IBS OPENSystems Launches GPS Tracking Software to Optimise Mobile Working

Published 22nd August 2008

IBS OPENSystems, a leading provider of software and services to Housing Organisations and Local Authorities, today launched its latest version of OPENContractor incorporating GPS tracking software. The solution optimises mobile working operations and helps housing providers to meet the requirements of the Decent Homes Standard.

The latest additional module for OPENContractor offers Web Monitoring and Tracking and contains GPS technology. This allows office-based staff to track the entire mobile workforce in real-time – simply through logging on to their PC.

Through having access to the mobile workforce’s whereabouts, housing providers can allocate mobile workers to repairs quickly and efficiently, as jobs can be instantly assigned based on the proximity of workers to the location of maintenance requests.

Mobile workers in turn benefit from greater security, which is particularly important for lone workers. As well as being tracked by colleagues at a central location, their mobile handsets are equipped with alarms, which they can activate at a touch of a button.

Tracey Fletcher, Unit Manager for OPENContractor at IBS OPENSystems comments: “The new GPS technology functionality inherent in IBS OPENSystems’ Web Monitoring and Tracking Module, offers housing managers a tool which optimises maintenance requests and repair jobs. This is fundamental at a time when housing providers are focused on ensuring their housing stock meets the requirements of the Decent Homes Standard.”

IBS OPENContractor also boasts a further three new modules – Task Charging, Stores Barcode, and Personnel. The Task Charging module takes control of the payment charges and allocates them to the client or to the sales ledgers. The Stores Barcode module provides users the ability to manage stock effectively in real time, maximising picking and inventory accuracy. The new Personnel module offers greater functionality around employee personal data, and can store information regarding employee holidays, sickness, qualifications, training and company vehicle or van usage.

Tracey Fletcher continues:
“With the OPENContractor package, customers are offered a solution that streamlines their business processes to an even greater level, covering all areas from the back office, to the front end operation.”