Key Takeaways
- Odoo Field Service covers the full lifecycle from task creation to invoicing, integrated with helpdesk and accounting
- Mobile app enables field workers to check in/out, capture photos, consume parts, and collect customer signatures on-site
- Automatic timesheet entries from check-in/check-out eliminate manual time tracking and feed directly into project costing
- Vehicle stock management tracks parts inventory per field worker and triggers reorder alerts when supplies run low
- Custom worksheet templates standardize data collection for different service types (installation, maintenance, inspection)
Task Creation and Scheduling
Field service tasks originate from helpdesk tickets, sales orders, maintenance requests, or manual creation. The scheduling calendar shows team availability, task duration estimates, and geographic clustering.
| Task Source | Auto-Creation | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Helpdesk ticket | Escalation action | Inherited from ticket |
| Sales order | Product type = service | Standard |
| Maintenance request | Equipment alert | Based on criticality |
| Manual | Dispatcher creates | Set manually |
| Recurring | Scheduled automation | Standard |
Group tasks by geographic area on the map view. Assign nearby tasks to the same field worker to minimize travel time and maximize daily task completion.
Mobile App Workflow for Field Workers
Field workers operate entirely from the Odoo mobile app. The workflow guides them through each task with access to customer information, task instructions, parts catalogs, and documentation tools.
- View daily task list with addresses and navigation links
- Check in at customer location (GPS timestamp recorded)
- Review task instructions and customer history
- Complete the custom worksheet for the service type
- Consume parts from vehicle stock and log materials used
- Capture photos of work completed for documentation
- Collect customer signature on the mobile device
- Check out to stop time tracking and mark task complete
Parts and Vehicle Stock Management
Each field worker has a virtual warehouse representing their vehicle stock. Parts consumed on tasks deduct from vehicle inventory, and reorder rules trigger replenishment when stock drops below threshold.
| Stock Operation | Trigger | Odoo Action |
|---|---|---|
| Parts consumption | Field worker logs usage | Stock deducted from vehicle location |
| Vehicle replenishment | Stock below minimum | Transfer order from main warehouse |
| Returns to warehouse | Unused parts return | Internal transfer back to warehouse |
| Defective parts | Field worker reports | Quality alert + stock quarantine |
Schedule monthly vehicle stock audits. Field workers count their vehicle inventory and report discrepancies. This prevents cumulative errors from unlogged consumption.
Automated Invoicing from Completed Tasks
Invoicing field service work typically involves labor hours, materials consumed, and travel charges. Odoo calculates all components from task data and generates invoices automatically.
- Labor: billable hours from timesheet entries at the configured rate
- Materials: parts consumed on the task at their sales price
- Travel: flat fee or per-kilometer charge based on task configuration
- Emergency premium: surcharge for after-hours or weekend service calls
- Service contracts: prepaid hours deducted from contract balance instead of invoicing
Custom Worksheets and Reporting
Worksheets standardize data collection for different service types. A maintenance worksheet differs from an installation worksheet, and both capture the specific data needed for compliance and quality tracking.
| Service Type | Worksheet Fields | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Serial number, test results, photos | Warranty registration |
| Maintenance | Readings, replaced parts, next service date | Maintenance history |
| Inspection | Checklist items, pass/fail, notes | Compliance reporting |
| Repair | Diagnosis, parts used, root cause | Warranty claims |
Configure automatic PDF generation from completed worksheets. Send the completed report to the customer via email immediately after the field worker checks out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related services from Verbsz Technologies
If this article is relevant to a project on your roadmap, these are the services our team typically delivers.