VA811 Locate Assist
How Skapa Transformed Locate Request Management with Predictive AI
Top-Line Metrics
- Proactive delay prediction — AI surfaces at-risk tickets before deadlines are missed, so field teams can act ahead of delays.
- Zero workflow disruption — Integrated with the center's existing notification and ticket management software—no disruption to established workflows.
- Mobile-first field tools — One-tap rescheduling lets excavators act on alerts instantly from their mobile app.
- Risk-minimized rollout — A proof-of-concept phase validated model accuracy before full deployment, ensuring confidence from day one.
The Problem
Excavators and utility locators often operate without advance notice that a locate request may be delayed, leading to reactive schedule changes, project slowdowns, and safety risks. Without predictive insight, damage prevention efforts remain limited. The client recognized the need for a system that could leverage machine learning to predict locate request completion dates, enabling proactive management of excavation schedules before delays impact field operations.
The Solution
Skapa developed an AI-powered ticket prediction system that uses historical ticket data to forecast which locate requests may not be completed on time. The solution was rolled out in phases, beginning with a proof of concept to validate model accuracy before full deployment—minimizing implementation risk and ensuring measurable results.
Once implemented, the system pulls data from the ticket management system and delivers proactive notifications through the client's mobile application, without disrupting existing workflows. Users receive alerts when a ticket is predicted to be late, and can take immediate action using mobile-first, one-touch rescheduling capabilities.
By surfacing at-risk tickets before deadlines are missed, Skapa's system enables excavators to plan ahead, while locators can prioritize workloads and reallocate resources—turning reactive field delays into planned, coordinated decisions.
The Conclusion
With Skapa's AI-powered system in place, stakeholders receive advance notice of locate requests at risk of delay, allowing field teams to adjust excavation schedules proactively. Excavators can reschedule with one tap in the Center's mobile app, while locators can reprioritize resources and communicate realistic timelines. The system's seamless integration with the Center's ticket management system ensures minimal disruption, while its phased rollout approach provides confidence in model performance.
The result: a more predictive, mobile-first workflow that reduces the risk of rushed work, improves coordination, and supports damage prevention across critical infrastructure projects.