Field Service News & Technology Roundup is our blog series, where we feature the latest interesting field service and technology insights impacting field service organizations.
It feels like the last two months flew by. Here in Colorado, the leaves are falling, and the nights are much cooler.
Given how busy we have been here at Field Squared, this month’s edition of our Field Service News and Technology Roundup covers the months of August and September. It’s not for lack of news, though; there was more than plenty to share over the past two months. Specifically, Aarhaus University of Denmark released a landmark study that put a dollar value on savings from increased productivity. Also, Aly Pinder of IDC penned another article for Field Technologies Online about the impact of digital transformation on field service.
These are just a couple examples of why this month’s edition is particularly special.
Read on for latest news you may have missed over the months of August and September. And catch up on past editions, here.
Study: Increased productivity could add $5.4B annually to US, Canadian construction industries
Source: Construction Dive
Author: Kim Slowey, @kimslowey on Twitter
Have you ever wondered the dollar value of lost productivity? In Construction Dive, author, general contractor and construction industry expert Kim Slowey discusses findings from a recent report on that exact subject.
A recent study at Aarhus University in Denmark revealed approximately $5.4 billion is lost due to inefficient processes and poor productivity among both U.S. and Canadian contractors.
For the full story, read the fact-filled article.
Accelerated Disruption In The Field
Source: Field Technologies Online
Author: Aly Pinder, IDC, @Pinderjr on Twitter
If it’s not already clear, digital transformation has been a recurring topic of discussion over the past few years. No industry is left out and no business too small to experience the benefits of transforming businesses through digital solutions.
That’s why this article from one of our favorite guest columnists at Field Technologies Online, Aly Pinder of IDC, is so interesting and is on my list of must-read articles this month.
In the article, Accelerated Disruption in the Field, Pinder is brutally honest as he discusses a forecast of sorts for field service work moving forward. It will come as no surprise that, as the world began shutdowns in the wake of the pandemic, field service businesses grappled with how to remain operational, yet maintain worker safety, given the essential nature of many field service businesses.
Pinder describes three key investments service businesses can make in digital solutions that will have the most impact. While I will not spoil the article by listing them here, I will add that number two, personalized service experience or customer experience, is not at all a new concept but one that I believe is readily achievable with the right field service management software. Software that includes real-time collaboration, messaging and notifications to keep the work moving from the office to the field to the customer, all in one.
I encourage you to read this article and learn from Pinder as well as gain a few insights from IDC’s research that may help your service business.
Get Smart: AI and The Energy Sector Revolution
Source: Forbes
Author: Ariel Cohen, Forbes Contributor, Energy
The promise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its application to business processes as well as entire systems cannot be overstated. AI will revolutionize entire industries, reshaping the landscape of potential outcomes beyond what we see today.
Less of an article and more of an education, Forbes contributor Ariel Cohen walks through real-world examples of AI applied across the energy sector. For instance, how smart meters have changed the way energy consumption is analyzed. Or, how autonomous robots have taken on the more dangerous jobs humans typically risked life and limb to accomplish.
If you are looking for an interesting article to read, I recommend this article.
Technology Is Extending Reality
Source: T&D World
Author: Gene Wolf, IEEE fellow and electric power industry expert
It feels like everywhere I look someone is talking about wearable technology. IEEE fellow and electric power industry expert, Gene Wolf, recently penned an article in T&D World on the subject.
Mentioning augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), Wolf presents use cases from the retail to utilities sectors. I also found it refreshing that he mentions first generation technologies shortcomings, while bringing to bear current generation technologies.
Get the full scoop in, Technology is Extending Reality.
3 Ways to Use Automation for Asset Maintenance
Source: Field Squared Blog
Author: Mark Percy, VP of Technology at Field Squared
Whether managing and maintaining internally owned or customer owned assets, the challenge is how do so effectively. Moreover, and especially today, how are other service businesses empowering their mobile workforce to maintain assets with increased safety in mind?
Our VP of Technology took on this very question in our latest blog, 3 Ways to Use Automation for Asset Maintenance. Specifically, the blog discusses mitigating risk with preventative maintenance schedules, as one solution. There is also a section on the impact of data inaccuracies across asset management services.
Check out the blog to learn about how automation can enable better business outcomes and improve the overall asset maintenance process.
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