5 Things You Didn’t Know About DataGuide

4/25/2024

Read Time: 3 min

For field service organizations, capturing accurate and complete data is crucial for success. But juggling complex forms and checklists can slow technicians down and lead to errors. That's where ServiceMax DataGuide steps in.

DataGuide is a powerful tool that empowers you to create and deploy advanced forms and checklists seamlessly within the platform. DataGuide goes beyond basic forms by leveraging the combined strengths of ServiceMax Go, the technician app, and the Core platform. It provides technicians with clear guidance and simplifies data capture for tasks like inspections, maintenance, and safety procedures.

In the following sections, we'll take a deep dive into how DataGuide can revolutionize your field service operations. We'll explore the latest new features, the benefits it offers for technicians and back-office teams, and ultimately, how it can contribute to enhanced customer satisfaction and a competitive edge.

1. Powerful, dynamic, mobile-first forms

Data generated and recorded in disparate systems causes visibility and compatibility issues. Because ServiceMax DataGuide fits snugly into the ServiceMax Core application, it’s able to make the most of all the existing data in Core. DataGuide’s forms can pull in the information stored on work orders, installed products, and other key objects so that the technician has full exposure to this data when they are out in the field. Forms are extremely dynamic in nature and can show the most relevant questions based on the specific asset or work order that the technician is fixing. Forms can also respond to how the technician is answering the questions to create a smooth and guided experience for the technician – all on the ServiceMax Go app, even when offline. No matter where the job takes them, they will always have access to the necessary work order workflows.

2. Efficient workflows for work orders with multiple assets

In a preventive maintenance job, it is common to service multiple assets in a single work order. This typically requires checklists to be run on every single asset in that work order to record readings on the asset, determine the condition of the asset, etc. DataGuide forms can be designed so that all the checklist questions for each asset on the work order appear in a single form. This saves a lot of time and effort for technicians as they can now answer the specific questions for every single asset on a work order in just one form. The readings and other data recorded on these assets can be pushed back to the source records as well, creating a perfect loop. This type of form also helps to easily consolidate the work done on different assets so that a single PDF can be printed out for customer approval.

3. Teamwork capabilities to get work done faster

As jobs get more complex, there almost always is a need to have multiple technicians with different skills, readiness, availability, and tools assigned to a job. Often, these jobs span multiple shifts, days, weeks, or even months. With DataGuide, a mobile worker can hand off an incomplete form so that another technician who is available and best suited for the job can “claim” this form and continue working on it. This capability in DataGuide allows greater flexibility by allowing multiple technicians to work on the same form, improving efficiency of job completion.

4. Customizable PDFs with Advanced Document Template

Gathering great field data using powerful forms is only half the job. This then needs to be presented to the customer for approval and sign off. Every service organization has their own standard documents, typically service PDFs that adhere to certain styles and guidelines. With Advanced Document Template capability in DataGuide, it is possible to design customized PDF templates that adhere to the prescribed styles and format. It is also possible to include a DataGuide form and choose specific questions from the form that must be printed in the PDF – all with a no-code designer. These PDFs end up being crisp, precise and very visual, directing attention to the critical information in the PDF. This PDF capability drives higher customer satisfaction while increasing efficiency of the administrator.

5. Multi-language forms ensure accurate data collection

In global deployments, it is imperative to present forms in the mobile worker’s native language so that accurate data is recorded. Once the work is complete and the technician prepares the service report for customer sign off, they can now generate a PDF in the preferred language of the customer. Imagine a service organization in Canada where French and English are equally popular. With DataGuide, an English-speaking technician can fill out the form in English but can print the PDF in French. This capability boosts customer satisfaction while streamlining the business processes when multiple languages are involved.

By harnessing the power of ServiceMax DataGuide, you can unlock new levels of data-driven efficiency in your field service organization. With streamlined data capture, improved accuracy, and a more empowered workforce, you can optimize service delivery, reduce errors, and ensure your customers receive an exceptional service experience. Ready to experience the transformation? Explore how DataGuide can elevate your service operations to the next level.

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About the Author

Archana Gopala Krishnan

Archana is a Director of Product Management at ServiceMax. She focuses on the mobile suite of products, including the technician app - ServiceMax Go and DataGuide. With over a decade at ServiceMax, she has worked in various roles in Engineering and Product, working closely with customers. Prior to ServiceMax, Archana worked in numerous positions at Talisma, Bangalore.