Field Service News | Managing the Mobile Workforce (2)

Anvl Connected Worker Platform Surpasses 10 Million Data Points Collected

Aug 04, 2021 • News • Digital Transformation • Data Collection • Managing the Mobile Workforce • EMEA • ANVL

Anvl announces today that their Connected Worker platform has surpassed the milestone of 10 million data points collected from frontline workers and supervisors. The easy-to-use mobile platform helps companies capture and unlock critical data from...

Anvl connects frontline workers and supervisors to make it easier for companies to detect and capture insights straight from the frontline at the earliest possible point. This data keeps management informed, and worker concerns can trigger alerts for escalation messages, helping organizations make better decisions in real-time based on valuable data from the workforce. Companies can then address issues faster, resulting in productivity improvements and reduced costs.

ANVL'S MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT HIGHLIGHTS THE CRITICAL NEED FOR DATA COLLECTION TO CAPTURE INSIGHTS FROM FRONTLINE WORKERS

“Fast-tracking digital transformation for our Safety Programs is a key initiative for us and we've been able to achieve that goal with Anvl, “said Cliff Gibson, Senior Manager Safety, Exelon Corporate Safety and Environmental Sustainability. “Our Behavior-Based Safety process was rolled out with Anvl in one of our divisions within a couple of months, and we immediately saw high engagement from users who had only used paper processes before.”

The capability to consolidate multiple processes into one platform within Anvl allows workers to be more effective and efficient compared to the myriad of applications, forms and spreadsheets often used today. With nearly 60% of the workforce disengaged with their work, Anvl helps drive business performance by providing a solution that frontline workers and their supervisors will actually use. Anvl routinely sees a user engagement rate of over 90% across a broad demographic and range of technology skills and has collected over a million distinct processes and photos and over 46,000 triggered interventions and stopped jobs.

“Because of the positive adoption of Anvl by our frontline and the data insights we now have for safety professionals and line leaders,” continued Gibson, “we've also rolled out a Hot Work Permit and we'll soon roll out additional Inspection processes. It's exciting to see the speed of change and leading data insights that we can achieve in partnering with the Anvl team.”

This milestone comes at a time when Anvl is expanding its platform. While real-time escalations and alerts have been part of the core features of the software platform from day one, the team recently augmented these features with In-App Messaging and Distributed Push Reports with additional features in the works.

“Finding new ways to drive quality, operational and safety improvements and keep workers connected is a top focus for many businesses, especially after the challenges that emerged from the past year, '' said Robin Fleming, CEO and Co-founder of Anvl. “This means leaders are looking for solutions like Anvl that go beyond a technology pilot and can make a direct, positive impact to worker engagement and the bottom line. I’m thrilled that we can help our customers go from concept to value in record time,” continued Fleming.

To learn more about Anvl and its Connected Worker Solution or to schedule a demo, please visit www.anvl.com.

ETELM Named Partner as the European Commission Launches the INTREPID Project for Safer and Faster Exploration of Disaster Sites

Jul 23, 2021 • News • Telecommunications • Managing the Mobile Workforce • EMEA • ETELM

ETELM, the radio communications infrastructure specialist, has been named as part of the INTEPID project consortium awarded €6.8 million by the European Commission. The aim of the consortium is to create an innovative new platform for the safer and faster exploration and assessment of disaster zones.Combining deep indoor networking with other advanced and groundbreaking technologies such as intelligent amplification, extended reality, smart cybernetic assistants and positioning capabilities, a total of 17 partners from across seven European countries form the consortium now tasked with developing this specialist platform.

ETELM will be contributing its expertise in critical communications infrastructure to provide an innovative Tactical Communication System to improve both indoor and outdoor exploration capabilities of first responders. It will also be working on a Tactical Range Extender solution to enhance indoor coverage, enabling the INTREPID network to reach areas where signal propagation will be otherwise limited, such as underground or deep indoors.

