Mobile Technology Enhances HVAC Efficiency and Customer Experience
As of July 2023, over 100 million Americans have been affected by record-breaking temperatures, making a well-functioning HVAC system more important than ever. HVAC systems and power grids continue to be pushed to their limits, and customers can’t afford costly downtime. Energy efficiency and increasing first-time fixes to reduce callbacks must be a priority now and well into the future for HVAC organizations.
To meet demands today, technicians need to anticipate challenges and troubleshoot in real time. To do this, they must be equipped with mobile devices that help support efficient maintenance, remote communication, and data-driven decision making so they can predict potential equipment failures before they result in outages.
The Current State of Digitalization
Despite many organizations just beginning the transition from pen-and-paper processes to digital, remote solutions, the HVAC industry is rapidly transforming. Today’s HVAC systems use monitoring, remote diagnostic, and energy management software. This is why it’s crucial that technicians can access and make sense of that stored data. Some of the most important information collected leads to energy efficiency and avoids waste. Mobile solutions and the latest technology platforms can help identify or altogether avoid sources of energy drains. Without digital technology, these issues could go undetected.
Additionally, customer expectations are changing as technology evolves. They expect responsiveness and visibility into service updates. When a system isn’t working properly, allowing customers to video conference with technicians lets them troubleshoot problems before anyone arrives on site, reducing repair time and callbacks.
Connectivity in the Field
When conducting real-time maintenance checks, reliable connectivity in the field is essential. Technicians must be able to communicate with team members, access system data, perform remote diagnostics, and manage service requests. Because their work takes them everywhere, they require unique solutions that can be used anywhere. Their technology must be rugged enough to withstand changing temperatures without any lag. The battery needs to last longer than a traditional consumer device and it must have the processing power to run integrated software and solutions.
Today, rugged mobile solutions with Wi-Fi, 4G, or 5G capabilities can run high-performance processors without sacrificing battery life. This allows technicians to increase efficiency in the field and remain connected anywhere. Thanks to these devices, technicians are improving success rates and the customer experience.
Panasonic Connect’s TOUGHBOOK Field Service Solutions provide workers with the information and technology they need anytime, anywhere. Our mobile solutions combine TOUGHBOOK hardware with software and services, giving technicians the tools to boost performance and customer satisfaction.
Learn more about how TOUGHBOOK solutions and support services help the energy and utilities industries.
