Information provision Engineers

Project description

The project focuses on improving the provision of information and optimising the work process for Smeva's service technicians. These mechanics are generally at an older age and have limited affinity with IT. They need an easy-to-use IT solution that provides additional information and meets their specific needs

Context

Smeva operates in the commercial refrigeration sector and specialises in supplying and servicing counters and other refrigeration equipment. They serve major customers in the Netherlands and their service technicians are responsible for repairing and maintaining these coolers at the customers' premises.

Smeva's service technicians are tasked with ensuring that the coolers function optimally and meet the customers' requirements. They operate at sites of several large customers in the Netherlands, where they have to deal with different types of refrigeration systems and repair work.

A specific characteristic of Smeva's service technicians is that they are generally elderly and have limited affinity with IT. Their focus is on performing maintenance and service tasks, and they prefer as little administrative work as possible. The shortage of technicians and the high workload pose challenges for service engineers, making it important to optimise their work processes and improve information provision.

Results

As a result of the project, a Microsoft PowerApp application was developed that is connected to the ERP system and multiple data sources. This application serves as a centralised information facility and optimises the work processes of the service technicians.

The PowerApp provides service technicians with access to necessary information, such as planning, orders, time recording and materials, in a user-friendly and integrated way. With the centralisation of information and improved functionalities of the application, the service technicians now have a more efficient and streamlined work process.

In addition, the results of the project have led to a significant 20% reduction in failure costs and a reduction in delay time. This is due to the improved provision of information, allowing service technicians to access the right data faster and perform their tasks in a more informed way.

The project thus resulted in a concrete IT solution that centralised information provision, optimised work processes and delivered demonstrable benefits, including a reduction in failure costs and delay time.

About the project group

We are two motivated IT & business students.