At a glance

• Field service trends for the first half of 2025 included continued growth in sectors such as data centers, AV systems, Windows upgrades, and low-voltage cabling.
• Retail-driven field service work remains steady, with remodels and system upgrades tied to store closures and new tenant activity.
• Break/fix and lifecycle services are on the rise, as organizations shift from capital projects to maintaining existing systems.
• Key field service challenges in 2025 include tariffs, high interest rates, and technician shortages—factors that also shape 2026 planning.

As we move into the second half of 2025, the themes are familiar: economic uncertainty, cost pressure, and market volatility. Yet, field service demand continues to grow in many categories.

Here’s a look at the tailwinds supporting field service activity—and the headwinds that could limit it.Tailwinds create field service opportunities

Growth areas to watch

Many segments of field service are expanding, even in a cautious market. Data centers remain a bright spot, fueled by ongoing investment in cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities. The global data center construction market will grow at 11.8% through 2030, according to industry estimates.

Other work types—such as physical security systems and AV upgrades—show continued demand. AV is already tracking ahead of last year, with over 37,000 work orders completed in the first half of 2025, reflecting renewed investment in meeting rooms and digital signage.

Windows device work is surging, driven by concerns about tariff-related price increases and the upcoming end-of-life for Windows 10. More than 62,000 device-type work orders were completed in the first half of 2025, as SMBs move quickly to upgrade devices for better security and compatibility.

Low-voltage cabling is gaining traction due to infrastructure upgrades, store reconfigurations, and rising demand for connected environments. Nearly 56,000 work orders for cable testing and runs have already been completed in 2025.

Steady demand from retail store activity

Retail continues to be a key driver of field service work, even as store openings and closures reshuffle the landscape.

Core retail sales have grown 4.2% year-over-year, according to the National Retail Federation. Over 9,900 store closures have been announced since early 2024, but many of these were long-expected exits from struggling brands. Meanwhile, space vacated by these closures is already attracting new tenants. 

This activity fuels consistent demand for decommissioning, remodels, and system upgrades, particularly across signage, cabling, POS, and access control. For field service teams, the work remains steady, even if the banners above the doors are changing.

Increased focus on lifecycle services

With some large capital projects on hold, many businesses are shifting to maintenance and repair. Break/fix work, preventative maintenance, and asset extension services are seeing renewed interest. This shift allows service organizations to strengthen relationships by helping customers keep existing systems running reliably.

Headwinds pressure business investment

Impacts from trade shifts

Recent trade policy shifts, such as tariffs, are raising costs for imported equipment and materials across the field service landscape. Some companies accelerated purchases earlier in the year, while others are waiting out the uncertainty. Either way, the ripple effects are slowing project timelines and increasing cost sensitivity across the board.

High cost of capital and macroeconomic strain

Borrowing costs remain elevated, with interest rates between 4.5% and 5%. The Federal Reserve has held rates steady, and it is concerned that lowering rates could reignite inflation. At the same time, first-quarter GDP fell 0.2%, partly due to a surge of imports ahead of price increases. Economists surveyed by the Wall Street Journal now see a 33% chance of recession, up from 22% earlier this year. These factors are causing many businesses to delay or scale back spending on field service projects.

Persistent technician shortages

Labor remains a constraint. While overall unemployment remains low at 4.1%, field service organizations continue to face technician shortages in certain skill areas and geographic regions. The challenge is most acute for complex, multi-site work and time-sensitive projects. As demand in specific sectors continues, the ability to flex labor capacity remains a key differentiator.

Strategic considerations for field service leaders

Work order activity remains strong on the Field Nation platform, with 631,000 work orders completed through June. In a shifting market, field service leaders must adjust their strategies to stay ahead.

Dig deeper into market signals: Avoid relying on broad economic headlines alone. Analyze growth and contraction at the segment level to see which sectors, store types, or regions drive work and which are slowing down.

Strengthen lifecycle services: As capital budgets tighten, prioritize services that help customers maintain and extend existing systems. Proactive break/fix, preventative maintenance, and performance upgrades can build stronger relationships without heavy upfront spending.

