Custom field service platform for technicians and dispatch
React Native + Expo mobile app, React web app, and Node/Strapi backend for connected field-service operations.
As a leader in custom audio/video entertainment systems and home automation in the Washington D.C. Metro area, ABE Networks prides itself on delivering cutting-edge solutions to its clients. Managing its own operations was a different story.
ABE Networks partnered with Orpheus to build a bespoke Field Service Management app that would redefine how the company does business.
A growing company that had outgrown its tools
ABE Networks relied on Excel, QuickBooks, and Outlook for critical business functions such as scheduling, inventory management, and time tracking. Useful as they are, those tools were never designed for the complexity of a growing, tech-driven company.
The result was a fragmented system that led to inefficiencies, miscommunications, and missed opportunities. Technicians in the field needed real-time information, project managers needed to coordinate, and the company needed one system to bring it all together.
One platform for the office and the field
Orpheus designed and developed a custom Field Service Management app that met ABE Networks’ immediate needs and set the stage for future growth and scalability.
The app was built with dual functionality in mind: a robust desktop version for office staff and project managers, and a sleek, intuitive mobile version for field technicians. Everyone, from technicians on the ground to project managers in the office, had the tools and information they needed, when they needed them.
Built around real-world workflows
The journey began with extensive user research, where Orpheus engaged directly with ABE Networks’ team members to map out their daily challenges and operational bottlenecks. This research phase was crucial in ensuring that the final product was not just functional but deeply aligned with the company’s real-world needs.
By immersing themselves in the day-to-day operations of ABE Networks, Orpheus identified key areas for improvement, such as the need for real-time updates, streamlined scheduling, and efficient inventory management. These insights guided the design process, resulting in a solution that was both powerful and user-friendly.
Stakeholder collaboration
Regular meetings and workshops with ABE Networks’ stakeholders and end users, the people who would use the app every day, kept development aligned with the team’s expectations. They also built a sense of ownership, so the finished product would be embraced across the company.
Desktop and mobile, designed for clarity
The design focused on clarity and ease of use, so even the most complex tasks take a few simple clicks.
On desktop, project managers create, assign, and track work orders. On mobile, technicians get quick access to job details, time tracking, and inventory tools. React Native powers the mobile app and React JS the web interface, for a consistent experience across devices.
A scalable architecture with real-time data
Backend development
The backend development focused on building a scalable and robust architecture that could handle ABE Networks’ growing needs. Orpheus implemented a microservices architecture using Node.js, allowing for modular development and easier maintenance. This approach ensured that the app could efficiently process large volumes of data, such as work orders, inventory updates, and time logs, while maintaining high performance and reliability.
Frontend development
On the frontend, Orpheus developed a responsive and intuitive user interface using React.js. The team prioritized creating a seamless user experience, ensuring that the desktop and mobile versions of the app were visually consistent and easy to navigate. The frontend development also included the integration of real-time data updates, providing users with instant access to the latest information, whether they were in the office or out in the field.
API development & integration
Orpheus developed a suite of RESTful APIs connecting the frontend and backend and passing data between the app’s modules, such as scheduling, inventory management, and time tracking. The APIs also connect third-party services like QuickBooks.
Tested in the office and in the field
Usability testing
Usability testing was conducted with ABE Networks’ team members to ensure that the app met their operational needs. Real-world testing in both office and field environments surfaced areas for improvement, which Orpheus worked through in iterative updates.
Problem area: inventory
As technicians used the app, it became clear that the inventory section of a work order needed rework. They needed a more comprehensive way to track inventory, especially on multi-day jobs: when an item was used, whether it moved to another day, and whether it needed restocking.
Everything the team needs, in one place
Work order submissions
The app simplifies the process of creating and managing work orders, allowing technicians and project managers to submit and update orders on the go. This feature ensures that all job details are accurately recorded, minimizing errors and enhancing communication between the field and the office.
Inventory management & product tracking
Real-time inventory tracking enables ABE Networks to monitor product usage and availability closely. This feature integrates seamlessly with the company’s existing systems, providing instant updates and reducing the likelihood of stock shortages or overstocking.
Time tracking
Technicians can log their hours directly through the app, making it easier to track time spent on each job. This feature not only helps in accurate payroll processing but also provides valuable insights into time management and efficiency, helping the company optimize its operations.
Scheduling calendar
The unified scheduling calendar offers a bird’s-eye view of all ongoing and upcoming jobs, making it easy to assign tasks and allocate resources. Project managers can effortlessly coordinate schedules, ensuring that technicians are deployed efficiently and that all jobs are completed on time.
Mobile app
Designed with field technicians in mind, the mobile app provides quick access to job details, client information, and tools needed for the job. Its intuitive interface ensures that technicians can navigate the app easily, even while on-site, enhancing their ability to deliver high-quality service.
QuickBooks Desktop integration
The app syncs financial data such as invoices and payment records with QuickBooks Desktop automatically. That cuts manual data entry and the administrative burden on office staff, and keeps financial records up to date and accurate.
A smooth transition to the new platform
The app
The app launched with a comprehensive training program for ABE Networks’ staff, for a smooth transition from the old system to the new platform. Orpheus stayed on through the rollout to resolve issues as they came up.
Post-launch support
After launch, Orpheus continued with regular check-ins to monitor the app’s performance, gather user feedback, and make updates. Additional training sessions and comprehensive documentation helped ABE Networks’ team make full use of the app’s features.
A transformative shift in how ABE Networks operates
ABE Networks saw a 20–25% increase in production efficiency as the app streamlined processes that had been bogged down. Technicians now had real-time access to job details and updates, reducing the time spent on administrative tasks and allowing them to focus on delivering high-quality service. Project managers benefited from enhanced visibility into ongoing projects, enabling better decision-making and more effective resource allocation.
Perhaps most importantly, the app fostered better communication and collaboration across the company, breaking down silos and ensuring that everyone was on the same page. As a result, ABE Networks not only improved its operational efficiency but also strengthened its ability to deliver exceptional service to its clients.
Hear it from the A.B.E. Networks team
“Orpheus didn’t just build us an app—they transformed our entire workflow. The app has made our processes more efficient and our teams more connected. We’ve seen a huge improvement in how we operate, and our ability to deliver outstanding service has never been stronger.”
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