Glossary
What is Field Service Management?
Field service management (FSM) is the practice of dispatching, scheduling and managing technicians who work at customer or remote sites. It includes work order management, scheduling, mobile access, parts and often CRM and invoicing for service companies.
What it means
FSM software helps coordinate field work: assign jobs, track status, capture completion and link to billing. It overlaps with CMMS when the work is maintenance-focused.
Why it matters
- FSM covers dispatch, scheduling and execution of field work.
- Technicians need mobile access to work orders and customer/asset context.
- Service companies often need CRM and invoicing alongside work orders.
- CMMS with FSM capabilities supports maintenance and field service in one tool.
Example in maintenance operations
An HVAC company dispatches technicians to customer sites, tracks job status on mobile, records parts used and generates invoices from completed work—all supported by FSM or CMMS software.
Related concepts
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between FSM and CMMS?
CMMS focuses on maintenance work, assets and PM. FSM focuses on dispatching and managing field technicians and jobs. Many tools combine both; maintenance companies often need work orders, assets and billing in one platform.
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