Flex your capacity: Keep on-demand labor options in place to handle seasonal peaks, store rationalization, or project changes linked to trade policy shifts. A flexible model allows you to adjust quickly.

Prioritize speed: In a volatile environment, responding fast can set you apart. Completing projects ahead of pricing changes or seasonal surges positions you as a trusted partner.

Power your projects with a flexible workforce

Field Nation makes scaling your capacity and responding to changing needs easy. Connect with our team to see how you can prepare for what’s next.

Get a complete view of 2025 trends →
Deep dive into 1H2025 trends
The definitive guide to field service trends

The post What’s shaping field service in the second half of 2025 appeared first on Field Nation.

Despite the growing demand for AI and related technologies, supply chain disruptions, escalating labor shortages, and weakened global IT spending growth (2025 IDC forecast recently cut in half, from 10% to 5%) are anticipated in the coming weeks and months.

These pressures reshape how CIOs, operations leaders, and service providers think about strategy, timing, costs, and execution now and in the future. With uncertainty looming, three factors converge to create a critical inflection point for field service.

What’s driving the urgency?

This isn’t just a seasonal push or typical refresh cycle. Here are three factors contributing to the current urgency in field service.

1. Tariff turbulence on technology infrastructure
   Despite temporary pauses on products and shifting strategies, the financial pressure is already hitting IT budgets. The U.S. recently introduced tariffs, resulting in higher costs of imported products such as networking equipment, AV hardware, digital signage, and point-of-sale systems. Rather than wait and see, CIOs are accelerating projects to beat cost hikes and secure resources before the next wave of increases.
2. Hardware refresh delays = more maintenance and repair
   Rather than absorb immediate tariff-driven expenses, many companies are delaying new hardware investments. But stretching the life of aging equipment creates new demands — especially for break/fix work and preventive maintenance. These projects require skilled, on-site labor – fast.
3. High-visibility retail initiatives
   For multi-location brands, this season is go-time. Retailers, quick-service restaurants, and financial service providers are preparing for high-traffic months, compliance deadlines, and summer rollouts — all of which require on-site service support. As a result, field service teams are under pressure to act quickly and complete projects within a critical window between April and June. 

The ripple effect across the service chain

No matter where you sit in the service ecosystem – as an MSP, national solution provider, or in-house field ops team – this spike in urgency impacts how work gets done.

• Retailers and CIOs are adjusting procurement strategies to lock in pricing and complete deployments before Q3.
• Project managers are shifting focus to tactical wins and breaking large initiatives into smaller, high-impact deployments.
• Field service leaders are leaning on flexible labor models to support fluctuating demand without committing to long-term overhead.
• Technicians and independent contractors are seeing increased opportunity for work, while also experiencing compressed timelines.

How field service leaders can stay ahead

When timelines shrink and demand spikes, agility becomes the ultimate differentiator. To stay ahead, field service leaders must take proactive steps to strengthen and future-proof their operations. Here’s what you can do now:

Steps leaders can take now

• Reevaluate your labor strategy: Assess your current labor mix to ensure you have the right balance of full-time employees and independent contractors. Building in flexibility can help you respond quickly to changing service demands.
• Negotiate more flexible SLAs: Update service level agreements to allow for quicker response times, broader technician pools, or more adaptable project scopes when necessary.
• Prioritize critical projects: Identify which initiatives are most vulnerable to external pressures (such as tariff increases or supply chain disruptions) and allocate resources strategically.
• Diversify your service offerings: Expanding into adjacent service categories can help mitigate risk, improve resilience, and open new revenue streams during periods of market volatility.

Partner with Field Nation and take on what’s next

Field service leaders are operating under more pressure than ever with rising tariffs, shrinking budgets, and shifting timelines. Delayed hardware refreshes, growing maintenance backlogs, and leaner teams have made agility and speed essential. At the same time, leadership teams are reevaluating long-standing strategies, seeking clarity in the midst of uncertainty.

