Innovating field service IoT devices in the business 4.0 era
Developing cutting edge commercial IoT technology means being at the forefront of the high-tech industry. As part of this movement, we are hearing much talk about what it means to build next-generation high-tech field service IoT technology, and what the seemingly limitless potential could bring to enterprises of all industries. Innovation is being driven by strategic implementation of AI, machine learning and deep learning, helping bring field service capabilities and end-user convenience to new heights.
Optimizing data collection
Field service technology is unique in that it serves as a connection between end-user devices and the entire enterprise supply chain; operating at both the near and far edges. When servicing end-customers in the field, these IoT devices not only use data aggregated throughout end-device analytics, but they also generate ample amounts of data in their own right. Field service devices provide all enterprises with a gold mine of data that can be repurposed to help further optimize future and existing customer interactions, streamline supply chain operations, and further develop field service IoT device capabilities to best fit customer and enterprise needs.
For example, consider cable providers: Field service technicians are naturally required for the installation and maintenance of cable boxes, routers and other home connectivity devices. These interactions between field technicians can be optimized through AI and machine learning technologies, which crunch the data that is gathered through each customer interaction.
This data can help companies develop AI-driven field service devices that are able to understand and evaluate individual situations in real-time. By understanding both the profile of the end-user and the device history, field technology IoT devices will be reimagined through the ability to predict what tasks will be required from the technician, prior to arrival on-site. This will drastically reduce the amount of time needed for diagnostics during maintenance and repair, and will make for a better experience for the end-user as well as the technician.
Reducing energy waste through IoT innovation
Building management also has the potential to be impacted by high-tech innovation in the field service sector. If you take one specific industry field application, such as a data monitoring center, you’ll see that IoT is responsible for controlling some of the physical attributes of the center itself. Specifically, IoT controls the temperature, humidity and other things that make the day-to-day aspect of the center more comfortable for employees.
Building management device innovation can be beneficial to all companies. Many businesses have integrated IoT into the building management support, significantly reducing power consumption. This integration allows companies to proactively shut down systems that they didn’t even realize weren’t being used to reduce their own energy waste. Thus, IoT and high-tech in field technology keeps the process and operations as optimal as possible.
Challenges with incorporating IoT and high-tech
While the benefits these technologies bring to companies can be exponential, there are also challenges and minor inhibitors that might make the technology seem less glamorous to some. Optimizing and maximizing field service IoT device capabilities is still a work in progress. Part of this is due to a reliance on legacy infrastructure and minimal high-tech investment.
As these organizations continue to undergo their digital transformational journeys, they will ultimately understand the importance of building new digital infrastructures. By building a high-tech infrastructure, businesses will be able to truly reinvent their products, services and internal operations, including field technology IoT integration.
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