THE INTREPID PLATFORM WILL ENABLE FIRST RESPONDERS TO START OPERATIONS IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT HAVING TO WAIT FOR SPECIALISED TEAMS OR FOR THE AREA TO BE FULLY SECURED

Nicolas Hauswald, CEO of ETELM, said: “It’s not uncommon that in a time of crisis the pre-established public operator networks will either quickly become overloaded or crash entirely. This means that a more reliable and robust means of communicating effectively is essential for first responders. Through INTREPID we are looking at worst case scenario planning where we can leverage a variety of technologies, including the use of drones and robots, to work together in ensuring that the response to a crisis can be deployed as fast and as effectively as possible, even in the most treacherous environments.”

Many challenges arise in the immediate aftermath of a natural or manmade disaster. First responders must make urgent decisions in large, complex and hostile areas with many unknown and unsafe spaces to explore. Lack of reliable information and deep uncertainty about the environment and the situation, as well as the nature and location of victims and threats, are often serious obstacles to a rapid and effective response.

The INTREPID platform will enable first time responders to start operations immediately without having to wait for specialized teams or for the area to be fully secured.

Dr Olivier Balet, CS Group and project coordinator, said: “We believe that advanced drones and robots that can collaborate with each other through enhanced situational awareness and onsite assistance thanks to extended reality and intelligence amplification concepts will offer first responders an unprecedented head start when operating in hazardous areas. “INTREPID will revolutionize rescue operations and we plan to bring these innovations to the market in the next couple of years.”

This three-year long project, which kicked-off at the end of 2020, will validate the effectiveness of its results in three iterative and complementary pilots to support the rescue operations in complex or dangerous areas to be explored. Scenarios will include a flood in a Stockholm metro station, an industrial accident on a SEVESCO site in Marseille, and a major explosion in a public building in Madrid.

For more information, visit www.intrepid-project.eu

Overwhelmingly Staff Utilization is the Biggest Issue in Workforce Management

Jul 16, 2021 • Features • Digital Transformation • Workforce Managemnet • Field Workforce • Managing the Mobile Workforce • EMEA

Kris Oldland, Editor-in-Chief, Field Service News is joined by Mark Belenky, CEO Software Outsourcing Solutions and a specialist in workforce management solutions to work through some of the key findings of an exclusive Field Service News Research...

Aircargo Transport Tracks Vehicle Theft Using Vimcar’s GPS-Tracking Software

May 25, 2021 • News • fleet • Managing the Mobile Workforce • EMEA

Vimcar, the fleet management software for small- and medium-sized businesses, has been working with international transport service provider Aircargo Transport to optimise its fleets’ route and track its vehicles – enabling the identification and tracking of a stolen vehicle in real time, resulting in minimal cost implications.Aircargo Transport is an international transport service provider, responsible for the efficient movement of air cargo and special ‘high value shipments’ via a 13-strong fleet of specially designed trucks.

Aircargo Transport initially installed Vimcar’s Fleet Geo to help optimise their fleet’s routes. With a strong focus on improving customer experience, the SaaS plug-and-play solution allowed Aircargo Transport to provide critical, real-time information on the whereabouts of their vehicles and location. Using this information, the team are then able to provide their customers with arrival times, down to the minute – even notifying the organisation when a vehicle had been stolen.

VIMCAR'S FLEET GEO ALLOWS AIRCARGO TRANSPORT TO OPTIMISE ITS FLEET' ROUTES AND TRACK ITS VEHICLES IN REAL TIME.

Sven Kirchner, Managing Director, Aircargo Transport says: “A notification came through to my mobile saying a truck was on the move. After speaking to the driver of the truck, we quickly realised it had been stolen. After a quick call to the police, they were able to track and secure the vehicle using Vimcar’s live tracking functionality before too much damage was done.”

“The truck had only travelled a small distance, but we would never have been able to find it had we not had the Fleet Geo software installed.” Kirchner says.

Ronald Clancy, UK Country Manager, Vimcar comments: “This is another great example of how businesses can benefit from Vimcar’s easy-to-use solution. As we found in autumn of last year, vehicle misuse threatens to add further economic strain to SMEs in the UK, with vehicle theft costing UK businesses more than £16,000 per year. For those looking into a telematic system, a GPS fleet management system that includes features such as live tracking, geofencing and data exportation would be the best way to curve vehicle theft and misuse.”

