small company using Jobber for all it’s capabilities – which we’re not. Hopefully improvements are on the way in that area.
The only GPS that syncs with Jobber is Fleetsharp/Linxup and Fleetsharp customer service is so bad that we switched back to Clearpath anyways. Therefore we lost that connection betw our trucks and Jobber. Hopefully they expand that also? Still highly recommend Jobber to any service business. It’s done a lot to improve our efficiency.
Android user P. Me says Jobber has a good interface, but the invoicing feature needs to be simplified:
⭐⭐⭐
Nice app. One of the better user interfaces. However, the invoice template fails to allow banking details and other details (maybe I did it wrong), which are required on an invoice in Australia. Also, clients want the actual invoice sent to them, & not have to waste their time clicking through the client hub to get their invoice. No delete account option in settings either.
Jobber user Martin D. says the platform is quite flexible, but could deliver more value for its cost:
Great Software ⭐⭐⭐
Overall: Very good software, i have spoken to them several times regarding learning the new features and explaining how we use the software. They are very approachable and willing to listen to ideas for improvement and feature requests to make running a buisness easier.
Pros: It’s flexibility to our multi trade business it allows us to customise to sure each and every type of servcies, from regular window cleaning to one-off big construction projects.
Cons: I feel the limit on the number of users should be higher considering the amount you pay on the top tier plans. You can add additional users at additional cost which i don’t feel is priced low enough. I also feel that some of the new features they are implementing should not be additional cost and should be included as part of the grow plan.
Pricing
Free Trial?
YES
14-day free trial
Core
Monthly: $69/ mo. per user
Annual: $49/ mo. per user
Connect
Monthly: $169/ mo. per user
Annual: $129/ mo per user
Grow
Monthly: $349/ mo. per user
Annual: $249/ mo per user
Simpro
Scoring
Key Features
-
Job scheduling calendar with automated notifications
-
Estimating and quoting with vendor catalog synchronization
-
Inventory management with vendor comparison
-
Service delivery with quotes and job creation
-
Mobile invoice generation
-
Business reports with scheduled automated report generation
Integrates well with other systems
Good quoting functions
Useful features for field technicians
Poor customer support
Users report platform is often offline
Custom reporting could be simplified
Highlights
Simpro is global field service management software for trade service professionals. It offers dedicated enterprise solutions for franchises, multiple businesses, or companies operating in different locations.
The platform allows you to schedule field workers and set up automatic reminders to make sure no one misses their appointments.
You can also set up detailed estimates and quotes for each project, which clients can pay for using card, check, cash, mobile, or bank transfer. The platform allows you to create and send invoices from the web or on your mobile phone. Simpro also features a Data Feed add-on to automatically populate invoices from existing documents.
Simpro features GPS tracking for both field workers and fleet vehicles. Team members can clock in and out and record their job details on the app. You can use the app to track work-related trips and calculate distances between a current job site and the next site to optimize routes.
Simpro integrates with accounting, asset management, job management, and other business systems.
Reviews
Simpro users said the app was useful for team communication and integrates well with other systems. However, users report the app has been offline more than usual.
iOS user athebner rated the app four stars, but wishes for one thing:
Darkmode ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This app needs dark mode!!Working off this app all day kills my eyes
An unnamed Simpro user (verified LinkedIn reviewer) says the app has gone downhill recently:
Office Manager ⭐
Overall: Not good any more. This product is not well supported by customer support
Pros: I dont like it at all, Simpro was sold off to an offshore investor. Since then no customer support are available and their product is often offline and the mobile apps don’t upload Techn notes
Cons: No customer support, software often down and slow and mobile app not working properly
Pricing
Free Trial?
NO
Demo available upon request
Simpro Premium
Must contact sales for pricing
Service Fusion
Scoring
Key Features
-
Scheduling with optimized route plans
-
Real-time GPS vehicle tracking on mobile app
-
Fleet planning with route optimization
-
Auto-generated invoices at job completion
-
Customer management with documentation
-
Real-time notifications for both clients and workers
Reliable
Good onboarding experience
Plenty of features for field technicians and contractors
Integration issues with other systems
Mobile app lacks robustness for supervisors
The number of features and options can overwhelm new users
Highlights
Service Fusion field service management software helps contractors manage field employees and streamline business processes.
