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Assumptions are expensive: Why tracking the facts in field service is non-negotiable

  • Writer: One Big Green
    One Big Green
  • Jul 14
  • 2 min read

In the field service industry - whether it’s plant maintenance, landscaping, or any recurring on-site service - every job starts with a plan. But let’s be honest: every plan starts with a dozen assumptions.


You estimate the time a technician will need on-site. You assume how many replacements or fixes might be required. You average out commute times. You factor in standard conditions and cooperative weather. You quote  based on what the job should  look like.


And then reality walks in, unapologetically late, messes up your assumptions, and eats your margin for lunch.


🔍 The Role of Real-Time Tracking


This is where tracking the facts - in real time - makes all the difference.


A smart FSM (Field Service Management) platform like One Big Green helps you not just plan, but observe and adapt. It gives you a clear view of what’s really happening:


  • How much time your team is actually spending at each site

  • How much it’s costing you in materials, labor, and travel

  • Which contracts are quietly bleeding resources

  • And - most importantly - which assumptions were wrong



🛠️ Why It Matters (More Than You Think)


✅ Catch Scope Creep Before It Costs You

That “quick” monthly visit turning into a bi-weekly rescue mission? You’ll see it immediately - and you’ll have the numbers to back up a contract adjustment conversation.


✅ Turn Data Into Smarter Quotes

Once you’ve collected enough “fact” data, you start quoting not on guesses - but on patterns, benchmarks, and real-world behavior.


✅ Support Technicians and Prevent Burnout

When a job consistently takes more time than planned, it's not a tech issue - it’s a planning issue. Data helps you fix workloads, not just fix plants.


✅ Protect Your Margins, Without Compromising Service

You can’t scale sustainably if your margins are based on fantasy. The facts help you price correctly, negotiate confidently, and grow responsibly.



🌱 One Big Green: From Assumptions to Accuracy


At One Big Green, we built our FSM platform with this very reality in mind. We’ve seen too many service providers struggle with the invisible costs hiding behind good intentions and optimistic quotes.


That’s why our system:

  • Captures actual time, cost, and activity at every site

  • Compares plan vs. reality in real time

  • Helps you adjust budgets, contracts, or service levels before it’s too late


Because in the real world, no plan survives first contact with the field - but with the right tools, you can course-correct before it costs you.



🚀 In Summary


Assumptions will always exist. That’s not the problem. Failing to track what actually happens? That’s where businesses lose money, trust, and scalability.


So here’s the big question:You made a plan when you quoted the job. But do you know what’s actually happening now?


If not, it’s time to find out. And One Big Green is here to show you.

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