How SMA Solar Technology manages global field service with FSM software
SMA Solar Technology uses SERVICE 1 as its central Field Service Management platform, fully integrated into its existing SAP ERP landscape and deployed globally in multiple languages.
The software schedules field technicians using intelligent, skill-based optimization based on qualifications, availability, and location. It coordinates multi-week service assignments involving multiple specialists and enables both internal teams and external service partners in 20 countries to execute service orders seamlessly via mobile, without system fragmentation.
The result: a standardized, globally scalable service solution that remains flexible to local requirements.
Global service organizations in the energy sector face significant coordination challenges. SMA Solar Technology AG demonstrates how complex field service processes can be structured, integrated, and scaled with SERVICE 1.
SMA Solar Technology AG: system expertise for the connected energy world
SMA Solar Technology AG is one of the world’s leading specialists in photovoltaic system technology. More than 4,000 employees across 20 countries develop solutions for decentralized, digital, and renewable energy supply.
For over 40 years, SMA has driven technological innovation in inverters and integrated energy systems. Today, the company connects photovoltaics, energy storage, and e-mobility into intelligent end-to-end systems, from individual installations to complex energy infrastructures.
With this level of system responsibility, the complexity of global service operations also increases.
Global Field Service Management with SAP integration
For its global service operations, SMA relies on SERVICE 1 as its central Field Service Management solution, fully integrated into its existing SAP ERP landscape. The goal was to establish a standardized, globally deployable solution with high usability.
Intelligent scheduling selects the most suitable technician based on qualifications, availability, geographic proximity, and additional parameters. If a job requires two or three specialists, the system proposes appropriate teams and schedules assignments proactively – even across multiple weeks. This ensures that technicians are assigned based on both technical expertise and optimal geographic allocation.
Technicians work via a mobile app, without additional systems and without media discontinuity. Material postings, service confirmations, and direct deliveries to the job site can be managed seamlessly. Workflows are clearly structured and reduced to a few steps, significantly increasing user adoption.
In addition to internal teams, international service partners also use the solution, multilingual and without local limitations. Close collaboration between SMA and SERVICE 1 ensures continuous development and practical enhancements..
“With SERVICE 1, we have a standardized solution that can be used globally while maintaining our high level of flexibility. The new mobile client is used by both our internal technicians and external partners – worldwide and in multiple languages. We particularly value the close, daily collaboration with the SERVICE 1 experts. Together, we continuously develop ideas and shape the future of our service. Step by step, in partnership.”
Sven Müller, VP Service EMEA
SMA Solar Technology AG
Skill-based scheduling: intelligent planning for complex service operations
Global service organizations face a unique challenge: technicians across multiple countries, diverse skill profiles, and multi-week assignments across widely distributed photovoltaic and energy systems. Traditional dispatch tools quickly reach their limits in such scenarios.
SERVICE 1 addresses this with intelligent scheduling that automatically optimizes technician assignments based on skills, availability, location, and numerous additional parameters:
- Proactive scheduling with automatic selection of suitable technicians based on skills, availability, and location
- Structured team scheduling for multi-week assignments involving multiple specialists
- Real-time service feedback directly from the mobile app
- Transparent material processes, including goods receipt, issue, and transfers
- Global standard solution for internal technicians and external service partners
- Multilingual usage for international teams
- Continuous development based on real-world requirements in close partnership with SERVICE 1
Moving forward in partnership
With SERVICE 1, SMA has established a scalable, globally deployable service platform. The combination of intelligent scheduling, mobile execution, and deep system integration creates transparency and operational control in global field service.
Through continuous, collaborative development, the solution remains future-proof and supports SMA in aligning its service operations with the evolving demands of the energy sector.
Experience SERVICE 1 live
Talk to us about your requirements in global field service. Discover how SERVICE 1 can structure, integrate, and scale your service processes, just as it does for SMA Solar Technology.
Learn more: Renewable Energy Reference | SAP Integration
