AI, Integrations, APIs, MCP Servers... we're striving to make Alpha Tracker even more open, connected, and accessible for our consultancy clients

Over the last week, we've had countless conversations with asbestos consultancies and water hygiene businesses wanting to make more of the data we store for them in Alpha Tracker.

We've always had a basic principle (which you can read on our website): data in Alpha Tracker is your data, stored in our database.  We've always tried hard to open up the system (securely, naturally) so that you have the right access to your data from wherever you need it.

Read about the Alpha Tracker integrations

Our focus now is on making it easier for you to integrate AI agents with your data.  We are using AI ourselves as we build the next generation of Alpha Tracker and related products and we know that many consultancy clients are also exploring the world of AI to improve productivity.

Want to know more about our AI plans?  Get in touch with Jack or Robin.

What's new in Alpha Tracker Release 42? Is it the answer to Life, the Universe and Everything?

42 is famously the answer to the ultimate question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.  Take a look at The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy if you don't know the reference!

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy was a work of genius

Alpha Tracker Release 42 is not quite that, but it is still a huge update, with the usual hundreds of improvements, new features, performance enhancements and bug fixes.

Important! It will probably also be the final major update to the core Alpha Tracker system before we begin rolling out our complete rewrite, built using a new technology stack, later in 2026. You can read more about our plans on the Alpha Tracker roadmap.

Jack, Ferry, Judy, Kim and the rest of the team have had a lot of fun creating this release. As always, we have also worked hard to implement ideas and suggestions from our wonderful customers.

Release 42 highlights

• More than 600 improvements and updates across every area of Alpha Tracker

• Major Water Hygiene enhancements, including clearer risk logic to improve how water risks are presented on the Client Portal

• A new LRA Review water project type, making it easier to revisit, review and update information from previous Legionella Risk Assessments

• Instant AI analysis of survey items from photographs, helping surveyors assess materials more quickly and consistently

• Further support for Australian asbestos material assessment scoring, helping asbestos teams work in line with updated Australian requirements

• A new Report Dashboard on the Home screen, giving teams a clearer overview of report production across their projects

• Improved Alpha Tracker performance, thanks to an updated version of the underlying software framework

• Faster imports using the Alpha Tracker Work Queue, improving the speed of some of our most popular data imports

• Improved site-sharing visibility, making it clearer which sites have been shared and helping teams manage access more confidently

• Enhanced site register controls, including a new hidden-items tab and site-level QR-code password protection for greater control over site information

Update on the new software framework

We have received a small number of reports of instability following the framework update. As of 25 July 2026, we believe we have identified and fixed the issue, and deployment of the fix to affected systems is under way.

More Info & Webinar

Full details of Alpha Tracker Release 42, including the Release Notes and Highlights document, are available on our latest release page.

You can also join us for our Release 42 webinar on Tuesday 28 July at 11:30am.  Find out more and register for the Release 42 webinar

The Alpha Tracker API has been updated

Jack and the team have updated the Alpha Tracker API with new and improved endpoints.  The appointment endpoints have had the most focus to give clients more opportunity to retrieve schedules into other software systems.

The Alpha Tracker API enables other systems to securely connect to Alpha Tracker

View all of the Alpha Tracker integrations here: https://alpha-tracker.co.uk/integrations

Two more asbestos consultancies are trialling Alpha Tracker. Did you know we can offer trials and pilots?

Two asbestos consultancies are trialling asbestos software Alpha Tracker to see how it would work for their businesses.

AI had fun creating this image for me!

These two well-established and successful UK asbestos consultancies are coming to us for different reasons.  One is thinking of switching from our main competitor, fed up with their attitude to support and their generally unhelpful stance on making data available to them.  The other has been wrestling with an internal software development for years and is checking out the market to see what's available off-the-shelf.  Here at Alpha Tracker, we pride ourselves on our support and our attitude to openness and integrations.

We're happy to offer trials and pilots - even creating custom Alpha Tracker report templates in some cases - so don't be afraid to ask!

Alpha Tracker partner FLS - FAST LEAN SMART is rebranding as Solvares Field Service

Our amazing scheduling partner FLS has told us that they are rebranding as Solvares Field Service.

The Solvares website

Nothing is changing other than the brand name - our integration will still be able to optimise diaries within Alpha Tracker to reduce driving time, increase site time, and improve the lives of field staff.

Get in touch for more information or to book a demo.  Why not watch our integration webinar, too!

