Tech Helps Answer Skilled Trades Gap Questions

CEO of XOi Technologies on Improving Contractor Productivity

Artificial intelligence and augmented reality are becoming increasingly relevant in sheet metal work and other skilled trades that continue to face a persistent labor and skills gap.

Companies like XOi Technologies are offering field service managers a range of tools designed to improve productivity, quality assurance, and technician training.

These solutions range from hands-on support tools to automated workflows that reduce administrative burden on technicians.

SNIPS Magazine sat down with Aaron Salow to discuss how technology can help bridge the skilled trades gap and improve contractor performance.

Bridging the Skilled Trades Gap

When asked how XOi helps address the skills shortage, Salow explained that many technologies in the industry were not originally designed with technicians in mind.

Instead of simplifying field work, they often add complexity.

The goal of technician-focused platforms is to:

• Reduce friction in daily tasks
• Improve communication between field and office
• Increase job accuracy and speed
• Support technicians in real time

These tools focus on the “curb-to-curb” experience — the entire lifecycle of a service call from dispatch to completion — where communication gaps often occur.

Real-Time Video and AR Support in the Field

One example of XOi’s technology is live video streaming and augmented reality support, which allows supervisors to assist technicians remotely.

This enables teams to:

• See exactly what the technician sees
• Provide real-time guidance
• Reduce unnecessary site visits
• Improve job accuracy on complex tasks

Reducing Errors Through Structured Workflows

A key example shared by Salow involved a contractor in Houston performing several hundred HVAC installations per summer.

The company initially relied on a 46-point checklist, but still experienced:

• High callback rates
• Re-service requests
• Failed inspections

The root issue was not the checklist itself, but inconsistent execution in the field.

Turning Checklists Into Guided Video Workflows

To solve this, the company restructured its process into a simplified, step-by-step video workflow.

Instead of a long static checklist, technicians were guided through:

• Bite-sized instructional steps
• Video demonstrations for each step
• Required validation before moving forward

This approach was deployed to 150 technicians’ mobile devices.

Results of Structured Training

After implementing the workflow-based training system:

• Re-services and failed inspections dropped by 85%

The improvement came from standardizing execution and reinforcing learning in real time rather than relying on memory or documentation alone.

Improving Communication Across Stakeholders

A major advantage of this approach is improved communication between:

• Technicians in the field
• Supervisors in the office
• Customers at home

Technicians can now:

• Document completed work visually
• Explain system functionality to homeowners
• Provide troubleshooting guidance for common issues
• Share proof of proper installation

This creates consistent value delivery across every stakeholder involved in a job.

Building Trust Through Transparency

A recurring challenge in the trades industry is customer mistrust, often driven by inconsistent service experiences or unclear pricing and outcomes.

Aaron Salow emphasized that customers frequently seek multiple quotes due to lack of trust in service providers.

Using Technology to Increase Trust

Technician enablement tools help companies:

• Document every stage of a job
• Share visual proof of completed work
• Increase transparency with customers
• Reduce disputes and uncertainty

By showing rather than telling, contractors can build stronger customer confidence.

Driving Growth Through Communication and Visibility

Salow noted that companies that leverage technology to build transparency and trust are positioned for strong long-term growth.

By improving communication between technicians, managers, and customers, contractor organizations can:

• Improve service consistency
• Increase customer satisfaction
• Strengthen brand credibility
• Support scalable business growth

The Future of Field Service Technology

As skilled trades continue to evolve, technologies like AI, AR, and mobile workflow systems are expected to play a central role in improving productivity and closing the skills gap.

Companies like XOi Technologies are focused on enabling that shift by helping technicians work more efficiently, accurately, and transparently in the field.