Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers install, fix, and maintain many of the machines that are common to businesses and households. Some repairers travel to customers' workplaces or other locations to make the necessary repairs. These workers—known as field technicians—often have assigned areas in which they perform preventive maintenance on a regular basis. Bench technicians work in repair shops located in stores, factories, or service centers. In small companies, repairers may work both in repair shops and at customer locations.
Computer repairers, also known as computer service technicians or data processing equipment repairers, service mainframe, server, and personal computers; printers; and auxiliary computer equipment. These workers primarily perform hands-on repair, maintenance, and installation of computers and related equipment. Workers who provide technical assistance, in person or by telephone, to computer system users are known as computer support specialists or computer support technicians.
Computer repairers usually replace subsystems instead of repairing them. Replacement is common because subsystems are inexpensive and businesses are reluctant to shut down their computers for time-consuming repairs. Subsystems commonly replaced by computer repairers include video cards, which transmit signals from the computer to the monitor; hard drives, which store data; and network cards, which allow communication over the network. Defective modules may be given to bench technicians, who use software programs to diagnose the problem and who may repair the modules, if possible.
Office machine and cash register servicers work on photocopiers, cash registers, mail-processing equipment, and fax machines. Newer models of office machinery include computerized components that allow them to function more effectively than earlier models.
Office machine repairers usually work on machinery at the customer's workplace. However, if the machines are small enough, customers may bring them to a repair shop for maintenance. Common malfunctions include paper misfeeds caused by worn or dirty parts, and poor-quality copy resulting from problems with lamps, lenses, or mirrors. These malfunctions usually can be resolved simply by cleaning the relevant components. Breakdowns also may result from the failure of commonly used parts. For example, heavy use of a photocopier may wear down the printhead, which applies ink to the final copy. In such cases, the repairer usually replaces the part instead of repairing it.
Automated teller machine servicers install and repair automated teller machines (ATMs). These machines allow customers to carry out bank transactions without the assistance of a teller. ATMs also provide a growing variety of other services, including stamp, phone card, and ticket sales.
When ATMs malfunction, computer networks recognize the problem and alert repairers. Common problems include worn magnetic heads on card readers, which prevent the equipment from recognizing customers' bankcards, and "pick failures," which prevent the equipment from dispensing the correct amount of cash. Field technicians travel to the locations of ATMs and usually repair equipment by removing and replacing defective components. Broken components are taken to a repair shop, where bench technicians make the necessary repairs. Field technicians perform routine maintenance on a regular basis, replacing worn parts and running diagnostic tests to ensure that the equipment functions properly.
To install large equipment, such as mainframe computers and ATMs, repairers connect the equipment to power sources and communication lines that allow the transmission of information over computer networks. For example, when an ATM dispenses cash, it transmits the withdrawal information to the customer's bank. Workers also may install operating software and peripheral equipment, checking that all components are configured to function together correctly.
Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers use a variety of tools for diagnostic tests and repair. To diagnose malfunctions, they use multimeters to measure voltage, current, resistance, and other electrical properties; signal generators to provide test signals; and oscilloscopes to monitor equipment signals. To diagnose computerized equipment, repairers use software programs. To repair or adjust equipment, workers use handtools, such as pliers, screwdrivers, soldering irons, and wrenches.
Work environment. Repairers usually work in clean, well-lighted surroundings. Because computers and office machines are sensitive to extreme temperatures and humidity, repair shops usually are air-conditioned and well ventilated. Field repairers must travel frequently to various locations to install, maintain, or repair customers' equipment. ATM repairers may have to perform their jobs in small, confined spaces that house the equipment.
Because computers and ATMs are critical for many organizations to function efficiently, data processing equipment repairers and ATM field technicians often work around the clock. Their schedules may include evening, weekend, and holiday shifts, sometimes assigned on the basis of seniority. Office machine and cash register servicers usually work regular business hours because the equipment they repair is not as critical. Most repairers work about 40 hours per week, but about 12 percent work more than 50 hours per week.
Although their jobs are not strenuous, repairers must lift equipment and work in a variety of postures. Repairers of computer monitors need to discharge voltage from the equipment to avoid electrocution. Workers may have to wear protective goggles.
| 1. | Converse with customers in order to determine details of equipment problems. |
| 2. | Reassemble machines after making repairs or replacing parts. |
| 3. | Travel to customers' stores or offices to service machines, or to provide emergency repair service. |
| 4. | Reinstall software programs or adjust settings on existing software in order to fix machine malfunctions. |
| 5. | Advise customers concerning equipment operation, maintenance and programming. |
| 6. | Test new systems in order to ensure that they are in working order. |
| 7. | Assemble machines according to specifications, using hand tools, power tools, and measuring devices. |
| 8. | Operate machines in order to test functioning of parts and mechanisms. |
| 9. | Maintain records of equipment maintenance work and repairs. |
| 10. | Install and configure new equipment, including operating software and peripheral equipment. |
| 11. | Maintain parts inventories, and order any additional parts needed for repairs. |
| 12. | Update existing equipment, performing tasks such as installing updated circuit boards or additional memory. |
| 13. | Align, adjust, and calibrate equipment according to specifications. |
| 14. | Test components and circuits of faulty equipment in order to locate defects, using oscilloscopes, signal generators, ammeters, voltmeters, or special diagnostic software programs. |
| 15. | Repair, adjust, or replace electrical and mechanical components and parts, using hand tools, power tools, and soldering or welding equipment. |
| 16. | Complete repair bills, shop records, time cards, and expense reports. |
| 17. | Disassemble machine to examine parts such as wires, gears, and bearings for wear and defects, using hand tools, power tools, and measuring devices. |
| 18. | Clean, oil, and adjust mechanical parts to maintain machines' operating efficiency and to prevent breakdowns. |
| 19. | Enter information into computers to copy programs from one electronic component to another, or to draw, modify, or store schematics. |
| 20. | Read specifications such as blueprints, charts, and schematics in order to determine machine settings and adjustments. |
| 21. | Lay cable and hook up electrical connections between machines, power sources, and phone lines. |
| 22. | Analyze equipment performance records in order to assess equipment functioning. |
| 23. | Fill machines with toners, inks, or other duplicating fluids. |
| 24. | Train new repairers. |
| 25. | Calibrate testing instruments. |
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