Intelligent scheduling in action: FLS VISITOUR team visits Alpha Tracker HQ

We welcomed our partners from FLS VISITOUR to the Alpha Tracker UK HQ in Telford this week.

The teams came together for a lively, in person catch up with great conversation, shared ideas, and, yes, sandwiches and cakes to keep the energy up. The focus: how our partnership is helping organisations schedule smarter and make life better for the people doing the work out in the field.

The Alpha Tracker and FLS VISITOUR teams

The visit was all about collaboration and innovation, strengthening our partnership and reviewing the AI-powered scheduling integration that connects FLS VISITOUR’s intelligent technology with Alpha Tracker’s open, flexible platform. Together, we’re helping asbestos, environmental and compliance businesses plan smarter, faster, and greener.

James from FLS joins the Alpha Tracker team remotely - nice squidgy van, too

FLS VISITOUR’s technology uses artificial intelligence to deliver real-time, optimised scheduling. It automatically assigns the right person, with the right skills and equipment, to every job — and dynamically adjusts as priorities change.

This kind of intelligent scheduling is transforming how field teams operate, especially for organisations managing hundreds of asbestos surveys, environmental assessments or compliance visits each week. When combined with Alpha Tracker’s project management and reporting tools, the result is a seamless, data-driven workflow from instruction to completion.

Alpha Tracker CTO Jack and Simon from FLS reviewing the live data integration between Alpha Tracker and VISITOUR

During the visit, Jack demonstrated the two-way data flow between Alpha Tracker and FLS VISITOUR.

When a new project/appointment is created in Alpha Tracker, it appears instantly in VISITOUR, where the intelligent engine gets to work building the most efficient schedule. Completed visits and updates then flow back automatically, keeping every team in sync without manual intervention.

This integration exemplifies Alpha Tracker’s commitment to openness and connectivity ensuring our clients can link effortlessly to the tools they already trust.

Benefits for field teams

• Less time on the road thanks to optimised routes and sensible sequencing of jobs
• Fewer last minute scrambles because changes are handled automatically
• Clearer daily plans and accurate ETAs sent to clients
• The right person sent to the right job, improving first time completion and morale

Real scenarios we discussed

• An urgent appointment lands at 11am: Visitour finds the nearest suitably skilled colleague,  reshuffles the afternoon, and Alpha Tracker updates the job pack and notifications.
• A customer cancels: the slot is backfilled with a nearby task, reducing dead time and travel.
• Multi site surveys: related visits are grouped to minimise mileage while keeping within access windows and site rules.

What this means for productivity

Office teams gain time back because the “where and when” is handled intelligently. Field colleagues see more predictable days, fewer unnecessary miles and better first time outcomes. The result is higher

utilisation without burning people out - a win for both productivity and job satisfaction.

PS watch the recording of our Alpha Tracker/FLS webinar here: https://alpha-tracker.co.uk/webinars or on YouTube: https://youtu.be/m-dqw8f3E0Q

Would you like to connect Microsoft Power BI to your Alpha Tracker?

Microsoft Power BI is a popular data analysis tool.  A growing number of Alpha Tracker software users are asking us for help to connect Power BI to their Alpha Tracker database to enable them to analyse data and uncover powerful insights about their asbestos, water hygiene or fire consultancy.

Find out more about Power BI here

Power BI is just one of many integrations available to Alpha Tracker users.  Click https://alpha-tracker.co.uk/integrations to find out more.

We're here to help you with Invitations to Tender. APIs, other asbestos software, and more

Are you tendering for asbestos surveying or management work?  Have you seen references to Alpha Tracker, APIs, or other asbestos software systems in the Invitations to Tender?  

Here's a brief guide to help you - our "Alpha Tracker in tenders FAQ".

Alpha Tracker is a requirement

There are some large tenders circulating at the moment where asbestos software Alpha Tracker is mentioned as a requirement (because the client already has their own copy of the Alpha Tracker system).

If you are an Alpha Tracker user already, this is obviously fine and you can simply go through the process as normal.  If you don't already have your own copy of asbestos software Alpha Tracker at your consultancy, you can either get in touch and ask for a quote for your own licence, or you can have a discussion with us about whether your existing software can generate files in a format that Alpha Tracker could import.

There is a requirement to interface with another API

First, what is an API?  An API is a means for one software system to talk (exchange data and documents) with another.

The organisation looking for an asbestos consultancy might already have a system in place (for example, one of the housing management platforms) and they may have specified that their new asbestos consultancy of choice needs to be able to interface with that API.  Is that possible with Alpha Tracker?  Absolutely!

