Field Service IT News — April 8, 2014
By Amy Taylor, contributing writer
In the news, manufacturers are beginning to ruggedize consumer devices. Also, the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation predicts investment in equipment and software to increase modestly this year.
Rugged May Be The Next Big Thing In Consumer Device Manufacturing
Business2Community offers five ways manufacturers are making consumer electronics more durable for field service. Ruggedizing devices for the field includes taking environmental elements into account, providing flexible design and cover, outdoor readability and picture taking capabilities, and offering cross-platform mobile field service apps.
Equipment Investment Expectations Improve Substantially
The Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation released a Q2 update to the 2014 Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook. The update predicts investment in equipment and software to grow 4.2 percent in 2014.
Congress Does Not See Transportation Funding As A Priority
Fleet Owner reports that Ray LaHood, the former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation and now senior policy advisor at the global law firm DLA piper, claims that crafting a long-term transportation funding solution is “not a priority” in Congress right now. He also adds that current fuel taxes remain unadjusted for inflation since 1993 and do not generate enough revenue given both the significant increases in automobile fuel efficiency and per capita driving declines.
Ease-of-Use Becomes Deciding Factor For IT Industry
CMS Wire explains how the usability of an interface is reshaping the IT industry. While many organizations consider cloud and mobile solutions, the top concern is ease-of-use, surpassing the previous trend towards most advanced technology.
Class 8 Orders Reveal Strong Numbers For March
Fleet Owner reports that the preliminary numbers for March came in at 27,139 for Preliminary Class 8 net truck orders. This is the fourth straight month of solid order activity and reveals the best four-month period since 2006.
Field Service IT Talking Points
Directions Magazine gives “Eight Developments That Will Change the Future of the Mobile Workforce” including a new generation of workers and growth of rugged mobility as key trends.
According to SC Magazine, “Geo-fencing services are transforming mobile security and business growth.” Data analytics can help business gauge performance and set goals.
For more news and insights, visit BSMinfo’s Field Service Tech Center.