The programme, launched in conjunction with the industry association AFSMI, aims raise the quality of field service work through a set of industry-defined benchmarks and qualifications against best practice.  The programme was introduced to the UK at Service Management Europe last October and is now set to launch formally.

John Hamilton, the president of Service Strategies the organisation behind the programme, said the first edition was  created in North America last year by a consortium of leading technology companies but that now he was looking to perform a European review to 'ensure the certifications cover all EMEA specific requirements that may have not been captured in the initial North American development effort'.

He said the programme is aimed any organisations required to deliver on-site services at the customer premises. 'These certification programs will establish a foundation for on-site services delivery, build on existing quality processes and provide a clear focus on measurable results,' he said.

He added that the sponsor companies, representing a range of industrial sectors, were taking part at the meeting in Utrecht in the Netherlands on 26 April but the programme could accommodate more and would benefit from wider input.