BigChange Maps Out Cyclehoop’s On-Street Cycle Parking Revolution

Cyclehoop, the innovator of secure on-street cycle parking solutions, has introduced the latest mobile and mapping technology as part of a cloud-based, mobile resources management system from BigChange. Using tablets and phones running a mobile app called JobWatch, field operatives synchronize in real-time with the office as part of a completely paperless management system that has transformed productivity and allowed Cyclehoop to rapidly expand their business.

Cyclehoop’s award-winning innovations have transformed cycling in cities across Britain, and 16 countries worldwide, by providing secure on-street parking for bicycles. Cyclehoop’s iconic Bikehangar takes just half a car parking space to create six cycle parking spaces. This innovative, public rental scheme - where councils own and Cyclehoop install and manage the units - has transformed London. In a city where bike theft is immeasurably prominent, secure and convenient cycle parking is possible. To date, Cyclehoop has created 8,694 Bikehangar cycle parking spaces across London.

Cyclehoop’s operations are very location-specific and, back at the office, the BigChange software utilizes Google Maps to show site and real-time operative locations. It provides a live view of work in progress, with reports highlighting any incomplete jobs. Cyclehoop’s clients can also access Job Sheets to see that work has been completed.

From paper-based to digital working

With GPS tracking, Cyclehoop can always know where their mobile resources are. “We can now respond dynamically and that’s had an enormous impact on our productivity. It is a very fluid situation on the ground and the more adaptable we are, the more we can do. We can assign and reassign jobs on the fly to reduce idle time; that’s not only good for our operatives but also means we can be highly responsive to customer service requests,” says Mike Tsui, projects manager, Cyclehoop.

Prior to the introduction of JobWatch, Cyclehoop relied on paper records to manage orders, installation and servicing. “Previously, everything was paper-based and it was very time-consuming,” says Tsui. “We were losing hours every day dealing with the paperwork administration and we had issues finding the right records when we needed them. In the end, BigChange saved the day by allowing us to quickly move to digital working. Once JobWatch went live it was a huge relief and transformed everything.”

Rugged tablets and smartphones

Cyclehoop runs a fleet of vans crewed by installation operatives who are equipped with rugged tablets for job reporting. Meanwhile, maintenance operatives get around on bicycles and use smartphones to manage their work. Both access the JobWatch app for reporting and communication with the office in real-time.                

Operatives sign onto JobWatch to receive their jobs and the app can then provide navigation to the site. On arrival, the relevant job sheets and workflows can be accessed.  The devices are used to photograph the site and equipment to record before and after repair work or any issues preventing job completion, such as a vehicle parked in the planned installation space.