Geotab just released its inaugural 2025 State of Field Service Report, and if you thought AI was still a “down the road” kind of tech for fleet operations, it’s time to catch up. Turns out, AI is already doing the work, and delivering measurable returns for field service fleets across North America.

The report surveyed 100 senior field service leaders, digging into how today’s tech tools are changing operations. And the verdict? AI is no longer a trend; it’s a tool that’s making uptime better, reducing costs, and helping techs get the job done faster.

Real Results from Real Fleets

Let’s talk numbers. According to the report:

• 93% of field service companies have at least partially implemented AI

• 88% are already seeing improved asset uptime, with increases between 6-15%

• 75% have improved first-time fix rates by up to 30%

• 62% expect AI to overhaul inventory management within the next 12 months

• 77% are reporting a solid speed-to-value from their recent technology investments

Even a few percentage points in these categories can mean major cost savings, higher productivity, and happier customers.

Small Steps, Big Wins

Field service managers have a lot on their plates: routing, scheduling, safety, inventory, customer updates, you name it. According to Bob Bradley, vice president of Data Science and AI Engineering at Geotab, you don’t have to completely overhaul your fleet operations to see the benefits of AI.

“Simple applications, like automatically dispatching the nearest technician, flagging equipment issues before failure, or providing customers with real-time updates, deliver immediate value,” Bradley said. “Start small. Once you see the benefits, expanding AI’s role is a no-brainer.”

Why This Matters to Field Service Fleets

From utility repair and HVAC to telecom and emergency response, field service fleets are the behind-the-scenes MVPs that keep critical systems running. But when those trucks go down, it’s not just inconvenient, it’s costly.

Every minute counts, and the report makes it clear: AI is helping cut idle time, keep trucks moving, and ensure the right part gets to the right place the first time. It’s also giving fleet managers a clearer picture of what’s working — and what’s not — through near real-time data.

Challenges? Yes. But Not Deal-Breakers.

Of course, no fleet tech conversation is complete without a few growing pains. The report highlights a few common friction points:

• 68% of leaders say data quality and siloed systems slow down AI adoption

• 58% struggle to integrate AI with older legacy systems

• 53% face budget and cost management concerns

But the message is clear: don’t let perfection be the enemy of progress. Many companies are starting with low-lift, high-impact applications, like predictive maintenance, inventory optimization, or AI-powered scheduling, and building from there.

What’s Next: Smart Tech on the Rise

Looking ahead, Geotab found that the next wave of field service tech is already taking shape:

• 66% of companies plan to implement AI-enhanced customer portals in the next year

• 57% are investing in AI-driven service demand forecasting

• 60% are using Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) for technician training and support

• 85% are already leveraging mobile apps with real-time updates

That kind of forward-thinking is helping fleets stay agile and meet rising customer expectations while preparing the next generation of techs with the tools they’ll actually use.

Advice from the Field

Maureen Azzato, Portfolio Director of Field Service at Geotab, had one simple piece of advice for service leaders: “Focus AI on areas that create immediate impact: dispatching, predictive maintenance, or ensuring the right parts are in stock. These quick wins help build momentum and free up your team to tackle bigger improvements down the line.”

AI doesn’t have to be intimidating. Done right, it’s just another tool in the belt, one that helps keep field service fleets faster, safer, and smarter.