Kircher continues: “Our aim is to provide our customers with critical, real-time information about the location of their goods, 24-hours a day. Punctuality is the top priority for us, no plane will wait for our trucks’ cargo. Vimcar’s solution has supported us hugely in optimising our fleets routes and making sure we are arriving on time, every time.”

Founded in Berlin in 2013, Vimcar is the leading provider of fleet telematics solutions to SMEs in its home country of Germany and introduced its Fleet Geo product to the UK market last summer. Vimcar’s SaaS telematics solutions cover all aspects of fleet management, including cost and document management, outlier analysis, CO2 reporting, real-time vehicle tracking, theft warning and route planning. With an emphasis on easy-use, affordability, and strong customer support, its products are perfect for fleets of 1-200 vehicles, particularly for smaller businesses with no dedicated full-time fleet manager. Vimcar aims to redefine fleet management for European SMEs by digitalising the company car of the future.

Is the blended workforce the future of field service

May 21, 2021 • Features • servicepower • Blended Workforce • Managing the Mobile Workforce • Documentaries

Field Service News in Partnership with ServicePower. have produced an exclusive documentary that explores the role of the blended workforce model in field service operations, the challenges in making it work, the significant benefits it can produce...

Are there barriers that could prevent certain industries taking up the blended workforce model in their field service operations?

May 19, 2021 • Features • HVAC • Blended Workforce • Managing the Mobile Workforce • Chris Jessop • Ideal Boilers

As part of a series of interviews for an exclusive Field Service News Documentary on the Blended Workforce in the Field Service sector, developed in partnership with ServicePower, Kris Oldland, Editor in Chief spoke with Chris Jessop, Customer...

Connected fleet management boosts mpg by 12 per cent for Strata Logistics

May 18, 2021 • Fleet Technology • News • fleet management • VisionTrack • Webfleet Solutions • Managing the Mobile Workforce • EMEA • Strata Logistics

Strata Logistics has seen its fleet mpg soar by 12 per cent thanks to connected technology introduced to improve productivity, driver behaviour and tachograph compliance.

The Letchworth-based haulier’s integrated solution combines Webfleet Solutions’ fleet management platform WEBFLEET, connected cameras from VisionTrack, TDi Software’s TransMaS traffic management system and disc-check tachograph software.

WEBFLEET’s OptiDrive 360 functionality highlights dangerous or inefficient driving, profiling drivers based on incidents such as harsh braking, sharp cornering or speeding. VisionTrack’s connected cameras, meanwhile, provide associated video evidence for every event.

THE TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS STRATA TO STREAMLINE ITS WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT AND SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE FLEET ADMIN TIME

“The improvement in our average fuel consumption has been helped in no small part by a 75 per cent reduction in speeding and a 50 per cent drop in vehicle idling incidents,” said Paul White, Managing Director, Strata Logistics

“We also expect our maintenance spend to fall as we experience less wear and tear on vehicle components, such as tyres and brakes."

By using a single software interface, Strata has also streamlined its workflow management and seen a significant reduction in fleet admin time.

Jobs can now be scheduled dynamically, with daily job itineraries sent to drivers via Webfleet Solutions’ PRO 8375 TRUCK ruggedized terminals. As jobs are accepted by Strata’s drivers, the system automatically provides truck-specific navigation instructions and accurate ETAs, meaning customers can be notified when their deliveries are due to arrive.

“We had previously relied heavily on manual planning, but the introduction of the integrated WEBFLEET and TransMaS solution has been revolutionary,” White added.

“We have seen fantastic gains in productivity and now have full visibility over our entire operation."

In addition, the combination of WEBFLEET TachoShare with TDi’s disc-check is making life easier for Strata to remain compliant with tachograph regulations.

TachoShare has taken responsibility away from the company’s drivers by automating the remote download of driver card and vehicle unit data, saving them time through reduced administration. Disc-check then simplifies back office analysis and reporting, helping to monitor and reduce the likelihood of future infringements.

Strata Logistics’ investment in the fleet management solution was supported by TDi Software, an official Webfleet Solutions partner.

Can the blended workforce work in any sector?

