Generally, mobile workforce-oriented companies utilize interactive voice recognition (IVR) to get job status information. However, verifying the status information as to exactly where they made that check call from is challenging.

Adding an automatic location feature to an IVR solution can solve this problem, allowing companies to locate worker’s phone as well as know their status and their location.

Consequently, companies can boost worker accountability as well as customer responsiveness.

In this regard, Abaqus Inc., a provider of cloud-based mobile workforce and asset management solutions, augmented its bizMessage enterprise SMS service by adding a new geo-tagged IVR feature, myGeoTracking, which provides mobile check-in/check-out for field employees, ad-hoc opt-in/opt-out controls, worker accountability, and HOS data over any cell phone.

According to sources, bizMessage leverages Abaqus’ carrier-grade myGeoTracking location service platform to enable a standard cell phone user to trigger a location event using an IVR phone call or special SMS code command to send job status and work events to their company or field force manager.

The myGeoTracking mobile workforce management solution can find the location of any phone or wireless device by probing the cellular network for a general position using either Cell ID (located within the service area of a cell tower), or a precise location using GPS inside the device.

Unlike smartphone-based applications that require special phones and client apps, the myGeoTracking service is completely Web-based and does not require special GPS devices, phones or software.

It can integrate with a range of back-office programs and deliver the type of real-time location, easy messaging and team job status reports as well.

With this capability, organizations can gather location-tagged status information from their field force for job status verification, mobile time-clocking and billing, and to verify work events like a package pick up or delivery.

With the help of this new capability, backend fleet management systems can capitalize with mobile-time clocking, trip auto-track triggers, job status notification and even HOS data. The location integration also enables IVR/SMS initiated auto-tracking, geo-fencing and more.

Some of the other features offered include a mileage estimator, and a trip “wizard” for broker and 3PL customers to more easily manage recurring transportation jobs.

Jeff Linville, CEO for Piedmont Logistics Inc., which has been utilizing Abaqus’ myGeoTracking applications, said in a statement, “Abaqus’ myGeoTracking applications have helped us comply with tracking & reporting requirements for our USG business. As our driver pool is mostly comprised of contract employees, it is important for them to be able to control their opt-in / opt-out process and start / stop their trip tracking right at the beginning and end of their mail delivery trips. This level of fine-grained control is another step-up in the overall efficiency of our fleet operation.”

In June this year, Abaqus collaborated with 1Shop Wireless – a master agent for T-Mobile (News - Alert) USA – to develop cloud-based myGeoTracking mobile workforce management service for T-Mobile customers.

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