Oct/Nov 2008

Mobility solutions specialist Dexterra has rolled together a range of its systems in a combined field service package called the Dexterra Field Services Suite.

Dexterra describes the new package as 'mobile-centric'. It incorporates the latest versions of Dexterra Mobile Command Center, Mobile Service and Mobile Tracker. It can also work with an updated version of the Dexterra Concert mobile platform.

The product offers a wider range of the functions sought in a mobile package, including tracking of field staff activities in real time; delivery of work plans to staff in the field; and reporting on vehicle fleet mileage, distance and speed. It also allows use of localised application languages on European-wide field operations.

As part of the rationale behind the offering, Dexterra cites analysis from IDC, which suggests that workforce automation can have the greatest impact where suppliers can deliver a fully and natively integrated end-to-end solution.

The Dexterra Mobile Command Center automates scheduling, despatching and mobile resource monitoring throughout the work order lifecycle. The company claims that it differs from most such products in having what is termed a 'multi-tenant, Web 2.0 architecture'.

Dexterra Mobile Tracker software uses integrated GPS technology to capture location coordinates, allowing despatchers to monitor employees and vehicles in real time.

Interestingly, Dexterra is also offering Field Service Starter Kit as a way of helping users mobilise and automate their field service operations quickly and smoothly. It's aimed at medium-sized and enterprise businesses, and provides a pre-packaged Dexterra Mobile Service offering that includes common service policies, workflow features and back-office integration. The company says it can be implemented in 'a matter of weeks'.