May 17, 2021 • Features • servicepower • Blended Workforce • Managing the Mobile Workforce

In the final feature in our series of our excerpts from a new and exclusive Field Service News Essential Guide published in partnership with ServicePower we ask can the blended workforce model work for a field service organisation in any vertical...

With the benefits of a blended workforce model becoming increasingly apparent, the case for broader adoption of the blended workforce in the field service sector seems to be becoming clear. But is it an approach that is suitable for all field service companies? Or is it better suited to specific industry verticals?

Across this series we have outlined the benefits of the blended workforce model, explored the challenges in bringing everything together into a cohesive whole and discussed the role technology can play in overcoming those challenges.

We have also heard from service leaders who represent the best-in-class when it comes to leveraging the blended workforce model, and each of these companies, Ericsson, Ideal Boilers and Electrolux, operate in very different industry sectors. However, as we saw when looking at the core drivers for each of these companies to embrace a blended workforce model, we also saw many similarities. Seasonality in particular was a common thread in all of the interviews we undertook when developing this guide and its accompanying documentary.

So perhaps the biggest question that remains is whether the blended workforce model is suitable for companies in all industry verticals?

“Variable demand is probably one of the key drivers to think about first,” states Adam Gordon, Head of Network Planning and Operations, Ericsson.

“After that, we can begin to consider where that variable element comes into play. Is it geographical where you need the support? Is it seasonality where you need the support? Is it utilization of the workforce? Do you have a higher cost than you need to?

“All of these questions are important, but for me, the trigger question remains do I have a variable demand? If the answer to this is yes, then the problem is where is that variable demand and that will then lead to thinking about the blended workforce model.

“At Ericsson, with all the multitude of skills that we need, the geographical locations, the seasonal impact, it is definitely a variable business. Our use of a blended workforce model allows us to manage that in a way where every penny we spend is basically is adding value.”

"Varying sectors will have different levels of pressure and I actually think that’s one of the key barriers and one of the reasons we’ve seen maturity within some industries rather than others." - Chris Jessop, Ideal Boilers

Ideal Boilers’ Customer Service's Director, Chris Jessop also feels that the blended workforce model could apply to most sectors.

“At a certain level the blended workforce model applies to most sectors,” he explains.

“Varying sectors will have different levels of pressure and I actually think that’s one of the key barriers and one of the reasons we’ve seen maturity within some industries rather than others. The white goods sector is probably leading the way with hybrid workforce models. As a concept, it is well established within that industry, and the reason why it’s been very successful is that the customer expectations with a white goods repair visit if it is done within a reasonable time-frame, is acceptable.

“Other industries, such as the heating industry, customers want their heating back on the same day. As a provider within this sector, we’ve got to make sure we have the processes in place to try and live up to those customer expectations. It is that level of customer expectation, which a lot of companies see as a barrier to adopting the blended workforce.”

This is echoed by Steve Zannos, Senior Director Service Delivery, Electrolux as he reflects on the suitability of a blended workforce model across other industry sectors beyond his own.

“For us at Electrolux, having a third-party network helps us balance help the peaks as well as helps us in some of the remote areas where maybe we’re not going to have a technician.,” he explains.

“Our goal is that the experience is the same whether it’s an independent service provider or factory service technician, and how we give them the tools to do that, whether that’s knowledge management, us being smarter from a triage perspective, and parts identification or improving our parts supply chain to get the right part to the right place at the right time.

“All those things I think, are doable, the technology is out there to do it. Ultimately, it’s how and what you need to do to leverage that network, but I certainly think blended network adoption is going to grow.”

Indeed, the blended workforce model, as we have seen in this series can deliver significant benefits to all companies with variable demand on their field workforce and while a complicated process to implement, with many moving parts, the technology is now available to overcome those challenges.

With a customer base that sits across a wide array of industries, perhaps no one is better placed to answer this question than Frank Gelbart, CEO ServicePower, whose team have probably more touch-points with companies effectively harnessing the blended workforce than any other organisation in the world.

“To take the plunge with a blended workforce model, what we’re seeing is that really the biggest impediment is that it requires dedicated resources within a company to recruit, train, certify and manage a third-party workforce,” Gelbart states.

“To me, this seems to be only real barrier to the blended workforce gaining even more traction than it already has.”

