First question first: What is Connected Field Service?
Connected Field Service is a system that connects IoT data with Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Field Service to proactively monitor equipment using sensors and then generate Cases and Work Orders when components exceed acceptable thresholds, such as when a server overheats, or a temperature reading is too high. Connected Field Service is based on the Internet of Things (IoT), which is a network of internet-connected devices that may send data back to a central platform for processing.
Connected Field Service and Azure IoT Central
Connected Field Service for Azure IoT Central connects Dynamics 365 Field Service to Azure IoT Central, a centrally managed IoT Application Platform as a Service (APaaS) solution.
Builders may configure actions and rules in Azure IoT Central. IoT notifications will be generated in Connected Field Service based on such activities. In addition, information from Connected Field Service may be relayed back to Azure IoT Central. Power Automate, a SaaS product for automating workflows across apps and services, is used to manage the service. Furthermore, rules can be defined such that the equipment can attempt to repair itself, such as restarting if it has crashed or speeding up a fan if it is overheating.
The end-to-end integration processes that can be implemented
- Azure IoT Central may submit device anomaly information to Connected Field Service (as an IoT Alert) for diagnostics.
- Cases or work orders generated by device abnormalities can be created via Connected Field Service.
- To avoid downtime situations, Connected Field Service may schedule technicians for inspection.
- The device dashboard on Azure IoT Central may be updated with necessary service and scheduling information.
To get an IoT solution set up and running, Azure IoT Central does not require any considerable cloud development or coding knowledge. Users may connect their accounts, use the pre-built templates that Microsoft offers, and modify their own processes in a simple visual designer without coding skills using Power Automate templates.
Working mechanism of Connected Field Service with Azure IoT Central
1. Receiving IoT alerts in the Connected Field Service from the Microsoft Azure IoT Central
After Connected Field Service and Azure IoT Central have been configured, the system may receive and view alerts from Azure IoT Central in your installation of Connected Field Service. IoT notifications will appear on the dashboard and will be associated with applicable work orders which have been generated automatically.
2. Assign devices with the client accounts
If an IoT device is not linked to a client account in Connected Field Service, the system will be unable to produce work orders or cases in response to incoming alarms. Associating a device with a client account is a critical step. Client accounts are not necessary in Azure IoT Central, but they are mandatory in Connected Field Service.
3. Forward updates of work updates to Azure IoT Central
When you interact with the demo data package, you’ll notice that when an IoT device causes an alert in Azure IoT Central, work orders are automatically issued in Connected Field Service. Also, note that the same work order is connected with the IoT alarm in Connected Field Service. However, main task is to get this data back into IoT Central when work orders are generated automatically.
4. Send booking confirmation updates to Azure IoT Central
Once the setup of Connected Field Service to transmit service updates back to IoT Central is completed, it is vital to add booking details. Whenever a resource is booked in Connected Field Service, configure it in a way; to communicate booking changes to Azure IoT Central.
The main perks of using Connected Field service
1. Maintenance prediction
Machine Learning and AI are used to analyze device data in order to forecast when a service is required before any problems arise. Configure ideal conditions for devices and forecast servicing prospects for when repairs, cleaning, or replacement components are required. This guarantees that both you and your clients’ devices are performing optimally at all times.
2. Device monitoring in real time
Real-time device monitoring allows you to obtain data on several features of your device in real time. Your devices are linked via the Azure IoT hub, where you can specify particular characteristics, operations, and thresholds to guarantee you’re monitoring everything that needs to be monitored. When thresholds are exceeded, an IoT alert is issued and predefined follow-up actions are initiated via a process. The Field Service dashboard will show any IoT alarms, allowing you to dig down into them and easily see the data due to incorporated Power BI visualizations.
3. Optimization of the schedule
When remote troubleshooting is not feasible, Connected Field Service will automatically establish a work order and identify the suitable technician with all of the necessary skills and parts to be scheduled and deployed to resolve the issue. The work order provides all of the required information and processes for the problem, so they know what’s going on before their arrival, letting them to work more effectively. This approach ensures that issues are resolved as quickly and cost-effectively as feasible, making both clients and enterprise elated.
4. Troubleshooting and remote access
With IoT and Connected Field Service, your devices are continually monitored, and when an abnormality in the data or some form of issue is noticed, workflows are triggered to attempt to automatically solve the issue through self-healing as well as remote access. These processes are based on criteria that are established when the device is first set up; activities such as rebooting can be conducted automatically to try to solve problems as fast as possible. Remote troubleshooting may cure minor issues before they become serious ones, keeping your consumers delighted with your service.
Final Thoughts
These are just a handful of the Connected Field Service capabilities that may help you drive your business forward and entirely revolutionize the way you deliver services to your clients. This blog post has just covered the IoT features included with Connected Field Service, however if you want to learn more about IoT and Dynamics 365 for Field Service, please connect with us at sales@dynatechconsultancy.com.
