Want to know what real wireless customers want? Interested in people doing big wireless deployments right now?
The current issue of ConstructTech interviews 5 CIOs of big construction companies. These guys are asking for real specific applications and are prepared to pay real fees (see my post on $50 average revenue per month) for these applications. These guys are who wireless developers, carriers, and device manufacturers should be listening to:
Jonathan Smoke at Beazer Homes says "Spend some time in the field walking in the shoes of your business customers". He cites the biggest challenges to effective usage of systems in the field are provisioning and support.Thad Lutgens of L.P.R. Construction Co. talks about "eliminating the stigma that says all technology is complex and convoluted." He says: "Reducing the user's fear and frustration is one giant objective that a CIO must meet ... you are dealing with 'hands-on' people who like to see processes through every step."
Chris Stockley of Skanska USA worries mobile coverage, usability, and durability when considering mobile devices.
Robert Koeblitz from DR Horton reminds us that wireless applications must work disconnected. He reminds us that "not all 'good' ideas work well in the field. For example, the idea of allowing progress on a house schedule to automatically notify subcontractors and materials vendors to be onsite at certain times is immensely appealing. In practice, it can be extraordinarily difficult to implement and control."
Tom Garrett from Brasfield & Gorrie is using camera phones to document job site problems.
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