Hiring a Field Service Tech? Look For These 5 Attributes
While hiring is always a gamble, one common mistake that managers make is focusing too much on a candidate’s resume, and not enough on skills or personality traits. Reduce the risk by looking for these five traits when evaluating new field service techs.
5G Is the Next Big Thing in Mobile—But Are There Enough Service Techs to Build It?
Next-generation 5G wireless technology promises to help wireless companies deal with the insatiable appetite for data across their networks. The new technology evokes heady projections—network speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G, and, according to Accenture, $500...
Ease New-Hire Techs Into the Field By Stopping Bad Habits Before They Develop
Four tips for service managers to encourage behavior that fosters productivity and employee loyalty.
Comic Brake: Back to Basics
Today’s cartoon is part of our “Comic Brake” series. Field service management is serious business, but everybody deserves a good laugh after a long week in the field. Check back for cartoonist Terry LaBan’s next installment on FSD.
Hyken: Say Yes to Saying Yes
Editor’s note: A version of this article appeared on Shep Hyken’s blog and is adapted here with permission. Customers don’t like to be told no. Any request or complaint that is met with a negative response may only add fuel to the fire. That’s why I’ve been intrigued...
ICYMI: Avoid These Recruitment Blunders at All Costs
It’s impossible to stay on top of every service news story. We get it. Don’t miss a beat with our monthly “In Case You Missed It” series. Keep reading for September's top stories, covering everything from pro tips on how to market new services to advice on how to help...
Our Experts
Ira WolfeHiring and recruitment author & speaker
Dirk SchartPresident, RE'FLEKT
Phil SchwarzExpert, oil & gas industry, strategy and technology. 
Sean LydenAutomotive journalist 
Preventing Asbestos Exposure in the Industrial Workplace
For decades, asbestos was used in electrical equipment and metal piping as insulation because it is heat- and fire-resistant, making it a seemingly perfect combination for isolating an electrical current. The mineral was a popular ingredient in building materials,...
The Importance of Tech Training (and Why Service Organizations Should Pay For It)
Who knows what will exist tomorrow? The range of information techs need to know continues to grow. That means training is critical. But your technicians can’t keep up if you don’t put in the effort to help them.
Comic Brake: Training Takes an Unpredictable Turn
Editor’s Note: Today’s cartoon is part of our “Comic Brake” series. Field service management is serious business, but everybody deserves a good laugh after a long week in the field. Check back for cartoonist Terry LaBan’s next installment on FSD.
ServiceMax 19.2 Improves Technician Productivity With Automation
As service organizations seek to grow their revenue and satisfy customers, they are also looking for ways to boost the productivity of their technicians. Technicians today are being asked to do more in the same amount of time, such as servicing increasingly complex...
Help New Service Techs Handle the Freedom of Solo Field Work
So, you’re eager to onboard a new technician to your service team. All of the lucky candidates meet the prerequisite qualifications, but none have worked alone in the field before. They are bright, knowledgeable, and experienced in repair, but they’ve all been on-site...
Don’t Sell Your Company’s Servitization Efforts Short
Manufacturers are getting used to the idea that they no longer just sell products. For many, there's a need—and very lucrative reasons—to sell services, as well. But that's not to say it's a simple transition, which makes it just the type of challenge that Thomas...