Complex made simple: the new Field Works app

Chorus previously relied on separate tools for their fieldwork operations that were becoming increasingly complex to maintain. Their team needed to enhance these systems to better support their service company partners and improve efficiency. The existing setup required manual processes for schedule updates, which took approximately two weeks to complete.

We developed a comprehensive web application featuring two core components: the Capacity Manager and Scheduler Manager. Built using TypeScript and VueJS, the system centralises scheduling operations in a single, intuitive interface that Chorus designed. Real-time visibility dashboards display technician skills, locations, and availability across multiple service companies. The system balances complex business rules with straightforward interactions. We implemented automated approval workflows and centralised documentation that significantly reduced errors. Despite managing intricate dependencies between technicians, jobs, and locations, the interface presents only the necessary information, making complex decisions more manageable.

We collaborated closely with both Chorus stakeholders and service company technicians, incorporating their feedback throughout development. This partnership revealed that schedule visibility was their biggest challenge—a key insight that shaped our prioritisation of real-time visibility features. Over 12 months, we maintained a disciplined focus on simplicity despite the expanding scope, resulting in a solution that feels deliberately designed.

The impact has been substantial and immediate. Schedule structure sign-offs and updates that previously required two weeks now complete in under one hour: a 98% reduction in processing time. Service company managers report maximised productive hours for their technicians, with enhanced visibility eliminating the waiting periods they frequently experienced before. The application now functions as the operational nerve centre for Chorus's service partner ecosystem, enabling efficient deployment of field technicians to install, maintain, and repair telecommunications infrastructure for 1.3 million households across New Zealand.

"Waxeye demonstrated exceptional professionalism along with strong web development and design skills. The Field Work website project represents a significant initiative aimed at evolving our systems to better serve our service company partners. The team showed an impressive capacity to adapt to our ways of working while managing multiple projects and accommodating ever-changing requirements."