Field Service IT News For VARs — December 17, 2014
By Cheryl Knight, contributing writer
In the news, an article lists what to watch for in the trucking industry in 2015 — including technology. Also, a blog post provides points to consider when choosing a software deployment model. In addition, wearable technology can benefit your field service IT customers.
What To Watch In The Trucking Industry In 2015
A Truckinginfo article lists 15 things to watch in the trucking industry during 2015 — and technology makes the list. Number 4 is “debating autonomous trucks,” with proponents saying it could be the answer to the driver shortage, while others argue it would make fleets vulnerable to hacking by terrorists. Number 9 is “increased use of data,” using telematics for idle reduction, monitoring policies, and route optimization and scheduling. Number 13 is “hours of service and electronic logs,” looking to the “big rule due in 2015,” the electronic log mandate.
Software-As-A-Service Or On-Premises Software Deployment Models
According to an MSI article, the software deployment model your client uses is extremely critical to operations. The blog says to take into consideration business case and field service technology trends and to create a plan for implementation.
Local, Regional Economies Strengthen
With the uptick in the trucking industry, confidence has been building in the middle-market. About 81 percent of trucking firms in this area of the market are confident in the strength of the economies in their region. A FleetOwner article touches on this strengthening of the trucking market.
How Your Field Service IT Customers Can Use Google Glass
In an article for Techradar, Philipp Emmenegger, CEO of coresystems AG, documents some of the potential uses for Google Glass, including helping technicians with a more difficult-than-usual repair through advice on a live stream. Other items on a wish list compiled from field testers include increasing battery life, compatibility with safety devices in hazardous environments, and improved quality of the video stream.
Field Service IT Talking Points
GPS World asks, “Aussies Consider GPS for Tracking Footballs — Is NFL Next?” The article says the technology is aimed at preventing injury and to help with the rehab process.
Following an alleged sexual assault by an Uber driver in India, there is a plan to equip taxis in the country with GPS, which would help officials keep tabs on their location at all times. An Indian Express article gives the details on this new push to require the technology, which is planned only for public taxis at this time.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Field Service Tech Center.