The cyber landscape is constantly evolving; that’s why organisations across every sector need reliable, cutting-edge devices that can keep pace.

Durabook trusts Microsoft Windows to deliver an OS platform that meets the most stringent security and enterprise management requirements while providing those controls in a transparent way to the end user, enhancing and improving productivity.

POWERFUL MARKET LEADER IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Microsoft is committed to delivering innovation. Its comprehensive technology stack can be leveraged to create solutions that are relevant to today’s demanding and rapidly evolving industry needs, redefining business models to deliver real value. AI-powered insights enable faster decisions and actions that deliver reliable and predictable performance improvements.Durabook’s Windows-based tablets use cutting-edge CPUs, while the Windows platform was designed to evolve and exceed its previous generation in computing power, performance, functionality and versatility, from off-line age to today’s internet era. Windows OS has evolved so much that it can be found on mainframe data centers, cloud servers, industry-specific professional and corporate office workstations, personal and portable computers and edge computing devices. None of this could be achieved without the fundamental element - computing power.

COMPLIANCE EXPERTISE

Durabook knows that compliance is a continuous process, that’s why Microsoft’s solutions provide an end-to-end differentiated set of values to help customers:

• Intelligently protect and govern data anywhere it lives

• Identify and remediate critical insider risks;

• Quickly investigate and respond with relevant data

• Simplify and automate risk assessments.

Today, Microsoft is the only major cloud provider that provides customers with in-depth security, compliance (regulatory, audit, litigation, etc.), and privacy information, to assess the Microsoft Cloud with the Services Trust Portal (STP).

security specialists

Microsoft is committed to investing in privacy and control, compliance and transparency, and especially those features that matter the most to its customers, such as compliance certifications and best-in-class encryption.In today’s “zero-trust environment”, Microsoft enables businesses to protect data and keep it within their control by implementing industry-leading identity, security and compliance functionality to:

• Provide security and data privacy in the trusted Microsoft Cloud;

• Grant user access that allows only the levels of information required to do their jobs;

• Meet strict industry and governmental regulations for organizational and customer data privacy.

MULTI-TASKING CAPABILITIES

Windows OS is set apart from others by its multi-window and multi-tasking capability. Multi-tasking is most effective when multiple apps can be on the tablet screen at the same time, so Windows OS is designed to simultaneously perform multiple complex calculations in one computing cycle. Having sight of multiple windows at the same time allows more tasks to be performed at once, boosts efficiency. In addition, the introduction of high-definition hardware video output, such as Display port and HDMI port, allows Windows platform users to connect multiple external displays to mirror or expand their desktop workspace. Combining these features creates a powerful and versatile platform that greatly enhances user experiences and productivity across every working environment.

flexible, tailored solutions

Beyond Durabook’s own product range, Windows 10 Pro comes pre-installed on the world’s largest selection of business devices from leading manufacturers. These devices can meet the most exacting standards in performance, security, design and experience. For example, modern devices are cloud-ready and activate Windows 10 Pro features like longer battery life, fast WiFi, and better video conferencing for seamless functionality.

Windows-based tablets can run apps similar to those on PCs, making working and sharing files between the devices a seamless user experience. In addition, these tablets are renowned for their ‘Plug and Play’ capabilities. Whether in an office, manufacturing facility or in the field, the user can simply plug in expansion devices such as external monitors and detachable keyboards, to convert their device into a mini-PC system so they can perform their desired job function with ease.

More options are also presented to the enterprise regarding accessories, meaning greater cost flexibility. For example, users can customise R11 by installing different expansion modules suitable for unique field requirements. It features a host of integrated data-capture modules to retrieve and transmit information on the move. Optional features include RJ45, RFID reader, smart card reader, RFID reader and Magnet Strip Reader. This is just one example of how Durabook’s Windows-based devices can offer infinite possibilities in providing a total solution for every industry.

For more information: www.durabook.com/en/durabook-and-microsoft-windows-the-ultimate-partnership/

Further Reading:

• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-transformation
• Find out more about Durabook @ www.durabook.com/
• Read more about Durabook on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/all-about-durabook
• Learn more about Durabook and Microsoft Windows @ www.durabook.com/durabook-and-microsoft/
• Follow Durabook on Twitter @ twitter.com/Durabook
• Follow Durabook on LinkedIn @ www.linkedin.com/company/durabook/

Mobile workforce using public Wi-Fi and unsecured home networks is a serious security hazard, warns cybersecurity expert.

The pandemic forced millions of workers to leave their offices and work remotely, creating new cybersecurity challenges for companies globally.