It offers scheduling with GPS vehicle tracking. The platform automatically plans and optimizes routes, taking into account vehicle speed, fuel costs, traffic, weather, customer preference, and other factors. Using the app, contractors can also notify both clients and technicians about ETAs and schedule updates with auto-alerts.
Field workers can create estimates, generate invoices at job completion, and close work orders from their phones.
The platform centralizes client-related documents and project details for faster transactions and communication.
Reviews
Service Fusion users said the app saves them time in some areas, but the mobile experience needs to be improved.
iOS user MNsecuritech says the web platform is good, but the mobile version needs to be more robust:
Really good, but definite room for improvement. ⭐⭐⭐
The whole Service Fusion desktop program and mobile app are great, overall. But I’m in a position where I need many of the desktop browser features, while on the road, and it’s just not made for this.
There is no Mobile Browser usability to speak of, and the app features are so restricted (even with full permissions) that it’s literally only suitable for the technician to get the job at hand done.
Any feature requests or general bug reporting can only be submitted from the desktop browser, making it impossible for the field technician to submit them with an accurate description.
For the stereotypical service manager chained to the office, and mindless worker-bee field techs, this is golden. But things can definitely be improved for more adaptability.
Android user Walter Geiger says the app saves him time:
⭐⭐⭐
Can be customized for your needs, yet it takes time to get it correct. Simple and resourceful. Much better than Route Star and less time wasting than Sales Force.
Service Fusion user Natalie A. says she likes the app’s dispatch feature and calendar view. However, the mobile experience could be improved:
Domination Review⭐⭐⭐
Pros: having dispatch screen and calendar view. Seeing each visit and being able to assign multiple techs.
Cons: invoicing can be complicated when you change to progress billing. the app is not the most functional to use.
Pricing
Free Trial?
NO
Demo available upon request
Starter
Monthly: $195 / mo. (unlimited users)
Annual: $165 / mo. (unlimited users)
Plus
Monthly: $295 / mo. (unlimited users)
Annual: $250 / mo. (unlimited users)
Pro
Monthly: $495 / mo. (unlimited users)
Annual: $420 / mo. (unlimited users)
Workiz
Scoring
Key Features
-
Drag-and-drop scheduling with multi-day jobs
-
Customizable mobile invoicing
-
Estimates with job cost and time expectations
-
Service plans with automated service agreements
-
GPS tracking with route optimization
-
Inventory management and materials tracking
-
Reporting with performance tracking
-
Customized client communication with automated notifications
Reminders feature useful for keeping track of open jobs
Free tools for businesses
User-friendly
Poor customer service
Messaging could be improved
Mobile experience issues
Highlights
Workiz is a field service management app for trade industries such as HVAC, plumbing, appliance repair, junk removal, locksmiths, and others.
It develops industry-specific tools for field services management including estimation tools with job cost and time expectations. It also comes with GPS tracking with route optimization for mobile employees.
You can create service plans with automated service agreements to streamline transactions with clients. You can also create and send customized invoices using your mobile phone. Clients have the option to leave deposits, pay for jobs, and receive automated receipts using the platform.
Workiz integrates with many popular third-party business apps and systems including QuickBooks, Zapier, Mailchimp, Nexa, SearchKings, and others.
Reviews
Workiz users said the app does its job, but recent updates ruined their mobile experience.
iOS user DSJRR says the app used to work fine, but then updates ruined the scheduling feature for his team:
Back to Previous Layout ⭐⭐
I enjoy using the Workiz platform, truthfully. That was before the update. The new update makes it very challenging to keep up with. It crunches all of our scheduled services together even if the dates are different. It really makes our organization suffer.
I would really prefer to go back to the previous layout. I would 100% rate the previous layout as five-stars. As soon as we get back to previous layout, I will edit this review. Thanks.
Android user Andrew Grove had the same complaints about recent updates:
⭐
This app is an absolute MESS after the new update. The previous version of the app had issues, but worked perfectly fine. This new version is borderline unusable. The developers ruined the iOS version of the app a few months ago, so I switched to an Android because the Android version was still good. Now they’ve ruined the Android version with many of the same, unnecessary changes. Now both versions suck. If you’re not already running your business on Workiz, I’d suggest looking elsewhere.
