Computerized service trucks eliminate 'hurry up and wait' syndrome for techs. (Hallmark Air Conditioning Inc.)

Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration News, June, 1990 by Schultz, Judy

Computerized service trucks eliminate `hurry up and wait' syndrome for techs

In an industry where timeliness is everything -- and most service calls "can't wait" -- the successful hvac contractor has to respond almost before he's called.

Ironically, after hustling to complete a job, some of the most frustrating delays can come when the technician tries to contact the dispatcher. Only one call can be handled at a time, and that means someone has to wait.

That's not the case, though, at Hallmark Air Conditioning in Houston, where president Ken Taylor says he's doing away with such delays.

Hallmark has outfitted several of its service trucks with an "Autolog" system that combines Motorola hardware and Service Automation, Inc. software...