PelicanCorp and the Before You Dig Partners developed a two-phase improvement plan to enhance the locate ticket software in Western Canada.
The first phase of ticket software improvements launch on January 24, 2024 and bring the following enhancements to the locate request form in BC, AB, SK, and MB.
New User Interface
A brand-new user interface gives the ticket entry software a new look. Beginning on January 24, 2024, you will see a new dashboard and navigation tools when you log in to request locates.
Mobile Site Functionality
The new user interface gives the mobile platform the exact same functionality as the desktop platform. This means you can request locates on your phone or tablet just as easily as you do on your desktop computer. Mobile platform enhancements include the ability to search by LLD when finding your dig site on the map and the ability to access the PositiveResponse portal.
Easier Ticket Entry for Homeowners
When a user’s profile indicates the account is a homeowner account, certain ticket fields are hidden. This allows faster and easier ticket creation for homeowners. The ticket fields hidden on homeowner tickets are:
- User reference
- Working on behalf of
- Utility authority
Improved Mapping Tools
- When using the polygon tool to draw your work area, the length of the polygon displays as you draw. This allows mapped work areas to be as precise as possible.
- When finalizing the drawn polygon, you no longer need to double click the map. Instead, you simply click the first map point to ‘close’ the polygon. This makes it easier to draw your work area on a mobile device.
- When your work area is drawn in an urban area, the address fields automatically populate with the address of the drawn area. You have the option of keeping the auto-populated address, the searched address, or manually entering the address.
Copy Function
Users can now copy a previous ticket when submitting a new locate request. Copied tickets will automatically populate all information from the original ticket. Each field, including the mapped work area, can be edited to suit your current work site.
Introduction of the Alternate Locate Provider Program
Beginning in spring 2024, contractors in Alberta will have the option of waiting for the utility-provided locator to mark the site, or hiring a registered locator to complete the locates. Contractors who choose to hire their own locator from a pool of registered locators will indicate this via checkbox on the locate request ticket. This option will only be available in Alberta.