Top 3 ways ServiceNow FSM can reduce manufacturing downtime

Downtime is the bane of any manufacturing operation. Every minute that equipment sits idle translates to lost productivity, missed deadlines, and ultimately, decreased revenue. In today’s competitive landscape, manufacturers need every advantage they can get to optimise efficiency and keep production lines running smoothly. ServiceNow Field Service Management (FSM) offers a powerful solution to combat downtime and maximise uptime.

Here are three key ways ServiceNow FSM can help you reduce manufacturing downtime:

1. Predictive maintenance: Stopping problems before they start

Imagine if you could predict when a piece of equipment is likely to fail before it actually happens. This is the power of predictive maintenance, and ServiceNow FSM makes it a reality.

By leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning, ServiceNow FSM can:

• Gather data from connected devices and sensors: Monitor equipment performance in real-time, tracking key metrics like temperature, vibration, and operating hours.
• Analyse historical data: Identify patterns and trends in equipment performance to predict when maintenance is needed.
• Trigger automated alerts: Notify your maintenance team when an asset is approaching its threshold for failure.

With this proactive approach, you can schedule maintenance before a breakdown occurs, minimising downtime and preventing costly disruptions to your operations.

2. Streamlined work order management: Faster response, faster resolution

When an issue does arise, ServiceNow FSM helps you resolve it quickly and efficiently. Its streamlined work order management system ensures that:

• Work orders are created and assigned promptly: Automate work order creation from various sources, such as IoT alerts, technician reports, or customer requests. Intelligently assign those orders to the most qualified technician based on skills, location, and availability.
• Technicians have access to critical information: Provide technicians with mobile access to work order details, equipment history, knowledge articles, and even real-time collaboration tools.
• Communication is seamless: Enable real-time communication between technicians, dispatchers, and other team members to ensure everyone is informed and aligned.

By streamlining the entire work order process, ServiceNow FSM reduces response times, improves first-time fix rates, and minimises the time equipment spends out of service.

3. Optimised scheduling and dispatch: Getting the right technician to the right place at the right time

Efficient scheduling and dispatch are crucial for minimising downtime. ServiceNow FSM optimises this process by:

• Considering technician skills and availability: Ensure that the most qualified technician is assigned to each job, minimising the risk of delays or repeat visits.
• Optimising routes and travel time: Plan the most efficient routes for your technicians, reducing travel time and ensuring they arrive on-site promptly.
• Providing real-time visibility: Track technician location and job status in real-time, allowing you to adjust schedules dynamically and respond to urgent situations quickly.

By optimising scheduling and dispatch, ServiceNow FSM ensures that your technicians are deployed effectively, minimising travel time and maximising their productivity.

Conclusion

ServiceNow FSM is a powerful tool for manufacturers looking to reduce downtime and optimise their field service operations. By embracing predictive maintenance, streamlining work order management, and optimising scheduling and dispatch, you can keep your equipment running smoothly, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction.

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Ready to minimise downtime and maximise productivity with ServiceNow FSM?

Contact Devoteam, the #1 ServiceNow partner in EMEA, to learn how we can help you implement and optimise ServiceNow FSM for your manufacturing business.