Wireless job dispatch on run

By RICHARD PAMATATAU

Auckland software maker Econz is collaborating with Telecom's IT arm Advanced Solutions on a wireless job dispatch system delivered via smart phone.

Service+ integrates Eservice job dispatch and management software from Econz with Mobile JetStream to allow field workers to manage job or service requests on the move using a wireless Smartphone connected to a hosted workforce management system.

Econz chief executive Michael Hartley said the exclusivity of the deal with Telecom was a major win for the company.

Paul Johansen, Telecom Advanced Solutions service delivery manager, said Service+ was aimed at companies which answered a high number of unplanned or short-notice job requests, such as plumbers or alarm technicians.

The combination of software with Telecom's network and hosting meant the company was offering a rounded package that could be managed and billed easily.

Field workers got their instructions on their phone or they could access via the web and Telecom hosted everything, Hartley said.

Priced at $249 plus GST per user per month, the package included a Smartphone and accessories, 12Mb (megabytes) of data, software, 0800 help desk support, and training.

It was aimed at companies with five or more users and could be expanded for teams of up to 500 users.