Field Service IT News For VARs — January 7, 2015

By Cheryl Knight, contributing writer

The news includes predictions for the wearable market, how GPS technology can prevent theft of heavy machinery, and the uses of video and Big Data to protect commercial drivers in litigation.

Wearable Market Predictions For 2015

Information Week reports on new Forrester Research that states 68 percent of 3,000 companies surveyed claim that wearables are a priority for their company in 2015, mainly in area of smart glass technology.

Tracking Equipment With GPS

An Agriland press release, “Secure Your Farm Machinery With Tracking Devices,” discusses efforts to track farm equipment, among other high-ticket items, to help prevent theft. According to the article, you can arm most devices to send you a warning text if the equipment or vehicle is moved.

IoT Predictions For 2015

WebNMS has released its predictions on the deployment technology in 2015, focusing on the Internet of Things (IoT). The company foresees the IoT to improve the interface between technologies in such areas as energy efficiency, security management, and the development of smart cities.

Using Big Data And Video To Lower Fleet Risk

Video intelligence — the combination of Big Data with video — is finding use in a variety of different markets. According to a CCJ Digital article, commercial transportation is now increasingly making use of this technology, including providing information that helps defend drivers involved in litigation.

Field Service IT Talking Points

The next time you attend an event for your company, do not be surprised if you are tracked while there. A Successful Meeting article explains how companies are using small, wireless devices to track attendees at their trade shows. The technology utilizes apps on smartphones and tablets to automatically sign attendees into meetings and to send them surveys.

The implications of GPS tracking for everyday Americans were discussed in a Washington Times article. One of the primary topics up for discussion: how some want to tax drivers according to how many miles they travel according to their GPS devices.

According to Fleet Owner, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) has released its report on manufacturing business for December. Results show that while the market saw growth for the month, there was still a slight drop from the previous year.

For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Field Service Tech Center.