Magenta Technology integrates what3words location system with Echo dispatch software

Magenta Technology has integrated its Echo dispatch system with what3words, bringing precise location services to its users.

The partnership means Echo customers can use a what3words address for their pick-up and drop-off destinations instead of long and often inaccurate traditional street addresses.

Magenta users include Jonny Goldstone (pictured), founder and co-managing director of Green Tomato Cars in London. He said: “With nearly 20 years’ experience in the taxi and private hire industry, I’ve experienced all sorts of problems with poor addressing and ‘tricky’ locations. From picking customers up at new builds or project sites that aren’t formally addressed yet, to rural areas, festivals and large venues with multiple entrances, such as sports stadia, or hospitals with multiple entrances.”

He continued: “And for recovery service bookings, more often than not the passenger is ‘somewhere between two junctions on the motorway!’ Most of the time, even if we do have a postcode or street address, it can still create a world of confusion when it’s pick-up time.”

He believes what3words is a good solution for these problems. “It makes challenging bookings so much smoother for both drivers and customers. We spoke to our product partners at Magenta and they agreed, and we’re all delighted that they’ve now integrated what3words into their system.”

Goldstone added: “Now, customers can communicate exactly where they are and exactly where they need to go with just three words. Our drivers can find the right place without the need for additional directions.”

The system reduces wasted time and energy driving around looking for the right pick up location or destination, he said, “so it’s good news for our carbon footprint too!”

What3words is an easy way to identify precise locations. Every 3-metre square on Earth has been given a unique combination of three words: a what3words address.

Adam Wiltsher, head of customer success at Magenta Technology, said: “Our intelligent scheduling and dispatch engine relies on accurate data in order to make speedy and accurate decisions. Improving location data using what3words will help to make driving time calculations much more accurate and will make scheduling more efficient as less time will be lost on drivers trying to find passengers.”