Many things are changing in the field service sector as we build a new normal in a post-pandemic word. The blended workforce is coming. Are you ready?

Want to know more?

Field Service News subscribers can access the Essential Guide to the Blended Workforce instantly by clicking the button below:

If you are yet to subscribe you can join 30,0000 of your field service management peers by subscribing to FSN Standard for free and get instant access to the documentary and other selected resources available on our free forever, FSN Standard subscription tier.

If you hold either a FSN Premium or FSN Elite subscription you can find the full interviews of those service leaders featured in this guide in our Digital Symposium section of the website which is available @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-symposium

Data usage note: By accessing this Essential Guide you consent to the contact details submitted when you registered as a subscriber to fieldservicenews.com to be shared with the listed sponsor of this premium content, ServicePower who may contact you for legitimate business reasons to discuss the content of this report.

Is there something that makes an industry right for the blended workforce model?

May 14, 2021 • Features • Telecommunications • Blended Workforce • Managing the Mobile Workforce • Ericcson • Adam Gordon

As part of a series of interviews for an exclusive Field Service News Documentary on the Blended Workforce in the Field Service sector, produced in partnership with ServicePower Kris Oldland, Editor in Chief spoke with Adam Gordon, Head of Network...

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ANVL'S MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENT HIGHLIGHTS THE CRITICAL NEED FOR DATA COLLECTION TO CAPTURE INSIGHTS FROM FRONTLINE WORKERS

Further Reading:

THE INTREPID PLATFORM WILL ENABLE FIRST RESPONDERS TO START OPERATIONS IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT HAVING TO WAIT FOR SPECIALISED TEAMS OR FOR THE AREA TO BE FULLY SECURED

Further Reading:

Want to know more?

Further Reading:

VIMCAR'S FLEET GEO ALLOWS AIRCARGO TRANSPORT TO OPTIMISE ITS FLEET' ROUTES AND TRACK ITS VEHICLES IN REAL TIME.

Further Reading:

Want to know more?

Field Service News subscribers can access the documentary "The Blended Workforce and the New Normal" by clicking the button below:

If you are yet to subscribe you can join 30,0000 of your field service management peers by subscribing to FSN Standard for free and get instant access to the documentary and other selected resources available on our free forever, FSN Standard subscription tier.

If you hold either a FSN Premium or FSN Elite subscription you can find the full interviews recorded for the documentary in our Digital Symposium section of the website which is available at www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-symposium

Want to know more?

Field Service News subscribers can access the documentary "The Blended Workforce and the New Normal" by clicking the button below:

If you are yet to subscribe you can join 30,0000 of your field service management peers by subscribing to FSN Standard for free and get instant access to the documentary and other selected resources available on our free forever, FSN Standard subscription tier.

If you hold either a FSN Premium or FSN Elite subscription you can find the full interview with Jessop in our Digital Symposium section of the website which is available at www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-symposium

THE TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS STRATA TO STREAMLINE ITS WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT AND SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE FLEET ADMIN TIME

Further Reading:

"Varying sectors will have different levels of pressure and I actually think that’s one of the key barriers and one of the reasons we’ve seen maturity within some industries rather than others." - Chris Jessop, Ideal Boilers

Want to know more?

Field Service News subscribers can access the Essential Guide to the Blended Workforce instantly by clicking the button below:

If you are yet to subscribe you can join 30,0000 of your field service management peers by subscribing to FSN Standard for free and get instant access to the documentary and other selected resources available on our free forever, FSN Standard subscription tier.

If you hold either a FSN Premium or FSN Elite subscription you can find the full interviews of those service leaders featured in this guide in our Digital Symposium section of the website which is available @ www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-symposium

Further Reading:

Want to know more?

Field Service News subscribers can access the documentary "The Blended Workforce and the New Normal" by clicking the button below:

If you are yet to subscribe you can join 30,0000 of your field service management peers by subscribing to FSN Standard for free and get instant access to the documentary and other selected resources available on our free forever, FSN Standard subscription tier.

If you hold either a FSN Premium or FSN Elite subscription you can find the full interview with Gordon in our Digital Symposium section of the website which is available at www.fieldservicenews.com/digital-symposium

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