Workiz user James S. appreciates the app’s reminder and notifications feature, but hopes the messaging and reporting functions get straightened out soon:
Very nice Field management software ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pros: Reminders on estimates and jobs not closed. Easy to see anything open on desk top. Has a lot of preset rules you can implement.
Cons: Messaging is a little difficult to follow. I was hoping the reporting would be a little more straightforward.
Pricing
Free Trial?
YES
Lite tier
Lite
Free
Standard
Monthly – $225 / mo.
Annual – $198 / mo.
Ultimate
Must contact sales for pricing
The Bottom Line
The best field service management software for small businesses should provide at least two of these three critical functions: payroll, compliance, and time-tracking solutions. These functions help field service managers reduce errors, maintain records, and prepare forms for filing to avoid penalties.
The best field service management software for small businesses are thus those that adapt to their size and needs without breaking the bank. And now that you’ve explored seven of the best field service management apps on the market for small businesses today, you should be well-equipped to make the right choice for your team.
Construction managers and field workers love the Workyard mobile experience. Our iOS and Android apps are designed around the needs of field service managers in the construction business.Our web platform also simplifies scheduling, project management, payroll, and more. Try Workyard free for 14 days andsee how we can simplify your field service management and make your business more profitable!
Our Scoring System Explained
Our 8-part scoring system was created to help you understand the potential value of any software we review simply and fairly.
We created it after reviewing dozens of software products, which we covered in depth, but without providing a direct and simple way for readers to compare products on their merits – without spending a lot of time looking through our articles for the information they needed to make an informed decision.
Every app we review will include Customer Support and Company scores, which we’ll explain in more detail below. Many of the factors reviewed in this article will also be consistent across most (or all) of our software reviews, with some differences:
The 8 factors assessed and their contribution to a product’s overall score may differ slightly from product to product based on various factors, such as the use case we’re reviewing for, the type of business these products are tailored to, and other considerations. However, all reviews will feature an 8-part score, weighted and combined to calculate each product’s overall score.
How We Score Software
All factors in our reviews are scored on a 10-point scale – technically 11 points – from 0-10. However, we only give products a score of 0 if it does not include an essential feature at all, and we try to avoid giving out 0 scores if a product can demonstrate any functionality in line with the specific factor being reviewed.
In general, the 0-10 range translates as:
- 9.0 – 10 – One of the absolute best in its category (amazing).
- 7.5 – 8.9 – Very good, but with some minor issues (very good).
- 6.0 – 7.4 – Mediocre performance with notable shortcomings (average).
- 3.0 – 5.9 – This feature is not ready for prime time (borderline).
- 1.0 – 2.9 – This feature actually makes its product worse (unacceptable).
- 0 – The product doesn’t include this important feature at all.
How We Calculate Overall Scores
The 8 factors reviewed are weighted based on an overall total of 100%:
- Ease of Use: 20%
- Time Tracking Accuracy: 20%
- Scheduling Features: 15%
- Job Tracking: 15%
- Integrations: 10%
- Customer Support: 15%
- Company: 5%
Methodology for Each Factor
Ease of Use
We evaluate a product’s ease of use based on three main considerations:
- How easy is it to set up this app?
- How easy is it for managers to use the backend dashboard?
- How easy is it for frontline workers to use the (mobile) app?
These three considerations cover the main ways you and your team would use the software being reviewed – when you first obtain it, when someone (a manager, executive, team leader, or similar role) needs to use it to manage people, money, data, and other things, and when workers you’re tracking use the app (usually a mobile version of the software designed for frontline and/or field team members) to clock in, clock out, record time worked, or address other day-to-day needs.
Time Tracking Accuracy
Every minute matters when you’re trying to control payroll costs. This factor accounts for various features and common needs in time-tracking apps, such as…
- How accurate or precise is its GPS tracking capability?
- How accurate – and how customizable – is its geofencing feature?
- How accurate is its travel and mileage tracking (if available)?
- Can it automatically clock workers in and out based on the above?
- Can you set and/or restrict rules for clocking in and out?
- Can the app continue tracking workers while offline?
- How easy is its mobile app and/or kiosk for frontline workers?
