Top Tech Gadgets For Technician
Technology has become an integral part of most jobs – and rightfully so! What better way is there to simplify responsibilities, boost efficiency, save money, and have a little fun while you’re at it? Plus, the right tech gadgets could be the difference between OK and awesome customer support. Here are 5 must-have tech gadgets and tools that are changing the way the field service game is played.
1. Rugged Tablets
For the field service industry technician, a tablet is a critical tool. They keep you connected to limitless information and allow for real-time processing. But a consumer-grade tablet just can’t hack the harsh and tumble nature of the work. They’re too fragile! For this reason, rugged tablets are taking over and have been designed from the inside out to travel well, take on outdoor elements, and breeze through dusty environments without a second thought. There are several different brands to choose from and every device features benefits like:
- Compatibility
- User-Friendly
- Field-Tested Durability
- Wifi
- Integrated GPS
- Weather Resistant
- Stylus Equipped
2. Rugged Smartphones
Smartphones. You can’t leave home without them – and you can’t leave the office without them either. Just like rugged tablets, field service technicians need the same durability as their smartphones. Big brand names like Android, Kyocera, Samsung, and Sony now offer smartphones that meet the military standard. Moreover, they can survive anything from high winds and dust storms to a plunge in water or hard surface impact.
3. Mobile Payment Device
When it comes to the field service industry, useful gadgets assist in streamlining abilities. Adopting mobile payment tools will make customer service easy and can cut down on the dreaded post-job paperwork. There are several devices on the market to choose from. Several feature a tiny card reader that plugs right into Android or iOS mobile devices to offer real-time, on-site payment processing. Others store customer credit card information within a secure online database. The most popular mobile payment gadgets include:
1. Square
2. PayPal Here
3. Intuit GoPayment
4. LevelUp
5. NCR Silver
6. GoPago
4. Google Glass
While this contraption has been highly scrutinized by consumers for everyday use, Google Glass fits perfectly within the needs of the field service industry. It’s a wearable computer that seems like a couple of glasses with an optical device mounted to the frame. Some of its most impressive features (as they relate to the field service industry) include:
Voice Command Recording
Training videos can be shot from the technician’s point of view during real-life scenarios and reviewed in the same fashion. Imagine step-by-step video directions on how to resolve an issue, available for use on-site near your line of vision without needing to lend an extra hand.
Real-time Sharing
The ability to shoot video and share in real-time will give service industry management an inside peek at how technicians are performing. This monitoring capability can boost internal knowledge, help with market research, and provide continued education opportunities through review and constructive criticism.
Google+ Connectivity
With Google Glass’s ability to connect to an individual’s network, employees will be able to communicate with headquarters, hands-free through video from any place for a superior level of support and remote collaboration on challenging jobs or unexpected problems.
GPS Navigation
Google Glass also provides a GPS feature that shows navigation within an individual’s line of vision for a seamless and safe direction to a customer site.
5. Google Waze
This last must-have gadget is an app instead of a device but its features win this app a place on the list. Google’s Waze application takes the pressure off fleet management. By providing the technician with the power to track real-time movements of traffic congestion, accidents, road hazards, and weather conditions. To determine the best route to take during a service call. Features include:
- Accidents, speed traps & hazardous conditions reporting between users
- Gas station and price listings that are specific to your location
- Text message notification system to notify the customer or team of your estimated arrival time
From durability and streamlining to connectivity and enhanced information sharing. These 5 tech gadgets for field service technicians are sure to fit the foundational demands of a mobile workforce. While keeping the experience user-friendly and fun.