IFS aims for service organisations with Microsoft Bing Maps integration

Martin Gunnarsson, product director at IFS, explains that the system has been integrated with Microsoft Bing Maps for Enterprise. In operation, he says, it overlays information about ongoing and planned jobs, with road and satellite maps, so enabling service organisations to optimise driving routes, alert on due jobs and help managers plan last minute jobs. "By collaborating with existing customers, we have not only developed IFS Virtual Map quickly, but have also proven its success in the field before even finishing the development," states Gunnarsson. "The project is a showcase of how IFS and its customers work together to bring new solutions to the market." Tomra Systems, an existing IFS user that services in-store recycling stations, has field tested IFS Virtual Map and went live with the solution in December 2009. Says Mikael Ljungmark, service director at Tomra: "IFS Virtual Map will enable us to view planned jobs, routes and related contract information for all our service staff in the field. With this data visible on one map, we will be able to accurately plan and prioritize all existing and new jobs to maximize efficiency and customer service. "In the current environment of increased competition it is not enough to just have the best products and field team, it is also essential to provide the most efficient service while reducing costs. The new IFS Virtual Map has been developed to help us achieve this."