IFS Virtual Map article
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IFS has developed a new map application in partnership with Tomra and Autotank that enhances service organization efficiency by optimizing job planning and reducing environmental impact. This application leverages external data and integrates with job ordering systems to provide a clear overview of service engineers, job orders, and necessary resources. The goal is to streamline operations, minimize delays, and improve profitability in a competitive market.
IFS Virtual Map article
- 2. The service vehicle is out on a job. The service engineer uses the navigation system to find the quickest possible route. The TMT information warns him of road works and long queues, and the system automatically suggests a quicker route. Modern? Maybe, but this summer the map will become a central part of the service organizations’ job planning. A new application developed by IFS in partnership with Tomra and Autotank increases efficiency while reducing impact on the environment and making maximum use of employees’ capacity and expertise. IFS WORLD 33
- 3. E very minute a service engineer Management that draws on the mapping spends en route between jobs is tool Bing Map for Enterprise (formerly a minute that could have been Microsoft Virtual Earth). This has spent on a job. Even though travel resulted in something usually termed time can be charged for, up to 50% of the location-based services, i.e. functions charge is lost. However, combining the based on the application being aware of information from the job ordering system the geographical position. Martin Gunnarsson, with the map data makes it possible to “Many service organizations currently Product Manager, IFS. optimize job planning according to the have reasonable control over where their resources available and customers’ needs, vehicles and spare parts are. Planning, which can be directly transformed into a however, is at best based on experience higher level of service, lower fuel con- and personal preferences rather than a sumption and better use of the service business structure. At worst, the person organization’s resources. chosen for a particular job, and how they The application is based on a relative- get there, is chosen at random,” says ly new technique called mash-up. This Martin Gunnarsson, Product Manager at means functions and information are IFS. borrowed from external sources such as open databases, and this information is The beneFIT OF knOWIng used in its own application. In partner- By making the application aware of ship with Tomra and Autotank, IFS has personnel, geography, infrastructure and developed an extension of IFS Service service agreements, the system can easily 34 IFS WORLD
- 4. The new map application uses information from the system to generate a map that gives a clear and natural overview of a situation. This has a direct effect on operations, according to Mikael Ljungmark. help plan work in order to minimize InTeRFACe MAkeS The DIFFeRenCe beneFITS environmental impact and achieve the IFS is working hard to improve the usabil- • Better overview most efficient use of the company’s ity of its business systems by adapting • Simpler job planning capacity. them to how people want to work. One Gilbarco Autotank develops and sells such example is Enterprise Explorer, a • Increased efficiency pump and payment systems for service revolutionary interface that increases • Illustrates potential problems stations. It is one of the two companies efficiency. The new map application before they affect the operation that have helped IFS develop the new map takes information from the system and, • Enables more advanced services such application and the company’s Head of using the map, illustrates the situation in as mobile storage Business Development, Thomas a way that’s clear and logical. Something Goldschmidt, holds high hopes, “Being Mikael Ljungmark at Tomra believes has • Increased profitability, quick return able to see each service engineer and all a direct impact on the operation. on investment the job orders directly on the map, along “We know that shops lose customers with details of priority, type of service as soon as a bottle and can deposit agreement and other important informa- machine is out of order. Consequently, tion, will make it far easier to plan the jobs. every minute of delay before a service Tight margins and increased competition vehicle arrives affects profits. This is mean it’s not enough to be the best at why it’s extremely important that we building good equipment and good at plan our work well and that we use the servicing it. It’s also essential to be able system to gain the best possible over- to provide the most efficient service at view so we can plan our jobs quickly,” the lowest cost,” Goldschmidt explains. says Ljungmark. IFS WORLD 35