But pressure can create opportunity. By moving decisively — rethinking resourcing models, accelerating high-impact projects, and embracing flexible service delivery — leaders can not only navigate this moment, but emerge stronger, more efficient, and better positioned for what’s next. Field Nation can help you meet this moment quickly, confidently, and clearly.

The post Why field service leaders are racing against the clock – and what’s fueling the push appeared first on Field Nation.

Tips for successful technician vetting

A technician’s profile on Field Nation functions like a resume. These profiles showcase skills, platform-verified experience, work history, and key attributes, giving you a comprehensive view of each technician’s qualifications. Here’s how to make the most of them:

Review skills and experience 

Dive deep into technician profiles to match the right skill sets with your job requirements. Look for work history that aligns with the complexity and scope of your project.

Select the best-fit work type

Be specific when selecting the type of work that best describes your project. Clear, accurate categorization ensures your posting is seen by the most qualified technicians.

Refine search with filters

After posting your work order, take advantage of advanced filtering options to further narrow your search for technicians based on additional criteria.

Write a clear scope of work 

Vague job descriptions can deter top talent. A detailed, transparent scope attracts high-quality technicians and sets clear expectations, resulting in smoother project execution.

Make the call

Speaking directly with techs can offer a better sense of their expertise and give you confidence in your selection.

Plan for travel time

If the job includes multiple stops (e.g., parts pickup or return), budget accordingly to cover additional travel charges.

Optimize for proximity

Selecting technicians close to your job site can help reduce costs and speed up completion time.

Confirm tool readiness 

Double-check that techs have the necessary tools, especially any specialized equipment your project requires.

Consider Service Companies

If you need more coverage, consider working with a Service Company to access technicians or add logistical support.

Give new talent a chance

Don’t overlook technicians with limited metrics. Many experienced professionals are transitioning to independent contracting. A quick conversation or follow-up can reveal hidden gems.

Field Nation features to help simplify vetting

Our platform features are designed to streamline your vetting process so you can make confident, data-driven decisions quickly:

Default ranking rule 

The Default Ranking Rule tool evaluates and scores technicians criteria—like experience, reliability, and past performance—so you can easily identify the best fit.

Easy-to-use interface 

Our platform interface is built with efficiency in mind, allowing you to seamlessly compare and evaluate provider profiles.

Reliability metrics

Key stats like Timeliness and Assignment Completion help you assess technician dependability at a glance.

Select networks

Want to speed up vetting even more? Build your custom Select Network of pre-vetted, trusted techs who already understand your expectations and project needs.

Build your on-demand workforce on Field Nation

Choosing the right technician doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With the right vetting tools and proven best practices, you can confidently connect with qualified techs on the marketplace that meet your standards and support your goals.

Start finding independent technicians for your next project on Field Nation today.

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Take back control of field service quality

Most field service organizations right now have too much work and not enough people to do it, so they’re bringing in third parties to help. The problem is that when you engage a third party, you lose visibility into who goes on site, how the work gets done, and the customer experience – until it’s too late.

Join Field Nation for an exclusive 30-minute webinar where we’ll show you how to optimize your field service operations with an on-demand labor model.

In this webinar, you will learn:

• How to build your bench of trusted techs from our nationwide network of independent IT professionals
• How our platform makes it easy to publish and manage work
• And why the on-demand model is the only option for companies who want control over both cost and quality

Don’t let a lack of control compromise your field service quality. Register now to secure your spot and take back control!

The post Intro to On-Demand Labor: Take Control of Field Service Quality appeared first on Field Nation.

Understanding the need for backup solutions

Modern security cameras offer high-quality resolution, clarity, and smart features like motion detection and real-time alerts. However, even with these innovations, security cameras can still be prone to errors such as limited storage, mechanical faults, and data malfunctions. One of the most significant issues facing the surveillance industry is the risk of hard drive failures, which can result in the irreversible loss of critical footage. 

This risk poses a serious problem for businesses, especially when incidents involving legal actions or disputes occur. Without backup, footage that could resolve such issues may be inaccessible, leaving businesses vulnerable to unwarranted claims and potential losses.