Cybercriminals took notice, causing companies to experience record-setting losses brought about by data breaches.

However, remote work is not a passing phenomenon - according to Gartner, 51% of knowledge workers will work remotely by 2022, which is a 24% increase when compared to 2019.

If remote work meant working from home at the beginning of the pandemic, it is now changing towards working from anywhere. Cybersecurity-wise, this means that an increasing number of workers will access their work networks through vulnerable networks, and additional security measures have to be put in place to mitigate the connected risks.

WFA: the dangers of public Wi-Fi and unsecured remote locations

The switch to home offices left managers dealing with several cybersecurity threats stemming from unsecured home devices and networks, as well as unprotected internet traffic.

When the majority of employees work from a single location, there is only a need to protect the main network - which is less demanding than protecting as many endpoints as there are employees.

The problem becomes even more evident once employees are not working from a fixed location like home but are, for example, traveling while working and have no choice but to use public internet access.

"Adapting to working from home was a challenge to cybersecurity personnel everywhere, but the growing trend of working from anywhere entails a new set of threats to consider," said Algirdas Sakys, Information Security Manager at NordLayer. "Working from anywhere usually means using unencrypted public Wi-Fi, which can lead to information being intercepted, malware being distributed. There is an array of ways in which hackers exploit unsecured public networks, and businesses have to adapt their cybersecurity strategies accordingly."

The Castle-and-moat approach to cybersecurity is no longer viable

Since every remote employee is a potential threat to the integrity of a given company's data, businesses are shifting their cybersecurity strategies away from the castle-and-moat approach. Now, network security solutions based on the Zero Trust principle are replacing traditional, static defense strategies.

In the Zero Trust framework, the given network is protected by granting users and devices access to only those parts of the network that are essential to their task. In such a system, every user is authenticated before being allowed to access the needed data through an encrypted tunnel. Because of this, even if a device gets compromised, it can't cause network-wide damage.

Organizations that have Zero Trust-based system in place enhance their cybersecurity in three key areas: secure access, secure browsing, and increased cybersecurity training opportunities, added the NordLayer expert:

"First, a comprehensive security framework of this kind allows the remote employees to safely connect to the company network without putting the whole network at risk. Second, web browsing becomes considerably safer, allowing cybersecurity personnel to ensure employee browsing habits are not potentially harmful to the company. Finally, due to the automated nature of Zero Trust-based systems, managers gain more time to educate their personnel on best cybersecurity practices, which is crucial because defrauding humans is one of the chief enablers of successful cyberattacks."

Further Reading:

• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-transformation
• Read more about Cyber Security on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/cyber-security
• Read more about the impact of COVID-19 on FSN @ www.fieldservicenews.com/covid-19
• Find out more more about NordLayer @ nordlayer.com/
• Learn more about NordLayer @ twitter.com/NordLayer

Topcon Positioning has announced its MC-Max machine control solution.

Based on its MC-X machine control platform, and backed by Sitelink3D — the company’s real-time, cloud-based data management ecosystem — MC-Max is a scalable solution for mixed-fleet heavy equipment environments. It is designed to adapt to owners’ machine control and data integration needs as their fleets and workflows expand.

THE MC-MAX SOLUTION OFFERS FLEXIBLE MOUNTING SOLUTIONS, AS WELL AS OPTIONAL AUTOMATIC BLADE AND BUCKET CONTROL FOR A VARIETY OF MACHINES

The flexible service options include Realpoint, the Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) service, and Starpoint, a Precise Point Positioning (PPP) service. The different services have varying delivery methods, coverage, and reliable centimeter-level accuracy. Under a flexible subscription model, customers can purchase to suit their needs. Additionally, an RTK service supported by PPP, Skybridge, is available to maintain connectivity and productivity if the customer temporarily leaves RTK coverage.

MC-Max increases processing power, speed, accuracy, versatility and reliability; and can be installed on a full range of dozers and excavators, using the same basic modular components. Modern, redesigned user and product interfaces were developed based on real-world applications and customer feedback and provide a simplified and immersive user experience that allows operators to learn the system easily.

“With MC-Max, we’ve created a solution that is flexible and can continue to grow as a contractor’s needs and capabilities expand,” said Jamie Williamson, executive vice president, Topcon Positioning Group. “This new solution provides improved scalability and precision in the field and offers business owners real-time data integration, connectivity and resource management capabilities across their entire workflow.” The MC-Max solution offers flexible mounting solutions, as well as optional automatic blade and bucket control for a variety of machines. The system also provides a full battery of positioning technologies ranging from slope control to laser, multi-constellation GNSS, robotic total station and Millimeter GPS systems.

