Call scheduling and managing field force visits
Since 2007 Tactical Solutions have successfully used Prospex, our fully featured GIS software, to efficiently plan and schedule client visits. Tactical Solutions operate a field sales service with a team of representatives (reps) routinely visiting over 1,650 retail outlets. They work with in-store teams to find and fix all stock replenishment issues for supermarkets such as ASDA and Tesco, plus other household names like Duracell, Innocent, Quorn and Birds Eye.
The challenge:
With individual reps visiting several clients every day, Tactical Solutions need a call scheduling tool that provides the optimum order for visits whilst keeping redundant travelling time to a minimum. It’s also important that the call scheduling tool is fully supported to ensure that it continues to develop in-line with Tactical Solutions growth and changing process requirements.
The solution: Prospex GIS - the call scheduling tool
We customised the call scheduling tool within Prospex mapping software to meet Tactical Solutions requirements. The call scheduler is a robust and reliable GIS planning tool that facilitates the routine servicing of a large portfolio of clients.
How it works
Here's how Tactical Solutions manage their team's call schedules:
- They import a list of all the stores to visit and their sales reps locations (Prospex allocates the reps with realistic and balanced territories)
- Tactical Solutions specify the number of days and hours each rep works and the time spent at each location
- The call scheduler then generates daily call plans
- Prospex calculates what visits to make on what days and the most efficient order to make those visits in (saves time and fuel)
- Each rep provided daily/weekly schedules and a clear view of their appointments
Ongoing development of the call scheduler
As part of our ongoing support we have created additional tools to improve the call scheduler when, for example, a new client or store is added. The Prospex call scheduler does this whilst keeping the same original schedule, adding the new calls in on a best-fit basis or, when appropriate, rebuilding schedules from scratch. An automatic mode means that the whole sales force can be rescheduled in minutes or hours rather than days or weeks like Tactical Solutions previous manual process. To continue improving the call scheduling tool we’ve recently developed a check box which delivers the option of whether the call scheduler optimises the day call order after a manual move.
The benefits:
Prospex has not only reduced Tactical Solutions planning time in allocating calls, but also reduces their travel time and mileage. The procedure of scheduling visits is now automatic yet can support manual tweaks, if needed.
For over 10 years we’re delighted to have developed and supported a reliable, robust and customisable GIS solution which enables Tactical Solutions to efficiently fulfil extremely busy client schedules.
Prospex GIS mapping software
"Fantastic training... which will be extremely useful to us going forward. Took notes of all current requests to take away to developers. All in all, a really helpful and useful visit. Constant and easy access to support on both phone and email."
Tactical Solutions Planning Manager
Prospex is a powerful desktop application that provides users with a range of tools. It's delivered with everything you need to start mapping including 2 free days of on-site training (every year) tailored to your business needs.
How can we help you?
We have more than 25 years of journey planning and call scheduling. Why not see what we can do for you?
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