A technology technician has three areas of responsibility: provide quotations to potential clients, complete service orders, and identify new potential clients. The term technology technician covers a wide range of industries, ranging from information technology to architecture. Typically, a technology technician is someone who can provide help desk assistance to users, is familiar with the hardware and software of specific electronic devices, and can troubleshoot as required. Most technology technicians specialize in an industry or type of technology, both to provide a higher level of quality service, and to cope with the huge volume of technology available.
People who enjoy working with technology, are good problem solvers, and possess excellent interpersonal skills report the greatest satisfaction as a technology technician. They meet with clients, software and hardware support, and technology sales staff. The ability to interact with others while communicating clearly and effectively is very important.
Regardless of the industry, the technology technician is responsible for finding and winning new jobs or business. Most firms do not hire dedicated technology technicians to their staff. Instead, they sign a service contract with a technology support firm. This type of service typically follows a quotation-based process.
The client identifies what type of work needs to be done, or the end result that they want to achieve. At least three different technology service firms are called to visit the site, review the specifications, and provide a quotation. This quote is for both equipment and labor, and typically includes the standard response time, hours of availability, work warranty, and a statement about the qualification of the workers.
The success or failure of a technology services firm is directly related to its ability to win new jobs and obtain repeat business from existing clients. Quality of workmanship, pricing, and overall business relationships are critical in the service industry. A lot of work is gained or lost through reputation, so it is important to dedicate sufficient time to maintain these relationships.
The primary role of the technology technician is to complete service orders. The level of work can vary significantly, ranging from a complex installation to a simple repair job requiring two or three hours of work. Many service firms have a services manager who conducts random quality checks to ensure that client’s needs are met.
Finding new clients is an important part of being a technology technician. This can be achieved through a combination of local, targeted advertising and building important business relationships. For example, a technology technician who works in high-speed printing can develop contacts with the equipment supplier. The supplier can recommend the services company to potential clients, increasing sales for both parties.