The industry is facing challenges in addressing the needs of traditional workers concerning health & safety, improving operational efficiency, upgrading skills, and improving productivity. The exponential growth of digital technologies like AI, Big Data, Mixed Reality & IoT is enabling traditional machines and field workers to be transformed into connected workers. The connected worker is an industrial or field worker who can leverage real-time & actionable information enabling him to do his job safely & efficiently. According to the latest research, the global Connected Worker Market is anticipated to reach USD 8.9 billion by 2026.[i]

The latest technologies can enable real-time tracking of field workers & also connect them with the equipment to get the necessary alerts. It can help in preventing accidents, limiting them to hazardous conditions, hence ensuring the safety of field workers. New technologies can also enable field workers to get access to the required information in real-time for improving their operational efficiency. One can start using basic step-by-step procedure videos to improve the learning outcome and also use advanced mixed reality experiences for remote assistance and also for upgrading their skills. For improving productivity, smart devices can enable tracking time taken to perform a particular activity, optimizing their schedule, and reporting the relevant metrics to their managers.  Such technology investment can ultimately result in helping build a better relationship with their customers.

Key Takeaways
Field service companies need to invest more in advanced technologies like AI, Mixed Reality, IoT and many others, to develop a new digital environment for field workers to do their job safely and efficiently.

[i] https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/connected-worker-market-size-share-growth-forecast-to-cross-89-billion-by-2026-2020-01-28