MC-Max provides project managers a real-time view of machine positions, activities and onsite progress, and is compatible with a wide range of site communications systems.

For more information on MC-Max and the MC-X Platform, visit www.topconpositioning.com/gb/

Further Reading:

• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-transformation
• Read more about Automation on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/automation
• Read more about Topcon on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/topcon
• Learn more about Fleet Technology @ www.fieldservicenews.com/fleet-technology
• Find out more more about Topcon Positioning @ www.topconpositioning.com
• Follow Topcon on Twitter @ twitter.com/topcon_today

The last two years were extremely difficult for the service industry—and not just because of the pandemic. While COVID-19 certainly played a role in exacerbating the issues, workforce labor shortages, complicated equipment, and increasingly reactive service were also challenges faced by many service providers.

And yet, according to the data analyzed in Aquant’s 2022 Service Intelligence Benchmark Report, there is another overarching theme to be found: the way organizations provide service today is not in tune with customer expectations. Six million tickets later, the report reveals some key observations about service performance from the customer’s perspective.

Our report measures data across:

• 76 organizations, including service divisions within OEMs and third-party service organizations across manufacturing, medical devices, capital equipment, HVAC, commercial appliances, and more
• More than 6 million work orders 
• More than 31,000 technicians
• $7 billion total in service costs
• An average of 3 years of service data per company

We analyzed:

• How service organizations and their workforce measure up against industry benchmarks
• Why hitting your KPIs rarely equates to outstanding customer experiences
• Why a missed First Time Fix (FTF) event leads to a spiraling negative impact
• How a workforce shortage has exacerbated the existing skills gap between the heroes (highest performers) and challengers (lowest performers) within each organization

Here's what we discovered:

• Service organizations suffer from a wide customer experience (CX) gap. First Time Fix (FTF) rates are one of the biggest contributors to CX gaps, or the difference between what customers expect and what your organization delivers. Our analysis shows that companies who measure FTF rates in 7-day or 14-day windows have artificially inflated FTF rates, and are setting the stage for a wide experience gap. That's the perfect setup for frustrating customer experiences. The moral of the story: a few metrics can’t provide the entire picture—and it’s time to look at experience as a whole.
• The knowledge gap between heroes and challenges is becoming more expensive. In 2021, service organizations faced even larger hiring challenges than in the past. This has left the industry with tens of thousands of unfilled jobs, and caused service costs to increase. 
  • The bottom quarter of the workforce costs organizations 84% more than the top quarter. That’s 4% higher than last year. 
  • The top 20% of the workforce (service heroes) has a 75% FTF rate. 
  • The bottom 20% of the workforce (service challengers) has a FTF rate of 59%.

• It’s possible to overcome these challenges. Your data tells a bigger story—if you know what to look for. Looking beyond your KPIs will help you tailor service for every customer, provide a better CX, upskill your team, and cut costs.

So what's next?

In this article for Field Service News, Ryan Condon, Head of Content at Comparesoft, discusses how Artificial Intelligence is changing field service management.

Further Reading:

• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-transformation
• Read more about Artificial Intelligence @ www.fieldservicenews.com/artificial-intelligence
• Read more about Field Service Manegement @ www.fieldservicenews.com/field-service-management 
• Connect with Ryan Condon on LinkedIn @ www.linkedin.com/ryan-condon/
• Learn more about Comparesoft @ comparesoft.com

IFS, the global cloud enterprise software company, has announced the launch of  IFS assyst 11.4. This latest update is set to deliver the ability for companies to adopt and deploy workflow technology more broadly within their business. A single pricing model, as well as a simplified deployment model, will ensure business value is delivered within weeks of adoption. 

IFS assyst 11.4 will also deliver a considerable set of new capabilities to help organisations standardise, improve, and automate service management workflows simply and effectively. In this first release since IFS acquired Axios Systems in June 2021, the vendor marks a key milestone in its mission to deliver innovation and customer value to all its customers regardless of size.

With the new release IFS vows to simplify pricing, licensing, and deployment to keep to its promise to deliver value and great experience

As the digital imperative accelerates and becomes the backbone of business transformation, companies need to deliver rich customer and employee experiences. By extending the benefits of IT Service Management (ITSM) to the wider enterprise thus evolving into Enterprise Service Management, IFS assyst 11.4 focuses on secure and automated self-service, putting the employee experience at the heart of any digital transformation strategy from IT, HR, and finance, to facilities and beyond.  

