How field service software is changing EV charge point maintenance

Field Service Management Software is helping EV Charge Point installation and maintenance service providers keep up with every increasing demand.

According to the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), 80% of new cars sold in Great Britain will be zero-emission by 2030.

Furthermore, the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), which incentivises businesses to incorporate green energy solutions into their building services and employee benefits programmes, has boosted interest in electric vehicles. Many businesses and commercial property owners are committed to reducing carbon emissions by installing EV charging stations. Reducing their impact on the climate and offering EV charging are also seen as great perks when attracting employees to join a business.

However, these EV charge points and stations need regular servicing and maintenance to meet compliance.

In this article, we cover:

• What The WCS Means For EV Installers And Field Engineers
• Unique Challenges For EV Charge Station Service Engineers
• How Can Field Service Software Help My EV Installation And Maintenance Business?
• Klipboard Can Supercharge Your EV Charge Point Maintenance And Installation Business

What The WCS Means For EV Installers And Field Engineers

The WCS supports organisations with the cost of installing up to 40 electric vehicle charge point sockets at their sites.

This has put extra pressure on installers to meet the growing demands and new compliance and regulations. Specialist skills are required, and engineers will be expected to complete installations in locations ranging from city centre hubs to rural settings.

Installers and maintenance companies are having to find new ways to optimise their time by getting the right people to each job, reduce asset downtime, and streamline communications with their clients.

Unique challenges for EV Charge Station Service Engineers

There are currently more than 35,000 charge point connectors across the UK in over 13,000 locations; that’s more charge points than petrol stations. It’s a growing trend that’s being seen across Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

These stations are high-tech, sophisticated pieces of equipment that need regular servicing and part replacement. They must also meet OZEV regulations, such as compliance with IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) and weatherproofing (BS EN 61851).

As the number of EV sockets installed rises, extra demand for acquiring parts for servicing and repairs will increase. Innovative inventory management will be crucial to avoid equipment downtime, which is where Field Service Software for EV charging point installation and maintenance can help.

How Can Field Service Software Help My EV Installation And Maintenance Business?

Businesses offering EV installation, servicing and maintenance often operate across large geographic areas. Efficient planning and excellent communication are key to avoiding wasted journeys and reducing client asset downtime. Features that you should look for in software for your EV installation/maintenance business include:

Job scheduling

Field services management software can provide comprehensive asset management tools, enabling you to manage EV charge points and schedule periodic maintenance efficiently.

Team coordination

Field service software helps you see what servicing jobs are due, which EV engineers are working on each job, and job progress. It also enables you to react quickly if a client alerts you to an urgent repair of an EV charge point.

Stock management

Field service software for EV charging point installation and maintenance helps you monitor stock levels and reorder parts as needed, ensuring EV installers have the necessary components for repairs and maintenance.

Customer communication

Automated service reminders enable you to send reminders to clients to minimise cancelled jobs.

Know what EV charge station parts you have in stock with Klipboard Inventory Management

As demand increases there will be extra pressure on acquiring parts for servicing and repairs.

As the number of EV socket installations continues to rise, it will be vital for your team to have easy access to inventory and parts lists. Reduce delays by seeing exactly what you have and order new parts when your stock gets low.

Every wait for a part is more time with your client unable to use their equipment, give them the best possible service by always making sure you have what you need in stock with Klipboard.

You may already have an inventory list but when you use Klipboard you’re connected to it in real-time. You can assign parts to a particular job and your team can see the locations of parts in multiple locations.

It’s all at their fingertips whether they are on location or in the office.

Klipboard helps you locate your team

With charging stations being installed in every corner of the UK, knowing where your team is vital when you’re trying to deliver a top-level service to your client.

The live feed on Klipboard will ensure you can see where your team is if they are en-route, arrived at the location, started a job and completed it. The level of visibility means you can adjust jobs on the go and if you need to assign a field engineer to a last-minute job you can pick the best person available.

Automate your client communication

Never miss a customer’s asset service with Klipboard automated service reminders. You don’t need to do anything just leave it to Klipboard. You can set up the number of weeks you need to set the reminder for, how the message is sent, such as email or SMS and create your personalised message, leave the rest to us.

To optimise your PPM Servicing scheduling, you can instantly see which services are upcoming or overdue. Filter the data in multiple ways for a clear view of what’s happening and export the report for your own records or to share it with your client.

Keep your client in the loop with Klipboard by sending automated calendar reminders including details of who in your team is visiting them and even tell them when they are en-route to the job.

Klipboard Can Supercharge Your EV Charge Point Maintenance And Installation Business

Klipboard provides Field Service Management Software for EV charge point maintenance and installation. The platform can help you meet the specific challenges faced in the EV charge point industry, including job scheduling, EV engineer coordination, stock management and customer communication.

Find out how we can support your business and empower your team to deliver seamless EV charge point installation and maintenance.