Field Service Management Software for OEMs: Turning Service into Revenue Through Uptime, SLAs, and Customer Lifetime Value

January 5, 2026
Dr.-Ing. Simon Spelzhausen

Introduction: Why FSM Software Is a Revenue Driver for OEMs

For OEMs managing complex equipment and long installed bases, after-sales service is no longer just a support function. It is a critical source of recurring revenue, customer retention, and competitive differentiation.

Traditional, reactive service models make it difficult to maintain uptime, meet SLA commitments, or scale service operations efficiently. This is why more manufacturers are investing in field service management software for OEMs, to shift service from a cost centre into a measurable revenue driver.

By combining structured preventive maintenance, centralized service workflows, and clear service visibility, FSM software enables OEMs to improve equipment availability, strengthen customer relationships, and increase customer lifetime value across the entire service lifecycle.

Improving Equipment Uptime With Field Service Management Software

OEMs face high consequences for unreliable equipment, a recent ISA report estimates a $1 trillion annual cost of machine failures globally, highlighting the urgency of preventive field service tools.

Equipment uptime is one of the strongest indicators of service quality and customer satisfaction. When machines fail unexpectedly, OEMs face not only emergency service costs but also strained customer trust and increased churn risk.

FSM software helps OEMs maximise uptime by:

  • Structuring preventive maintenance schedules
  • Standardising service workflows across regions
  • Reducing unplanned breakdowns through planned service activity

With clear visibility into service history and upcoming maintenance tasks, service teams can move from reactive firefighting to predictable, revenue-generating service delivery.

Strengthening SLA Compliance Through Structured FSM Workflows

Service Level Agreements are commercial commitments that directly impact renewals and long-term revenue. Consistently missing SLAs undermines trust and weakens customer relationships.

Field service management software supports SLA compliance by enabling:

1. Predictable Service Scheduling

Planned service visits reduce last-minute dispatching and ensure response targets are met.

2. Reduced Emergency Service Calls

Preventive maintenance lowers the frequency of breakdowns, helping teams avoid costly, SLA-breaking interventions.

3. Transparent Service Performance Tracking

FSM systems make it easier to track response times, resolution times, and service outcomes, allowing OEMs to demonstrate accountability to customers.

Reliable SLA performance strengthens customer confidence and reinforces the value of service contracts.

Increasing Customer Lifetime Value With Preventive Field Service

Customer lifetime value grows when service experiences are consistent, transparent, and reliable. FSM software enables OEMs to deliver this at scale by monetizing after sales service of their entire installed base.

How FSM Software Impacts CLV

Strategy Impact on Customer Lifetime Value
Preventive Maintenance Reduces unexpected breakdowns, enhancing reliability and trust.
Transparent Service Tracking Customers can view service history, parts used, and upcoming visits, improving satisfaction.
Timely Spare Parts Delivery Faster parts availability reduces operational disruptions and increases contract renewals.
Personalised Service Plans Tailored service schedules based on machine usage encourage long-term loyalty.

By aligning preventive maintenance with structured service delivery through a branded customer portal, OEMs transform service interactions into long-term commercial relationships.

Turning After-Sales Service Into Recurring Revenue

High uptime and strong SLA compliance are not just operational metrics, they are the foundation of sustainable after-sales revenue.

OEMs using field service management software can:

  • Increase service contract renewals
  • Reduce customer churn
  • Upsell preventive maintenance plans
  • Generate recurring revenue from spare parts and services

Key Revenue Drivers Enabled by FSM Software

  • Equipment uptime: Keeps customers productive and satisfied
  • SLA compliance: Reinforces contractual value and trust
  • Planned service visits: Lower emergency costs and stabilizing revenue
  • Customer engagement: Transparent service communication improves retention

When service operations are structured and visible, every service visit becomes an opportunity to strengthen customer relationships and grow revenue.

Conclusion: FSM Software as a Strategic Advantage for OEMs

Field service is no longer a cost centre, it is a strategic advantage. By investing in field service management software for OEMs, manufacturers can improve uptime, meet SLA commitments, and increase customer lifetime value across their installed base.

Platforms like Makula Field Service Management help OEMs connect service teams, operations, and customers through structured workflows, clear visibility, and scalable service processes. The result is more efficient service delivery, stronger customer relationships, and measurable revenue growth from after-sales operations.

Ready to turn field service into a revenue engine?

Discover how Makula’s FSM software helps OEMs improve uptime, strengthen SLAs, and grow long-term customer value. Book a demo today.

FAQs

How does field service management software support preventive maintenance for OEMs?
Field service management software helps OEMs plan, schedule, and standardise preventive maintenance across their installed base, reducing unexpected downtime and improving equipment reliability.
What service data can OEMs manage using FSM software?
OEMs can manage service requests, work orders, SLA metrics, service history, parts usage, and technician activity, giving teams better visibility and control over field operations.
Can Makula integrate with ERP and manufacturing systems?
Yes. Makula integrates with ERP and manufacturing systems via APIs, enabling consistent data flow across service, parts, and equipment information without replacing existing systems.
Dr.-Ing. Simon Spelzhausen
Co Founder & Chief Product Officer

Simon Spelzhausen, an engineering expert with a proven track record of driving business growth through innovative solutions, honed through his experience at Volkswagen.