While field services businesses commonly rely on employees submitting manual mileage reports for verification and approval, such processes like handwritten logs or spreadsheets often cause errors and potential fraud. Modern mileage tracking software for mileage reimbursement streamlines this process.
The global field service management market is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 11.4% throughout the forecast period. By 2033, it is anticipated to surpass the $12.2 billion milestone.
With an increasingly growing market, consumer expectations are also changing. The only way to keep up is by evolving your business functioning methods.
Simple reimbursement calculation as the sole feature in a mileage tracking software doesn’t suffice anymore. This way, businesses can streamline their operations by having multiple needs met with once single app. It is even hassle-free for your employees to access all information in one app, rather than having multiple apps.
For instance, while ensuring accurate mileage reimbursement, Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) compliance requirements can also be met via the same app’s clock in clock out feature. In fact, allGeo offers advanced time tracking capabilities too for employee time and attendance management.
Incorporating these features into a single app not only enhances operational efficiency but also lays the groundwork for potential business expansion.
Investing in a comprehensive mileage tracking app can be a strategic investment. By seeking additional features beyond basic reimbursement calculation, field services businesses can bolster their operational capabilities and pave the way for future growth.
Amidst a myriad of mileage trackers, selecting the ideal one can be challenging. This blog will guide you through the features you must have in your mileage tracker app.
We have curated a free checklist for you to keep handy while choosing your mileage tracking software. Scroll till the end to download it!
Must Have Features in Your Mileage Tracking Software
1. Automatic Mileage Capture
Most mileage tracking apps log trips only upon pressing the ‘start trip’ button on the app. However, if employees forget to do so regularly, it defeats the purpose of automating the process.
Streamline your mileage tracking process and enhance accuracy with automatic trip tracking and precise mileage logs.
This essential feature eliminates the need for manual data entry, ensuring business expense accuracy. By automatically tracking miles through geofenced job sites, the app will seamlessly log your journeys in the background. It intelligently recognizes trip starts and stops, all without requiring manual input.
This automatic mileage capture capability is a must-have for field service businesses, reducing administrative burden and ensuring accurate reimbursement for work-related travel.
2. Route Optimization Features
The route optimization feature is indispensable for field services where timely and efficient visits are critical, such as home healthcare. By considering factors such as distance, traffic, and delivery windows, this feature helps cut down on time and fuel costs while ensuring prompt and reliable service.
For instance, a home healthcare mileage reimbursements and route optimization can be managed using a mileage tracking software. With it, you can schedule nurses’ visits to multiple patients in different locations, minimizing travel time and maximizing the number of visits they can complete in a day. This not only boosts productivity but also enhances patient care by ensuring timely visits and reducing wait times. Additionally, real-time route updates enable companies to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, such as traffic delays, ensuring maximum efficiency and customer satisfaction.
3. Dynamic Pay Rates & Custom Workflow
Customization features are essential in a mileage tracking software as they enable you to tailor to your specific business requirements. By offering the flexibility to build custom workflows, businesses can seamlessly integrate time tracking with mileage tracking, providing a comprehensive solution for managing both aspects of field employee management.
For example, in the construction industry, where employees often travel extensively between job sites, dynamic pay rate features enable companies to set up custom mileage reimbursement rates. This could involve higher reimbursement rates for longer distances traveled to remote job sites or specialized rates for different types of vehicles used in construction projects.
4. Smart Alerts and Notifications
Incorporating smart notifications and alerts can enhance the app experience significantly. These notifications provide real-time updates on traffic conditions and safety risks, enabling employees to navigate efficiently while minimizing potential hazards. By customizing rules to guide employees around traffic congestion and unsafe areas, companies can optimize routes to save time, fuel, and travel costs.
Additionally, setting up alerts to remind field employees of safety protocols enhances their safety and reduces risks. Integrating safety features such as threat escalation adds an extra layer of protection for employees, improving their overall experience and ensuring compliance with labor laws.
Can a Free Mileage Tracking Software Give Similar Results?
A free mileage tracking software may seem convenient, but they often fall short of meeting business needs. They lack specialized features necessary for effective vehicle reimbursement programs, potentially leading to hassle and inefficiency. In a way, you end up paying with your time and efficiency to use a free app.
Moreover, a free mileage tracking software might not comply with IRS standards, hindering proper business mileage tracking and tax-free reimbursement. They often lack essential compliance features like generating IRS-compliant reports and detailed mileage tracking report generation.
Additionally, these free apps often lack dedicated customer support, which is vital for resolving queries and ensuring smooth operation. Access to resources and responsive customer service is essential for an effective mileage tracking program.
Features such as mileage reports, payment processing, and payroll integration streamlines the reimbursement process, which is usually missing in these apps.
Conclusion
Beyond mere reimbursement calculation, mileage tracking software should offer customization features tailored to specific needs, including route optimization, safety alerts, and compliance with labor laws. By investing in comprehensive mileage tracking solutions with smart notifications and safety features, businesses can enhance operational efficiency, ensure employee safety, and pave the way for future growth.
Making a strategic investment in such apps not only streamlines processes but also contributes to a positive employee experience and regulatory compliance. Therefore, it’s crucial for field service businesses to prioritize additional features beyond basic reimbursement calculation to maximize the benefits of their chosen mileage tracking software.
