Technology is drastically changing the ways in which we interact with the world.
Especially in our work lives.
Although some industries are experiencing change more rapidly than others, the home service industry looks drastically different today than it did when I first got started in it as a kid.
In those days, apps weren’t nearly as useful or popular as they are today. The communication tools that we now have available are significantly better. Time management software has improved.
In short, technology has helped the industry become more productive, more efficient, and easier to navigate.
Here is how technology is changing the home service industry as I see it.
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AC Units Have Sensors
One of the best things about technology is that it often makes other technologies run more efficiently.
In the case of AC units, that means less waste, bigger savings on your energy bill, and easier maintenance.
Not only do AC units have sensors to maintain the temperature in your home, there are now also Smart AC systems that help you customize the climate of your home. You can now control your AC from anywhere as long as you have a smartphone, can set a schedule for different times of the day, and can use geofencing technology to adjust temperature the closer you get to your home.
All of this works together to provide you with a more pleasant, efficient home environment.
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Predictive Analytics Are More Advanced
While most companies are taking advantage of analytics programs like Google Analytics, not everyone knows the benefits of using a predictive analytics program.
For those who haven’t heard of predictive analytics, it’s basically a way to use statistical techniques to analyze both current and past data to make more accurate predictions about future events.
In the business world, companies can use predictive analysis to find and examine patterns that help them to better identify both risks and opportunities.
Marketers can use predictive analysis to track competitors, identify prospects, determine which services are most effective, find the most effective marketing channels, and figure out times of the day in which prospects will be active online.
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Daily Reporting is Easier
One of the biggest challenges that superintendents, subcontractors, and general managers face is the task of creating accurate, timely daily reports. With everything that goes on throughout the day, it’s difficult for them to reliably track updates, incident reports, business information, and reports.
Technology has helped to simplify that process.
Since work crews have a limited amount of time each day to gather reports and write detailed information, they need technology that makes the process faster. With the rise of smartphones, crews can now simply take photos, create a video, or record voice notes.
Features like keyword notifications (a feature that sends a message automatically when a certain word is written) have made it so that certain problems can be troubleshot and solved on the spot.
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Self-Driving Cars are on the Rise
The current estimate for self-driving cars is that there will be approximately 10 million of them on the road by 2020.
As they become more and more popular, it’s going to make projects in the home service industry run so much more smoothly.
Your employees won’t be taking the wrong route or getting stuck in traffic, and the workers themselves won’t have to go back and get supplies that they forgot.
You will be able to use your resources more efficiently and create a safer work environment for everyone.
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Drones Are Everywhere
It seems like everywhere you look, there are drones.
While annoying to some, the benefits for construction and home service projects are enormous. A drone can essentially act as an extra set of hands.
You can assess job progress, survey land, and map/gather information about an area that may be hard to reach otherwise. With a camera, you can gather footage that can later be used to create 3D models that allow for pre-work simulations, test scenarios, and designs.
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3D Printing is Becoming More Accessible
A few years back, 3D printing was still a relatively new idea that was expensive to use.
Now, materials like plastics, composites, and extruded concrete can easily be printed with a 3D printer. Not too long ago, there was even an entire office created in Dubai using a 3D printer in just a few weeks.
While the primary benefit of 3D printing your own materials is the money that you save, you can also create more durable materials. Also, create more intricate designs is much easier with a 3D printer. If you have to create custom designs by hand, it can be quite time-consuming.
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Technology is Wearable
Traditionally, hard hats haven’t been seen as a particularly innovative invention.
However, that’s all changing. In fact, hard hats are now seen as the accessory of the future.
You can now purchase smart hard hats with visors, sensors, and special lenses that provide you with information about your environment and the dangers that may be around. Many of these helmets even come with 4D augmented reality.
There are also now health trackers that workers can wear to track their movements. By tracking their movements, the technology can tell them whether they’re moving in a way that could cause them to fall or harm themselves in another way.
Also, laser-based technology has made measurements much easier. Instead of having to use a tape measure or another tool prone to human error, you can use now laser-based equipment to provide you with more accurate measurements.
The Takeaway
When I started working in the home service industry as a teenager, the landscape looked nothing like what we have available today.
Just like other industries, the way that we work in the home service niche is changing rapidly. If you want to keep pace as a company, it’s important that you keep pace with the various technological updates.
What have you seen in your time in the home service industry?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below!