IoT technology is shaping the way the field service industry grows, providing new outlets of information and opportunity.
With access to real-time monitoring and actionable insights, the industry is becoming more data-driven at the moment taking both the guesswork and groundwork out of field service management. Here is a closer look at IoT technology and how it is shaping the future of the field service industry.
What is IoT Technology?
IoT is an abbreviation for the Internet of Things. As the name suggests, this technology connects physical objects (things) over the internet.
'Smart' objects produce data streams from equipment sensors, machinery software, and other embedded technologies. These data streams are transported to the IoT platform through the cloud. In the field service industry, this often involves:
- Tapping into the sensors in the machinery.
- Collecting traditional log files.
- Reaching PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) data through the local machine network.
- Accessing OEM (original equipment manufacturer) networks using edge gateway appliance.
- Filling in the gaps with Artificial Intelligence (AI) machine learning.
Field service IoT technology, such as Bursys’s branded EquipConnect gathers and synthesizes all of this information, providing users with data visualization, essential notifications, and in-depth analysis.
Merging Equipment and Operations Data
FieldEquip forms a complete solution that monitors both the machinery status and the status of the operations
IoT technology combined with Field Service Management software, such as FieldEquip, form a complete solution that monitors both the machinery status and the status of the operations.
This gives users a comprehensive overview of the company’s workflow and performance. Not only can this comprehensive solution help users keep a pulse on the business, but it can also help users quickly identify and address any issues.
When a problem emerges, the user can see it instantly outlined in the dashboard. These insights will also help the user trace the issue to its source, identifying an area of the staff performance, equipment, or other potential operational force that may be causing workflow interruptions.
Remote System Monitoring and Control
Without the right technology, it can be challenging to maintain visibility while working remotely, especially in the field service sector. IoT technology comprehensively addresses these remote work challenges.
For example, detecting a machinery issue requires continuous on-site monitoring. With IoT insight, a machinery issue is detected instantaneously:
- Real-time data detects a critical machine failure often long before manual checks would have uncovered this issue.
- Users receive a notification straight to the device, whether user are at home, on-site, or out of town.
- IoT technology immediately collects and uploads diagnostic information to the dashboard.
- The technicians can access these diagnostics, monitor the real-time data, provide support remotely, or dispatch a repair expert.
- Early issue detection enabled by IoT technology helps users get the machinery repaired before the issue worsens. This keeps repair costs minimized and reduces the time it takes to get the equipment back up and running.
- IoT technology provides a pathway to predictive equipment maintenance, allowing field service organizations to confidently offer outcome-based maintenance agreements to their customers.
This is all possible without ever needing to be on-site or in an office. Users may not even need to leave the app. IoT technology lets users manage the field service business from anywhere in the world more efficiently than manual on-site checks ever allowed.
Monitor and Analyze KPIs
KPI information is uploaded into customizable dashboards, letting users configure reports
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) can help users measure and elevate the business’s success. Pre-defined metrics determine the expected output of the business, and IoT technology monitors how the performance compares to these expectations.
KPI information is uploaded into customizable dashboards, letting users configure reports tailored to the business. This data also pinpoints the source of any delays, helping users improve the internal processes, efficiency, and profitability.
Predictive and Preventative Machinery Maintenance
In the field service industry, equipment maintenance can help save users thousands on repairs and premature replacements. IoT technology continuously monitors the machinery's status.
When combined with the power of AI and machine learning, these tools can predict potential machinery issues and notify users when user are due for a maintenance visit. This software solution can prevent machinery troubles before they occur, saving the business money and preventing repair downtime.
FieldEquip Field Service Software with IoT
The future of the field service industry is being spearheaded by those with the most powerful tools.
This used to mean having the largest, most superior machinery. It involves having the latest software, information, and technology in the toolbox.
