InterGis, a developer of routing and scheduling solutions for client server, desktop, and Web-based routing systems, has announced a contract with Puretec Water Services, a reverse osmosis and water softener service company installing and servicing water system equipment in the metro Phoenix, Ariz., area. Grown from three service centers and 9,000 customers to 33 technicians and 40,000 customers in less than 10 years, Puretec Water needed a system that could improve efficiency and help the field force get to more customers, according to John Bannen, division manager. "Right now we're restricted," Bannen said. "We have more custromers than we can service at this point." By optimally routing and scheduling Puretec's technicians based on location, expertise and availability, InterGis' Visual Control Room (VCR) is designed eliminate the guesswork associated with other dispatching methods. The field force will be able to tighten its schedules and get more work done in the same amount of time, according to Bannen. "With VCR, we will be able to contact and see as many people per day as possible," he said. In the testing phase, the system increased Puretec's productivity by 25 percent, according to Bannen. "We input our established routes into VCR and were immediately able to increase the routes by adding two service stops a day," he said. The company will also benefit from the system's Visual Phone Response function, according to Bannen. Puretec customer service representatives take about 300 calls a day, many of which are ETA calls. Visual Control Room will automatically notify customers of appointment times via phone, fax or e-mail. Customers will also be able to call into the system at any time to confirm appointment times. The automation will release customer service representatives to take more service calls and customers will have shorter hold times. "Visual Control Room will allow us to be proactive as a service company," Bannen said. The system will track Puretec's parts and inventory in real time. "Our resources will be better equipped," Bannen said. "Not only will the technicians have the necessary parts with them, but the customer service representatives will be able to tell whether a part is in stock rather than assuming it is in the warehouse." About InterGis InterGis develops advanced computer technology and systems for scheduling, mapping, routing, dispatching, customer service, field communications, and general business support. According to InterGis, its systems are designed to deliver productivity increases with improved customer service and profitability for businesses than need to get service technicians, people, or products delivered to field work sites and customer locations. Visual Control Room is multi-user and can be used in conjunction with existing computer applications that a company may be using, or function as a complete stand-alone business information system with optional comprehensive back office capabilities. Visual Control Room is available as a stand-alone desktop system, as a client server system, or on the Internet. InterGis, a privately held firm, is located in Torrington, Conn. For more information about Visual Control Room, call InterGis at (860) 496-4900, visit www.intergis.com, or write InterGis, PO Box 899, Torrington, CT 06790.