Utility Scan, a New Zealand-based underground utility survey company, overcame manual email collation challenges by implementing beforeUdig’s PlanAccess solution. Owner Ben Giles sought efficiency in filing utility responses and managing multiple inquiries. Donna Hardgrave, a key user, seamlessly integrated PlanAccess into daily operations, resulting in a 12.5% increase in efficiency and 5 hours of weekly administration time savings.
The solution, implemented in October 2020, allowed for categorizing responses and prompted late-responding utilities.
Client Overview
Utility Scan, an underground utility survey company based in Westown, New Plymouth, New Zealand, faced significant challenges in their manual email collation processes before implementing beforeUdig’s PlanAccess solution. Ben Giles, the owner, required a solution for the time consuming task of filing utility responses and the complexity of managing multiple enquiries simultaneously.
Ben Giles is the wheel of Utility Scan and a professional with over seven years of profound experience in the complex space of underground utility locating. Beyond his role as the business owner, Ben holds the respected position of being a founding member of Nulca NZ, further attesting to his deep commitment and influence within the industry.
Complementing Ben’s leadership is Donna Hardgrave, she is the primary user of the PlanAccess Service, seamlessly integrating technological solutions into the daily operations of Utility Scan.
With a team of 3-4 full-time locators, the business operates with precision and expertise in providing accurate underground utility survey services. The business places approx. 1,000 beforeUdig requests per annum.
Challenge
Before adopting PlanAccess, Utility Scan faced difficulties with manual email collation, resulting in delayed utility responses, uncertainty about plan receipt, and a labor-intensive process spanning multiple days. The absence of a centralised system hindered efficiency, impacting the overall workflow and field plan interpretation.
Solution
beforeUdig’s PlanAccess Cloud Collation swiftly addressed Utility Scan’s challenges. The implementation was seamless, providing immediate benefits. The service streamlined the collation process, enabling Donna to organise and filter crucial information into a userfriendly Adobe PDF.
Outcomes and Future
After implementing PlanAccess in October 2020, Utility Scan experienced transformative results. Donna’s ability to categorise responses and prompt late-responding utilities enhanced overall process efficiency. The organisation now saves 5 hours per week in administration, reflecting a 12.5% increase in efficiency and quicker interpretation of plans in the field.
Donna’s positive endorsement of PlanAccess is reinforced by enthusiastic testimonials, highlighting the solution’s significant impact. Looking ahead, Donna envisions expanding PlanAccess usage to manage beforeUdig Locator confirmations, optimising the workflow further.
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