Field-service scheduling for 600 engineers
A cross-platform mobile app that routes jobs, captures sign-off and syncs offline, built for Ashcroft's nationwide trades network.
Project Overview
Ashcroft manages a nationwide network of 600 field engineers handling boiler installs, gas safety inspections and emergency repairs. Their scheduling was a patchwork of spreadsheets, phone calls and a decade-old web portal that engineers refused to use on site.
We built a cross-platform mobile app that intelligently routes jobs based on location, skill set and availability, captures customer sign-off with photo evidence, and syncs everything offline-first so engineers in basements and rural areas never lose work.
The back office gained a real-time dispatching dashboard that replaced four separate tools. To solve the offline availability problem, we configured SQLite local databases inside the application with background synchronization workers.
The app utilizes location tracking to optimize routes dynamically when urgent emergency call-outs are filed. Built-in compliance checkpoints ensure engineers complete gas-safety audits before submitting jobs.
The Challenge
Replace fragmented scheduling tools with a single mobile app that works reliably offline, handles complex multi-skill routing, and integrates with Ashcroft's existing ERP and compliance systems.
Our Solution
A Flutter app with offline-first architecture using local SQLite and background sync via Firebase. The routing engine factors in travel time, engineer certifications and parts availability. A Node.js backend handles job allocation, compliance logging and real-time push notifications to dispatchers.
Measurable Outcomes
Missed appointments dropped by 40% in the first two months. The app achieved a 4.8-star rating on the App Store within its first quarter. All 600 engineers were onboarded and actively using the app within six weeks of launch.
Key Performance Indicators
Engineering Features
- Offline-First SyncSQLite caching with background automatic syncing.
- Multi-Skill DispatcherRoute mapping algorithms pairing technicians with correct certificates.
- Audit Trail SignatureDigital signature collection and photographic work verification.
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