Many new field service businesses start out with manual dispatch processes, using whiteboards and spreadsheets to schedule jobs and technicians. These workflows are inefficient to begin with, and only grow more unwieldy as the business gets busier. The result is stressed-out dispatchers juggling job information across multiple physical and digital locations, often leading to costly mistakes or employee burnout.
Dispatch software can help reduce headaches and improve efficiency. Investing in dispatch software can ultimately increase revenue by improving productivity and making field service operations more scalable, but there are both initial and recurring costs that must be considered in your budget. Using Zuper’s dispatch software as a model, let’s examine the dispatch software cost factors that determine the price of these solutions.
Dispatch Software Cost Factors
This table highlights the main factors that influence the cost of dispatch software, with more detailed breakdowns below.
| Dispatch Software Cost Factors | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Factor | Description | Example |
| 1 | Number of Users | Dispatch software is often billed per user | Zuper’s Starter plan is $65 per user, per month |
| 2 | Features | More expensive plans typically have more features | Zuper’s Core plan unlocks advanced tools for $85 per user, per month |
| 3 | Configurability | Dispatch board customizations are usually an additional cost | Zuper’s Premium plan offers rules-based dispatch board configurability, among other features, for $105 per user, per month |
| 4 | Live Support | Providers often charge an additional fee for live support | Zuper offers an affordable add-on for 24/7 global customer support |
Number of Users
Platform providers like Zuper typically charge for dispatch software on a per-user basis, so the number of users needing access to the software is the most significant contributing factor to the overall cost. This also means that the price will continue to increase as your field service business grows, something you need to consider when budgeting for new hires.
Features
It’s very common for dispatch software providers like Zuper to offer pricing tiers that get more expensive as you add more features. Smaller companies with less complex operations can take advantage of less costly plans and avoid cluttering their dispatch board with unnecessary features, while larger operations can get advanced tooling for an increased price. As an example, here are some of the features included in each of Zuper’s pricing plans:
| Zuper Dispatch Software Pricing Plan Features | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | Starter ($65/user/mo) | Core ($85/user/mo) | Premium ($105/user/mo) |
| Mobile and desktop apps | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Live technician tracking | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Distance & travel time between jobs | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Routes | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Route optimization | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Recurring routes | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Service territories | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Dispatch board configurability | ✔ | ||
Some dispatch software, including Zuper, will also provide additional field service management features, such as work order management, timekeeping, invoicing, and inventory management. These features also influence the software’s ultimate cost.
Configurability
As you can see from the table above, adding the ability to configure the dispatch board to your exact specifications will usually cost extra. For example, Zuper’s Premium plan lets you set custom dispatch board colors and icons based on rules, further automating dispatching workflows and improving efficiency.
Schedule a demo to see Zuper’s configurable dispatch board in action.
Live Support
Zuper and other dispatch software vendors provide a range of online support resources to guide you through configurations or help you with any issues you run into. However, if you want live support from a human who’s available in case of emergency, this will be an additional fee.
Why Zuper’s Dispatch Software is Worth the Cost
Replacing your outdated dispatch processes with a digital system can be costly, but it’s worth every penny. Zuper’s intelligent dispatch software can help you improve operational efficiency and, ultimately, revenue, with benefits such as:
- The ability to orchestrate jobs from a centralized dispatch board that automatically schedules technicians based on factors like job volume, skillsets, customer preferences, and geographic proximity.
- Less risk of double-bookings and other scheduling conflicts thanks to smart scheduling tools that assign crews and equipment to jobs based on factors like locations and schedules.
- Reduced “windshield time” (or non-billable driving time) thanks to route optimization with GPS tracking, including the ability to create recurring routes.
- Improved customer satisfaction and retention thanks to automated text and email communications for things like day-before reminders, on-my-way alerts, and post-job follow-ups.
- Improved field technician productivity and job satisfaction thanks to a user-friendly mobile app that significantly streamlines workflows on the go.
Reach out to learn more about Zuper’s dispatch software cost and benefits for your field service organization.
