For the past several weeks, many businesses across industries have been closed to help slow the spread of COVID-19. More recently, though, retailers and other companies are beginning to reopen. While IT field technicians and managed service providers could easily see an increase in projects, it’s important to remember that the pandemic isn’t over yet. COVID-19 is still a very real disease that could potentially impact you, your team, and your loved ones.
That said, it’s a good idea to take on these projects as long as you can do so safely. You can use your field service management platform (FSM) to enhance and emphasize your safety procedures and protocols. Here are a few tips you can use so your technicians and team can get back to work safely.
How IT Field Technicians & Managed Service Providers Can Slow the Spread of COVID-19
1. Send Educational Resources
While the world is beginning to reopen a bit, many people still feel confused or slightly in the dark as to what they’re supposed to be doing and how to protect themselves and their clients. Take this opportunity to share educational resources with your team. Managed service providers can use their FSM to share general information about preventing and identifying COVID-19, as well as to share your company’s protocols. Make sure you include key directives, like procedures for hand washing and disinfecting equipment, or specific steps, like checking technicians’ temperatures before going to a job site.
2. Assign Technicians Strategically
Managed service providers can also use the FSM platform to assign technicians to projects strategically and effectively. Projects can sometimes appear throughout the day, and you can use the FSM to identify which technicians are closest to the new job site. Then, you can more accurately assign technicians to minimize travel and exposure. By leveraging an FSM platform, you’ll know that the tech you’re assigning has the equipment they need, and they’ll also have access to any paperwork or information through the platform itself.
3. Ask Clients for Off-Times
Reach out to your clients to see if your technicians could work during off-peak hours. If they can get into the job site after hours, this could minimize their chances of interacting with others, and, therefore, potential exposure. While this might not be possible for all of your customers, it’s worth a phone call to try to take additional precautions.
4. Ask About Site Details
Chances are you have a fairly standard checklist of questions you ask clients before you begin a project. Now, though, you’ll need to add a few more. Ask about how many people will be on-site, and ask how many handwashing stations there will be. Think about any other conditions that could impact your technician’s safety, and be sure to address them ahead of time.
5. Minimize Travel with Local Technicians
Travel isn’t as easy right now as it has been in the past, and some states are still implementing quarantine restrictions for any visitors or residents who travel. Now is the time to use a contingent workforce in various areas, so you don’t always have to send your team on long trips. Kinettix can help match you with local technicians who are reliable and can help fill the need your company has.
6. Encourage Safe Practices
Your team will likely be looking to you for guidance during this time. Encourage them to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks whenever possible (and if your company can do so, provide them with some). Remind them to be conscious of where they’re working. Talk about cleaning any surfaces or equipment before and after they use them unless they’re using their own personal equipment. Even then, though, a little extra sanitization couldn’t hurt.
While the pandemic is still going on, people are able to somewhat return to their lives if they do so intentionally and with caution. By being smart and using protective measures, IT field technicians and managed service providers can return to work slowly and safely.
Whether you need help implementing your field service management platform or finding IT field technicians in your area, Kinettix can set your projects up for success. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