“Digitising processes and building effectiveness through workflows is a fundamental pillar of any company’s  digital transformation journey. Achieving this across the entire enterprise has until now been complex and expensive, and therefore limited to the IT function,” said Martin Schirmer, President, IFS assyst. “With assyst 11.4, we have tackled some fundamental roadblocks from pricing, to contracting, and deployment - all of which will make it simpler and faster for an organisation to scale up in the roll out of the technology.”

With this release, assyst has extended the omnichannel experience, advancing its chatbot and providing a mobile app for self-service. This means that employees can get access to the help they need wherever they are working, allowing them to focus on more complex or pressing priorities.

Key capabilities of IFS assyst 11.4 include: 

• Over 100 predefined service workflows for improved time to value

• Low code approach to defining & maintaining service workflows

• A consumer-standard user-interface, intuitive, and easy to navigate 

• Simple cost-effective pricing for easy enterprise-wide deployment

• Integration with collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams

“The release of IFS assyst 11.4 is the result of an incredible amount of hard work and investment from the IFS team over a short space of time,” continued Schirmer. “IFS is customer obsessed and with this release we are staying true to our north star, bringing enhanced service capabilities to companies anytime, anywhere.”

IFS assyst 11.4 is available immediately globally for customers to purchase. To learn more, please visit: https://info.axiossystems.com/assyst-11.4-broadcast 

Further Reading:

• Find out more about IFS @ www.ifs.com/
• Read more about IFS on Field Service News @ https://www.fieldservicenews.com/ifs
• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-transformation
• Learn more about  of IFS Assyst 11.4 @ info.axiossystems.com/assyst-11.4-broadcast  
• Follow IFS on Twitter @ https://twitter.com/ifs

Durabook is delighted to announce a new distribution agreement with APC Technology Group.

The distribution partnership complements APC’s existing line up of ruggedised and Mil-STD computing solutions, which include displays, laptops, tablets, networking solutions and embedded boards. In addition to front-end systems, APC also supply Mil-STD components with design-in support - ranging from power conversion solutions, semiconductors and optoelectronics to RF and Microwave components and precision test equipment.

APC and DURABOOK offers customers access to the latest systems and technologies to provide a seamless and reliable service.

For more extensively customised products, APC’s team of defence-grade computing specialists can assist customers with creating bespoke solutions. From boards, displays to chassis, DURABOOK and APC can build to your requirements quickly and economically.

Fred Kao, CEO for DURABOOK commented: “DURABOOK is delighted to announce this new partnership with APC Technology Group. Our rugged laptops are designed to deliver an unrivalled performance in the most challenging environments, and we are confident that APC is the perfect partner to promote this offering. In addition, this collaboration will enable us to fulfil growing demand and opens up new market opportunities.”

Mark Broadhead, APC’s Sales Director said of the agreement:

"This partnership provides our UK military customer base with an outstanding opportunity to source high-performance computer systems. Also suitable for other blue light applications, such as the emergency response services, it ensures people on the frontline can carry out their roles protecting the public with the right tools to do so in what is increasingly becoming a connected, mobile world.

For more information or to register as a partner visit: www.partners.durabook.com/register.

Further Reading:

• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-transformation
• Find out more about Durabook @ www.durabook.com/
• Read more about Durabook on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/all-about-durabook
• Learn more about APC Technology Group @ apcplc.com
• Follow Durabook on Twitter @ twitter.com/Durabook
• Follow Durabook on LinkedIn @ www.linkedin.com/company/durabook/

Arrow Labs, the technology company uniting deskless, frontline workers, announces a partnership with BMB Group (“BMB”) - a multinational and world leader in providing custom-made IT solutions.

Arrow Labs and BMB’s combined expertise will deliver cutting-edge, turnkey, workflow management solutions to large enterprises with significant field operations, and a need for the highest standard customer service. The joint deployment of solutions – including Arrow Labs’ flagship enterprise SaaS software, MIMS - will initially focus on the MENA region, and prioritise the telecoms, logistics, oil and gas and utility sectors.

THE PARTNERSHIP WILL ALLOW ARROW LABS TO RAPIDLY SCALE ITS MIMS WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT SOLUTION INTO PRIORITY SECTORS

Companies in these sectors in particular, plus others, have a critical need to improve and optimise automation, performance and workflow management – which MIMS and BMB’s machine learning-based solutions will address.

For Arrow Labs, working with BMB will provide a faster, greater reach of MIMS to customers in new and existing markets, allowing a more rapid scaling of its business. Broader, more end-to-end solutions will also be possible - such as IoT and monitoring capabilities - and leverage the complementary nature of BMB’s product portfolio and MIMS.

