Locate Request Software Improvements – Coming Soon!

Kassi Zaba, Manager, Stakeholder Relations, Utility Safety Partners

We all share a common goal: to protect our loved ones, our communities, and ourselves. To achieve this goal in an evolving world, our processes and practices must adapt and improve as new technologies emerge and methods are optimized. The damage prevention process is no exception. Requesting a locate is a critical step in the damage prevention process and the locate request software must continuously evolve to keep up with today’s technology and practices.  
 
Before You Dig Partners (the BC 1 Call, Utility Safety Partners, Sask 1st Call, Click Before You Dig MB alliance) is excited to announce the next round of locate request software enhancements! The following features are planned to launch in February 2026. 
 
New Ticket Number Format 
Each locate request is assigned an eleven-digit ticket number. Currently, when a ticket is edited or relocated, the ticket number is cancelled and the locate request is resubmitted under a brand-new number. The upcoming improvements introduce a three-digit revision number after the eleven-digit ticket number. Whenever a ticket is edited, canceled, or relocated, the revision number will incrementally increase with each new version of the ticket. Keeping the eleven-digit ticket number the same throughout the lifespan of the job allows for easier ticket tracking.  

Example: 20261212345-001, 20261212345-002, etc. 
 
Multi Dig Site Mapping 
Excavators will be able to map multiple dig locations on a single Project, Large Project, or Planning & Design ticket. This feature enhances ‘virtual white lining’ because facility owners and locators will receive precise dig locations when the job spans a large area. Instead of mapping an entire parking lot where signage is being installed at both ends of the lot, the dig locations on each end of the lot can be indicated separately on the same ticket.  
 
SMS Opt-In 
Excavators can opt-in to receiving text messages from facility owners and locators, should they choose to use that method of communication. Communication is a crucial part of the damage prevention process and text messaging is a fast and convenient way to interact. With SMS preferences listed on the ticket, facility owners and locators can easily identify excavators who consent to text communication. 
 
New Ticket Field – Ticket Action Reason 
When information on a locate request ticket is edited, the reason for the change is currently listed within the Remarks field. The upcoming improvements introduce a separate ticket field for these notes, called Ticket Action Reason. Providing the edit reason in a designated space allows all parties to easily identify why the ticket was edited and the information that changed. It also frees up space in the Remarks field for important ticket details.  
 
New Ticket Field – Job End Date 
This new optional field allows the excavator to provide the date the job is expected to be completed by. The job end date allows all parties to have visibility into the expected length of the project and helps facility owners understand which work sites may still be active after an extended period of time.  
 
Details about these exciting new features are available on the Before You Dig Partners website. Additional information will be added to the website as we approach implementation in February.