To wrap up the first week of this series, I want to discuss a case study that was both successful and encouraging. This case study demonstrates how simple digital tools can empower workers, illustrating that not all significant innovations require complex AI solutions.
The Schindler Group, a world leader in making elevators and escalators, changed the way it does maintenance and service by giving its field technicians a set of custom digital tools.
This Digital Tool Case changed everything for the 57% of Schindler’s employees who worked in installation and maintenance. The suite of apps gave technicians everything they needed to do their jobs well in the field. These tools made operations much more efficient and gave employees more control over their work.
The Digital Toolkit in Action
- The FieldLink app makes job lists in real time and finds the best routes, which cuts down on downtime and increases daily productivity. Technicians use real-time data to plan their work, which lets them make quick, smart decisions on the spot.
- The FieldWiki App gives technicians quick, on-the-go access to service manuals, technical documents, and safety rules. This got rid of bulky paper-based resources, made things more accurate, and accelerated the process of fixing problems.
- The Spare Parts App: Technicians can search for and order from a list of more than 40,000 parts right on the job site using the Spare Parts App. This makes sure that the right parts are on hand, which cuts down on wait times and stops service interruptions.
Measurable Results that Speak Volumes
Using these tools brought about real, multi-faceted benefits:
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- Optimized service routes save 40 million kilometers a year, which cuts down on travel time and operating expenses.
- People avoid 4,435 tons of pollution annually by driving fewer miles and planning their trips more efficiently.
- The system fixes elevator problems 22% faster than traditional methods, resulting in happier customers and faster response times.
This case illustrates a crucial principle: digitizing the workforce transcends mere operational efficiency; it is fundamentally about empowerment. By giving its technicians real-time data and easy-to-use digital tools, Schindler made them strategic problem-solvers. This improves the quality and safety of services while also promoting a culture of constant learning and innovation, where workers use technology to improve their skills and work.
I first posted this case study on LinkedIn as part of my #DigitalFrontierSeries. [here]
My Digital Transformation Consulting Services help you turn real-life case studies like Schindler’s into a strategy that works for you. In my book, Life in the Digital Bubble, I talk about the human side of this kind of technological empowerment, and I often talk about these things as a Keynote Speaker at industry events.