Field Service IT News For VARs — January 28, 2014
By Amy Taylor, contributing writer
Field Service IT News includes predictions that 2014 will see trends including profit-driven analytics, increased M2M communication, leveraging mobile apps, and growth of rugged mobility and cloud-based services.
Top 2014 Field Service Predictions Include Leveraging Technology
In Fleet News Mark Forrest of Trimble Field Service Management listed his top ten predictions for 2014 in field service, stressing the importance of new and existing technologies to drive efficiency, improve customer service, and boost profits. In the year ahead, Forrest predicts the number one trend — aimed at those goals — will be profit-driven analytics. Other technology-related trends for the year include increased machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, leveraging mobile apps, the growth of rugged mobility, and increased use of cloud-based software.
Study Aims Cloud Computing At Improving Fleet Efficiency In Mining
The Environmental Leader reports that Hitachi and Wenco International Mining Systems will begin a joint proof of concept project, facilitated by Teck, that implements cloud computing with the intent to improve fleet efficiency in mining. Wenco’s fleet management system will provide cloud-based FMS service to Teck, through which feedback will be provided based on performance and efficiency. The project’s goal is to reduce the initial start-up operating costs of the fleet management system.
Field Service IT Talking Points
According to PMA Newsline, a FotoPuch app uses patent-pending technology to allow employees to track time on the job with their cell phones with mobile time and attendance software. The cloud-based application verifies the employee’s identity through a facial recognition scan and geo-locates the employee to verify that they are on the jobsite.
On the Webtech Wireless blog, Jason Hall offers 4 GPS Fleet Tracking Tips to Support Employee Privacy and develops an in-depth look at the benefits to your customers’ businesses.
NAFA Fleet Management Association will announce its 100 Best Fleets program at the association’s annual Institute & Expo. This is the first time the awards presentation will take place at the event, scheduled for April 8-11, 2014 in Minneapolis, MN. The program recognizes top performing fleet operations in North America. There is no cost for fleets interested in submitting an entry.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Field Service Tech Center.