Benefits of offering backup solutions

Service companies are ideally positioned to address these challenges by offering comprehensive security backup solutions. Mooring Companies, a leader in this space, provides advanced technology to ensure the integrity and accessibility of your clients’ surveillance data. The benefits of providing such services include:

1. Enhanced data integrity

By implementing robust backup systems, such as cloud-based solutions that maximize long-term data preservation, service providers can ensure their clients’ footage is secure against data loss from hardware failures or disasters. This service is invaluable for businesses that rely on surveillance to safeguard their assets. 

2. Increased client trust and retention

Clients depend on service providers to install reliable systems and ensure the longevity and accessibility of the data those systems collect. Service providers that offer extended storage options and efficient data recovery solutions build deeper trust with clients, resulting in higher retention rates and enhanced customer satisfaction. 

3. Regulatory compliance

Many industries are governed by regulations that require the retention of video footage for extended periods. Service companies that offer customizable backup solutions help clients comply with these regulations, preventing potential legal issues and fines. 

4. Competitive advantage

Many service providers should offer backup and storage solutions as part of their standard offerings. Companies that integrate these solutions into their service portfolios set themselves apart from competitors, offering added value to their clients and positioning themselves as industry leaders.

Enhance your service offerings with security camera backup solutions

As the demand for reliable security solutions grows, the opportunity for service companies to expand their offerings and improve their competitive edge becomes increasingly evident. Mooring Companies can help you meet this demand through a variety of customized solutions  that are tailored to your clients’ needs, such as extensive storage data retrieval and rapid footage recovery. By providing sophisticated backup solutions, service companies can offer comprehensive services that ensure their clients’ safety, compliance, and satisfaction.

Mooring Companies is here to help service providers looking to enhance their capabilities, increase their revenue, and integrate advanced backup and storage solutions into their portfolios. For more information, visit the Mooring Companies website.

The post How service companies are enhancing their offerings through security backup solutions appeared first on Field Nation.

Understanding the scope of the AV labor crisis

The labor crisis in the AV industry is more severe than ever. According to recent surveys, 72% of integrators cite talent issues as a top concern, with installer and technician roles being the hardest to fill​​. This shortage has been exacerbated by the increasing complexity of AV projects and the need for rapid, high-quality installations and services.

The key challenges integrators face include:

• Volatile project backlogs: With fluctuating demand, maintaining a consistent workforce is difficult.
• Service inflation: Rising costs make it challenging to stay profitable.
• Evolving customer needs: Clients demand faster response times and higher quality service.
• Supply chain issues: Delays and product shortages add another layer of complexity.

Traditional labor options and their limitations

AV integrators have traditionally relied on two main labor options: hiring employees and subcontracting. Each has its pros and cons:

1. Employees:
   • Pros: Control over talent selection, trained and certified staff, fast deployment.
   • Cons: Slower to scale, fixed costs regardless of demand (including overhead), high travel expenses.
2. Subcontractors:
   • Pros: One-stop-shop for project management, variable costs.
   • Cons: Slow deployment, opaque expenses, lack of control over technician selection​.

Given these limitations, a hybrid model that incorporates on-demand labor using a labor marketplace can offer a more flexible and cost-effective solution.

The rise of labor marketplaces

Labor marketplaces like Field Nation are emerging as a critical solution to the IT labor shortage. Marketplaces provide direct access to independent contractors who can be matched to specific job requirements based on their skills, experience, and performance ratings.

Benefits of a labor marketplace

• Local resource access: Technicians are sourced locally, reducing travel costs and response times.
• Control and flexibility: Integrators can vet and manage talent directly, ensuring quality and reliability.
• Cost-effectiveness: By paying only for the work needed and avoiding additional management overhead, integrators can save significantly on labor costs​​​​.

Introducing the AV & Digital Signage Select Network

Due to the AV labor shortage, Field Nation and Herman Integration Services have partnered to create the AV & Digital Signage Select Network, the nation’s largest on-demand network of AV installers. This network includes over 1,600 independent technicians with proven experience installing, decommissioning, or configuring audio-visual and digital signage equipment, as well as running and terminating cable to the same equipment.

