Quick Take Product Overview: Call Smart

There is no doubt that GIS is now part of the general business tool-set. CallSmart, a new software product launched by CACI in the United Kingdom, is a great example of how GIS technology is now being applied to a range of "operational GIS" business activities with excellent return on investment.

Surveys have shown that field service representatives and engineers (FSE) spend 42% of their worktime driving. According to CACI, tests with client data show a 15% reduction in driving as a result of a CallSmart implementation. This free time can then be used to spend more time with existing clients, to develop new business or to re-assess headcount requirements.

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CallSmart places calls in the optimum sequence across a call cycle. The planned calls can be viewed in diary window and call sequences are shown on a mapping backcloth. CallSmart takes into account many factors such as

call locations
call cycles
multiple frequencies
visit restrictions
overnight stops
field force locations
driving times
availability of representative

CallSmart enables field-based employees to plan optimised call schedules for the complete call cycle. As a result driving time is reduced ensuring that resources can be focused on face-to-face calls rather than wasteful driving. As well as field-based implementation, CallSmart is also available as a head office planning tool.

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While CallSmart has only been launched in the United Kingdom, CACI recognise that the software could bring benefits to field force managers elsewhere in the world and they are actively seeking re-sellers in Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia. Further details are available from Ian Thurman, Vice President, CACI on +44 (0) 24 7684 6927 or ithurman@caci.co.uk. Information on CACI’s field force planning services and products can be found at www.caci.co.uk .