The evolution of field service software: from on-premise to the cloud

Over the past decades, field service software has gone through a significant transformation: from traditional, locally installed systems (on-premise) to modern, cloud-based solutions. This evolution has not only impacted how service companies manage their field operations but has also brought about a host of benefits and challenges. In this blog, we’ll delve into what these are and explain them to you.

Local installations

On-premise installations are local servers that house business data, such as customer, product, sales, marketing, legal, and financial data, completely under the control of the service organization. On-premise installations were the standard for many years, often providing a sense of security due to the server being under direct control, without reliance on third parties. However, there are also drawbacks: maintaining updates and upkeep requires in-house IT and application administrators. Additionally, ensuring adequate power backup, cooling, and access control can be costly.

Cloud based

With the advent of cloud technologies, transitioning from on-premise to the cloud became appealing for service organizations. In this model, data is no longer stored on a local server but is hosted on external servers accessible via the internet. Moreover, the responsibility for updates and maintenance shifts to the service provider, allowing service organizations to focus on their core activities.

Advantages of field service software in the cloud:

• Scalability: Service companies can easily scale up or down based on their needs without costly hardware investments, particularly beneficial for growing businesses requiring flexibility.
• Automatic updates: Software updates are automatically managed by the service provider, ensuring a system that is always up-to-date without the need for manual intervention.
• Cost savings: Cloud-based solutions generally require lower investments compared to on-premise installations.

Challenges and considerations:

• Security and privacy: While cloud solutions have significantly improved in terms of security, concerns about data security and privacy persist. Ensure your cloud provider adheres to strict security standards such as ISO/IEC 27001.
• Adaptation and transition: Migrating from local systems to the cloud can be challenging. Ensure employees are well-trained, and plan the migration carefully for a smooth transition.
• Cost management: While cloud-based solutions are often cost-effective in the long run, initial migration costs can be a concern. Consider both the total costs and long-term benefits.

Conclusion

The evolution of field service software from on-premise to cloud-based solutions offers companies new opportunities to work more flexibly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. With rapid advancements in cloud technologies and stringent security standards, this trend appears set to continue. Additionally, Sigmax’s field service solution, Connect, is also available in the cloud.