Field Service Software Glossary
Definitions of the terms that matter in FSM software — starting with the ones vendors hope you will not look up.
Add-On Creep
Add-on creep in field service software: how optional features escalate your monthly bill. Housecall Pro is the canonical example.
Bring-Your-Own-Payments (BYOP)
BYOP in field service software: using your own Stripe or Square account instead of the vendor's payment rail. Can save £2,000-4,000/year.
Dispatch Board
What is a dispatch board in field service software? The live-job assignment screen that replaced the whiteboard.
Payment-Processing Fee
What is a payment-processing fee in field service software? The per-transaction cut your FSM vendor takes on every card swipe, and why it costs more than the subscription.
Pricebook
A pricebook is the structured catalogue of services, labour rates, and materials used to generate flat-rate quotes in the field. In HVAC and plumbing, a production-grade pricebook has 500-5,000 line items.
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
TCO in field service software: how to calculate the real 12-month cost including software, add-ons, payments, and implementation.