Key Features:

• Experienced and reliable: Installers have high buyer ratings for quality, reliability, and performance.
• Cost-effective: Integrators can save up to 50% on simple service calls by using local technicians.
• Responsive: Independent installers typically respond to requests within 15 minutes in major metropolitan areas, compared to days or weeks for traditional labor options.

Implementing a hybrid workforce model

A hybrid workforce model combines the best aspects of direct hires, subcontractors, and labor marketplaces. This approach allows integrators to:

• Cut costs and increase margins: By sourcing technicians close to job sites and paying only for the work needed.
• Ensure compliance: Manage payroll, tax, and insurance easily, while ensuring compliance with labor laws.
• Control service quality: Select talent based on skills, experience, certifications, and ratings.
• Respond quickly: Access a nationwide network of AV installers and technicians for rapid deployment​​.

Common AV use cases on Field Nation

• Simple service calls: The AV & Digital Signage Select Network on the Field Nation marketplace can handle simple tasks such as low-voltage cabling, basic displays and speaker installations, and digital signage installations.

Conclusion

The AV labor crisis presents a significant challenge, but it also offers an opportunity for integrators to rethink their workforce strategies. By embracing a hybrid model and leveraging the AV & Digital Signage Select Network powered by the #1 labor marketplace for IT field services, AV integrators can improve service quality, reduce costs, and respond more quickly to customer needs. Complete a brief coverage assessment, and we’ll match your specific work requirements and service regions to our AV & Digital Signage Select Network.

For AV integrator leaders, the path forward involves not just finding the right technicians but also implementing a flexible, scalable workforce strategy that can adapt to the ever-changing demands of the industry. By doing so, they can ensure that they not only survive but thrive in this competitive landscape.

The post Addressing the audiovisual labor crisis: A strategic guide for AV integrators appeared first on Field Nation.

This shift is not just a trend but a noteworthy movement. A recent Field Nation study revealed that 98% of IT field service technicians prefer to work as independent contractors, either exclusively or in combination with a full-time job. Aside from the clear growth opportunities in the field service industry, independent contractors enjoy a variety of additional benefits.

Why do people prefer independent contracting?

Many people enjoy independent contracting because it allows them to set their own work schedules and choose which projects they work on. In a Field Nation study on independent contractors, 36% of respondents said flexibility was a top reason for choosing contracting work, and 27% indicated autonomy and control as additional main drivers toward their decision.

Jenny Korpalski, an independent technician who uses Field Nation to find and complete work, emphasizes schedule flexibility as a key reason for doing independent contracting. “I love setting my schedule and having the freedom to work if I want to or just take days off,” she said.

Satisfaction and work-life balance

Most IT professionals who contract are pleased with their jobs. Four out of five of them say they are satisfied or very satisfied. They like being able to balance their work and personal life better. More than 70% of these workers say they have a better balance now than before. Also, when they find jobs through platforms like Field Nation, they can do different kinds of work that match what they’re good at, keeping their job interesting and making them feel good about what they do.

Entrepreneurship opportunities

Another benefit of choosing contracting is the opportunity to be your own boss and build your own personal business. Being your own boss can look like being in control of your schedule and taking on projects that help you gain desired skill sets, whether that’s communication or a specific ability such as low-voltage cabling. You can also use contract work to establish and maintain a workload for your field service company.

Longevity and growth opportunities

IT contracting is not just something people do for a little while. For many contractors, it’s what they want to do for their entire career. A study by Field Nation found that 64% of people contracting have been doing it for six years or more, showing how much they enjoy this way of working. The main reason they think about stopping is when they retire.

Opportunity growth for contract labor

Companies are also noticing the benefits of independent contracting, and many are using both full-time and contract workers to help them get work done. According to IHL Group, there’s been a significant increase in IT spending, meaning there’s a greater need for IT experts who can work flexibly. Companies that started early in hiring contract workers are seeing good results. They’ve found that hiring these workers lets them get the right IT help when needed, no matter where they are.

