We are having a debate at my organization and we are hoping you folks can help us determine which side is correct, we are split about 60/40:
Are the front-line maintenance workers and the maintenance supervisors (generally) open to considering new technology to make them more efficient?
If we can say the following presumptions are completely true:
1. The system is very easy to use
2. Allows them to assist on service calls remotely, from a desktop computer or phone with residents by connecting with them using an app on their phones
3. Measure rooms, windows, doors, or anything else they like, remotely
4. Take photos and videos - see the problem before they respond, so they know what tools and supplies are needed before they go to the site
5. Translation - Communicate with the resident via texting or voice-to-text that can translate for both you and the resident into whatever language you select from the drop-down menu
6. Be able to "reach into the screen" of the residents to point at what knob to turn or button to push in order to guide the resident to repair very minor issues by themselves
7. Acts as a case management, all photos, videos, notes added, etc. are all saved in the cloud and able to connect to your current building management software or act as a stand-alone.
We are here:
60% = Yes, maintenance people are always learning new technologies, systems and machinery, they would embrace this type of system as end-users and appreciate it as a valuable tool
40% = No, this sounds like the type of system property managers would purchase and would then collect dust because we wouldn't use it
I would welcome your thoughts, either way. Thanks!
Maintenance uses their phone in their personal lives to manage their personal business and take photos, etc. It's not a tremendous leap from home to work to continue to use advanced technology. Which is the way you intend to do business going forward? On paper or on mobile, in the shop scanning or transcribing notes for hours or in the field closing out work orders and inspections on the mobile apps and being overall more productive? Plus, it impacts recruiting and retention. The software to make doing their job easier is another tool in the toolbox you hand them on Day 1.