Scheduling Features
Many construction businesses prefer to manage as many aspects of employee labor activity as possible in a single app, which is why many time-tracking apps also include worker scheduling as a core feature.
When we consider a product’s scheduling features, we look at:
- Its dashboard customizability (daily, weekly, or monthly views).
- Its project-based scheduling and visibility.
- Its real-time updates and notifications for workers.
- Its real-time map views of worker locations for best-fit scheduling.
- Its recurring schedule (copies to subsequent weeks, etc.) functionality.
Job Tracking
This factor helps you understand if the software can also provide insight into specific projects, which is particularly handy when your business deals with many customers or clients who generally need shorter-term work. Effective job tracking typically also includes accurate job costing functionality for construction companies.
We assess several things when calculating a product’s job tracking score:
- Its project-based tracking for multiple projects per day/week/etc.
- Its ability to track multiple / many projects simultaneously.
- Its use of (and your ability to customize) construction cost codes.
- Any built-in job costing views.
- Any integrations for cost coding (QuickBooks etc.)
Integrations
No business can operate on a single app, which is why integrations with other apps and tools are such important aspects of modern business software.
To calculate a product’s integration score, we’ll examine:
- How many native integrations (the simplest connection) does it offer?
- How effective and easy-to-use are its integrations with payroll software?
- Does it have robust data import and export features?
Customer Support
Learning how to use a new app can be frustrating, even if it’s meant to be the most user-friendly app around. That’s why great customer support is so essential when considering which time-tracking app to use.
Customer support scores are calculated based on:
- Live support channels available (phone, email, chat, etc.).
- Live support hours (business hours only, 24/7, etc.).
- The strength of the product’s online help center and/or FAQs.
- What other users say about support in online reviews.
Company
A great company with a highly customer-friendly approach can often make up for shortcomings in their software products – at least up to a point.
When assessing this score, we’ll examine:
- Transparency (easy-to-find pricing, etc.)
- Trial period (duration, feature availability, credit card requirements, etc.).
- Subscription flexibility (contracts, required durations, etc.).
- Ease of cancellation or pausing subscriptions.
- Customer perceptions (online product reviews).
- Website (a minor consideration, but great companies tend to have great websites).
Any questions about our scoring system? Have any suggestions on how we could make it even better? Click here to send us your feedback – we’d love to hear from you!
The best field service management software for small businesses helps managers and project owners streamline scheduling, time-tracking, and invoicing for field service workers.
Workyard’s GPS time-tracking solution offers highly precise GPS employee and vehicle tracking to keep labor costs accurate. It also comes with web and mobile scheduling functionality, as well as granular reporting tools. Workyard integrates with accounting and payroll systems including:
- QuickBooks Desktop
- QuickBooks Online
- ADP Run
- ADP Workforce Now
- Foundation Software
- Sage 100 Contractor
- Sage 300 CRE
- Sage 50
- And more
Workyard automates payroll and invoices billable time using time card data. You can also import employee and project data to other systems to streamline billing, invoicing, and job cost reporting.
The pricing for field service management software in our list starts with $6 per user, scaling up to $8-$20 per month with base fees ranging from $198 per month.
Field service management software often features the following characteristics:
- Scheduling and dispatching: The best solutions enable team admins to schedule and dispatch field workers efficiently. Service personnel should ideally be assigned based on their skills and availability.
- Time-tracking: The best field service management software should ideally be equipped with precise time-tracking tools to ensure payroll is accurate. Errors in time cards and timesheets result in payroll errors as well as loss of time and money.
- HR and workforce management: Field service management software should be able to streamline employees’ onboarding, training, and offboarding. Performance tracking, employee experience, and satisfaction measurement tools are also valuable HR tools for field service management software.
- Payroll: The best field service management software should ensure payroll is streamlined, error-free, and on time. Otherwise, contractors and construction businesses run the risk of potential violations and penalties.
- Reporting and analytics: The best solutions should provide access to insights based on both historical and real-time field data. The best platforms generate customizable reports in minutes to help decision-makers to optimize field operations.
The best field service management software saves time by streamlining business processes in scheduling, payroll, and compliance. It reduces error and ensures compensation is accurate based on captured work hours.
Additionally, it saves time by eliminating double entry through integration with external payroll and accounting systems.