Independent contracting on the rise

The trend towards independent contracting is not limited to the IT sector. The broader economy is witnessing a significant increase in independent workers, increasing 89% since 2020, with 72.1 million independent workers in America, as reported by the MBO Partners’ State of Independence in America 2023 report.

Experience the benefits of independent contracting with Field Nation

The rise of independent contracting in the IT field services sector is a testament to the changing dynamics of the workforce, driven by professionals’ desire for flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance. As the demand for skilled IT professionals continues to grow, more and more field service companies turn to Field Nation to find talented technicians to help with their projects.

Whether you’re seeking full-time or part-time independent work, the opportunities in the IT services sector are abundant and rewarding! Start your journey as an independent contractor and sign up for Field Nation today!

The post The benefits of choosing independent contracting appeared first on Field Nation.

The downside to this growing demand is that there’s too much work and not enough workers. Companies we’re talking with tell us their third parties are struggling to find skilled techs, creating delays and missed deadlines. These same companies are also telling us that even with a volatile market, projects are still happening. That’s where the Field Nation marketplace comes in. 

What kinds of security work can companies bring to Field Nation?

There are four main categories of security work:

1. Surveillance (CCTV & IP Cameras)
2. Access Control
3. Fire Alarm
4. Burglar Alarm

Let’s talk about surveillance first. 

There’s a shift in the industry to replace analog CCTV systems with IP or network cameras, and we’re seeing that dynamic first-hand on the Field Nation marketplace. But that doesn’t mean that techs who have experience with CCTV systems are obsolete. You can find highly rated independent technicians with proven platform experience installing IP and CCTV cameras and running + terminating cable to IP and CCTV cameras – so you’re covered no matter what. 

Here are some of the surveillance use cases we have seen:

Surveillance install / uninstall

• Install cameras and run new cable
• Replace cameras and run new cable
• Replace camera and camera switch

Surveillance diagnose & repair

• Restore camera connection to the DVR
• Troubleshoot a down camera
• Troubleshoot the display system

Surveillance configuration

• Commission / configure camera
• Set up / connect camera
• Re-adjust camera angle / clean lens

Common surveillance technologies and brands we see on Field Nation

• Verkada
• Avigilon
• Rhombus
• Arcules
• Digital Watchdog
• Ubiquiti

Common location types where surveillance work takes place

• Big-box retail stores
• Small footprint retail stores
• Schools / campuses
• Quick-serve restaurants (QSRs)
• Convenience / gas stations

Now, let’s talk access control.

There’s also an “analog to cloud” shift happening in the access control space, but depending on the size of the existing system, companies may defer a wholesale changeover to a cloud-based system and continue to maintain their existing system instead. Whether you need assist / helper techs on a complete system install, or skilled techs who can install or repair individual components, Field Nation can connect you with independent techs. 

Here are some of the access control use cases we have seen:

Access control install / uninstall

• Assist tech for commercial security system installs
• Install single components, e.g. 1 door access control
• Swap key fob reader
• Install new access control locks

Access control diagnose & repair

• Pinpad troubleshoot / replacement
• Sensor replacement / swap
• Panel troubleshoot
• Door strike troubleshoot

Access control configuration

• System turn-up

Common access control technologies and brands we see on Field Nation

• • Allegion PLC
  • Assa Abloy
  • Avigilon
  • Bosch Security Systems Inc
  • Brivo

• Fortinet
• Gemalto NV
• Hanwha Techwin Co
• Honeywell Security Group
• Panasonic Corporation
• Schneider Electric
• Johnson Controls

What about fire alarm and burglar alarm?

Fire alarm and burglar alarm licensing is regulated differently than almost all other types of contractor licenses, and the requirements are more stringent. Because this type of work is highly regulated, Field Nation is not a good resource for national or regional coverage. Instead, we recommend that companies find service providers in their area who are familiar with the licensing requirements in the jurisdictions where the work will be performed. 

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