by Derek Korte | Apr 19, 2011 | Field Service Spotlight
Interested in attending the upcoming Field Service 2011 show (April 26 – 29, 2011), but not sure you’ll be able to make the trek to Chandler, Ariz.? Not to worry, The SmartVan has you covered. We’ll be on the scene, covering the latest trends in...
by Sara Suddes | Apr 18, 2011 | Mobile & Tech
A new cloud-based field service solution that uses targeted geographical data to provide fleet data offers field service managers another way to streamline their dispatch centers. Trimble’s GeoManager WorkManagement software combines GPS and scheduling...
by Derek Korte | Apr 15, 2011 | Field Service Spotlight
It may look boxy, but Nissan’s entry into the commercial van market could become a new favorite for service employees. A relative newcomer in a crowded U.S. market long dominated by Ford and General Motors, initial reviews for the Nissan NV are mostly positive....
by Sara Suddes | Apr 15, 2011 | Field Service Spotlight
The newest enterprise tablet rumored to hit the scene later this year can withstand a 4-foot drop, temperatures ranging from freezing to steamy, wind, rain, dust storms – you name it. As consumer gadgets continue to infiltrate the enterprise, Motorola’s...
by Sara Suddes | Apr 14, 2011 | Field Service Spotlight
The phrase “there’s an app for that” is so ubiquitous it’s almost a punchline these days. Yet here’s yet another example of an iPad app that will make service in the field a bit easier, this time for HVAC contractors. An estimated 300...
by Sara Suddes | Apr 13, 2011 | Field Service Spotlight
As a field service tech with Bally Technologies, Paul Helt can usually be found in one of two places: on the floor of a major casino on the Vegas Strip, servicing or repairing thousands of slot machines — or behind the wheel of his Chevy van (yes, it’s...
by Derek Korte | Apr 13, 2011 | Field Service Spotlight
Not exactly your father’s service van: It comes standard with racing stripes, front and rear spoilers, low-profile tires, a 198-horsepower diesel engine and twin exhaust. And it’s one-of-a-kind. During this week’s Commercial Vehicle Show, in...
by Derek Korte | Apr 12, 2011 | Mobile & Tech
Research in Motion’s long-awaited entrance into the enterprise tablet market is just around the corner, but despite company optimism, industry analysts are divided about whether RIM will be able to dethrone Apple when it comes to tablets. The RIM PlayBook, set...
by John Ragsdale | Apr 11, 2011 | Customer Experience
John Ragsdale is vice president of technology research for the Technology Services Industry Association. Ragsdale spoke with Francoise Tourniaire, a long-time Technology Services Industry Association partner and founder of FT Works, a consulting firm that helps...
by Derek Korte | Apr 8, 2011 | Field Service Spotlight, Strategy & Leadership
Modern HVAC systems are more technologically sophisticated than ever before, requiring a skilled and highly trained workforce to diagnose and fix faulty heaters or air conditioners. Proper training is a necessity in today’s competitive environment. Contractor...
by Derek Korte | Apr 8, 2011 | Mobile & Tech
Geolocation’s a hot topic these days with consumers — but the technology’s more than just check-ins on Foursquare. It has real, valuable applications in the enterprise. ServiceMax CEO Dave Yarnold shared his vision for geolocation in the service...
by Sara Suddes | Apr 7, 2011 | Mobile & Tech
For a while there, it looked like the iPad’s cool factor wasn’t quite enough to win the hearts and minds of the CIOs and IT managers who would be implementing them. There were concerns over security, lack of enterprise apps, lack of a physical keyboard and...