BMB has over 3,000 industry-leading customers, in all verticals, across 17 offices, in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. Customers include the likes of BP, BT Group, Carrefour, Coca-Cola, DHL International GmbH, Diageo, Eni S.p.A., General Motors, Halliburton, Maersk, Nestle, Nokia, Orascom Telecom, Renault, Repsol, and RWE AG.

Rami Darwish, Chief Executive Officer of Arrow Labs, commented:

“This partnership is a real coup for Arrow Labs. BMB Group’s customer list is a who’s who of large enterprises, in sectors that will greatly benefit from our frontline worker solution - MIMS. We are honoured that BMB has chosen Arrow Labs as its partner; this will help us reach customers much faster and more broadly. Our combination is also reciprocal, and we look forward to adding value to BMB via the joint deployment of our complementary solutions.”

Maria Tohme, COO – Levant of BMB Reach, commented:

“BMB is excited for this new partnership with Arrow Labs as it is a great addition that complements our solutions offering. BMB has been on the forefront of Digital Transformation for the past few years and we have helped our customers transform their businesses and streamline their operations. We believe that by partnering with Arrow Labs, we will offer a diverse portfolio that will change the way businesses manage their field service workforce and surely increase their operational efficiency.”

Today’s announcement follows the recent endorsement of Arrow Labs by the renowned American investor, Tim Draper, in the company’s recent US$5 million Series A fundraise – which was one of Mr. Draper’s earliest investments in the MENA region.

Arrow Labs is recording high growth, especially with industry leaders in the telecoms, oil and gas and logistics sectors, with clients including G4S, Dubai Ports World and Bnet.

Further Reading:

• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-transformation
• Read more about Field Service Management @ www.fieldservicenews.com/field-service-management
• Learn more about ArrowLabs @ arrowsecure.com
• Connect with Arrow Labs on LinkedIn @ www.linkedin.com/company/arrowlabsmims/
• Follow Arrow Labs on Twitter @ twitter.com/ArrowLabsMIMS

GPS Insight, a leading provider of SaaS-based fleet management software and complementary solutions in the United States and Canada, today announced the acquisition of FieldAware, the leader in made-for-mobile, cloud-based field service solutions.

The acquisition advances field services and fleet tracking capabilities for GPS Insight, allowing them to better serve customers of all sizes through a more robust and comprehensive digital platform with capabilities to achieve operational insights and cost savings.

THIS PARTNERSHIP MOVES FIELDAWARE CLOSER TO FULLY DIGITIZING AND AUTOMATING A MADE-FOR-MOBILE FIELD OPERATIONS EXPERIENCE

"GPS Insight is thrilled to provide even better solutions for our customers through this partnership with FieldAware, while at the same time extending our competitive advantage across the field service and fleet management landscape," said Gary Fitzgerald, CEO at GPS Insight. "We're committed to creating tools for businesses to operate with more efficiency," Fitzgerald adds, "and bringing together these two platforms will provide an unparalleled synergy to guarantee high-quality, reliable service that drives bottom-line profitability, while enabling our customers to deliver a superior end-to-end service experience for their customers."

The acquisition will better position GPS Insight to expand its field service solutions to meet the unique digital field service challenges of mid-market and enterprise service organizations across core industries, such as industrial and commercial equipment, solar and renewable energy, facility and property management, waste management, construction, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, while ensuring fleet performance—along with driver safety and compliance—to a customer base of more than 250,000 vehicles combined.

"This is an exciting time for FieldAware to join forces with GPS Insight. This partnership moves FieldAware closer to realizing our vision of fully digitizing and automating a comprehensive, made-for-mobile field operations experience," said Steve Mason, COO at FieldAware. "Existing and new customers can expect to see benefits immediately as we take our solutions and innovation to a new level to expand the impact of all types of assets in the field."

"FieldAware's history of digital innovation has been transforming field service organizations since 2011," continued Fitzgerald. "By integrating their field-first service suite with the industry-leading telematics, video telematics, and field service management solutions from GPS Insight, we'll be able to complement each other's unique strengths and market positioning—expanding our go-to-market channels and cross-selling opportunities. This acquisition not only grows the GPS Insight product portfolio, but also reinforces our commitment to helping companies realize the promise of fully digital field operation transformation."

For more information, please visit gpsinsight.com

Further Reading:

• Read more about Digital Transformation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-transformation
• Read more about Service Innovation @ www.fieldservicenews.com/service-innovation
• Read more about FieldAware on Field Service News @ www.fieldservicenews.com/fieldaware
• Learn more about FieldAware @ www.fieldaware.com
• Find out more about GPS Insights @ gpsinsight.com
• Follow FieldAware on Twitter @ twitter.com/fieldaware