Offprint from IFS World Magazine. The article describes how IFS with the use of mash-ups (Bing Map for Enterprise integrated with IFS Applications) has created a visual solution for managing field service engineers.

1. MAP FUnCTIOnS
InCReASe
SeRVICe
ORgAnIZATIOn
eFFICIenCY
32 IFS WORLD

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.
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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
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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. 
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