Alpha Tracker is the most open asbestos software system on the market with 10 ways to import and export data, including the use of APIs.  See https://alpha-tracker.co.uk/integrations for an overview.  We are also very happy to quote for new API integrations.  Typically, we estimate that an API-based integration with a system we haven't interacted with before can take 3-4 days of our time for us to develop and test.

Each API is different so it is always best to get a firm quote from us (for the Alpha Tracker API integration) before you incorporate it into your quote.

Another asbestos system is specified

What happens if the tender specifically mentions another asbestos software system?  Can an Alpha Tracker consultancy still apply to win the business?  The short answer is "it depends".  Here are some options:

• if the other software system is from a company interested in connecting and working with the asbestos software industry (for example, Flow Mobile), then data exchange is normally possible via OpenAsbestos or other methods.  However, some other asbestos software companies are not open to work with the rest of the industry (no names required, I'm sure you know who we mean!), so... 
  
  
• ...if the other system is a closed system, then it is more difficult.  An option is to use your potential client's own licence or to negotiate a licence direct with the software supplier.

Hope that helps, we're here to help you to win business.

Alpha Tracker/FLS partnership officially launched

If you use LinkedIn, you'll have seen the announcement launching the partnership between Alpha Tracker and FLS: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/fls-fast-lean-smart_asbestos-legionella-fieldservice-activity-7242492709238710273-dqEN?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Our partnership will bring huge opportunities to increase efficiency and productivity for our biggest asbestos and water hygiene consultancies.  The FLS approach to optimising staff schedules has to be seen to be believed! It's truly exceptional, and the integration we have now enables the power of FLS to be delivered alongside the operating efficiency of Alpha Tracker.

You can read the FLS announcement here: https://fastleansmart.com/en/blog/fls-fast-lean-smart-partners-with-alpha-tracker/

Get in touch to learn more - we'll be glad to explain how our new integration works.

Note to editors:

Alpha Tracker® is a comprehensive, cloud-based software solution specifically designed to meet the needs of environmental consultancies worldwide, particularly those dealing with asbestos, water hygiene, and fire risk assessments. Trusted by hundreds of consultancies globally, Alpha Tracker offers a versatile and scalable platform that enhances operational efficiency and streamlines project management from start to finish.

One of the key strengths of Alpha Tracker is its ability to integrate seamlessly with various tools and platforms, providing users with a flexible and customisable experience. The software easily connects with popular calendars like Microsoft and Google, ensuring that scheduling and project management are synchronised across your organisation. Now that the power of FLS is available to Alpha Tracker consultancies, huge productivity increases can be made without extra manual scheduling effort.

The platform is designed with adaptability in mind, offering features that can be tailored to suit the unique requirements of each consultancy. For example, Alpha Tracker enables mobile data capture through both Android and Apple devices, allowing field teams to collect and upload data in real-time, directly from the site. This capability not only improves data accuracy but also accelerates the reporting process, enabling faster turnaround times for clients.

Furthermore, Alpha Tracker's open and adaptable nature means that it can easily grow and evolve alongside your business. Whether you are a small consultancy or a large enterprise, the software can be configured to match your specific workflows and operational needs. The system’s automation features, such as automated reporting and invoicing, further enhance efficiency, allowing your team to focus on delivering high-quality service to your clients.

In addition to its powerful features, Alpha Tracker is backed by a dedicated 24x7 support team that understands the challenges faced by environmental consultancies. This ensures that users receive the assistance they need to maximise the benefits of the software, making it an invaluable tool for consultancies looking to optimise their operations and expand their services.

In summary, Alpha Tracker is a robust, flexible, and highly integrated software solution that empowers environmental consultancies to manage their projects more effectively. With its global user base and proven track record, Alpha Tracker is the ideal choice for businesses seeking to enhance their operational efficiency, improve client satisfaction, and drive growth.

FLS and Alpha Tracker working together - what could it mean for your productivity, efficiency and growth?

FLS - Fast Lean Smart - is the latest integration we have developed for Alpha Tracker.

FLS working together with Alpha Tracker

FLS – Fast Lean Smart - is Europe’s technology leader for workforce management, scheduling, dynamic appointment and route optimisation.

We have been working with our partners at FLS to develop an integration between Alpha Tracker and the Fast Lean Smart schedule and route optimisation technology.  The opportunity to improve the productivity of your site teams is incredible.

 

Their real-time technology is remarkably flexible, is implemented quicker and achieves more accurate schedules than alternatives.  It utilises actual traffic-based driving speeds and self-learning artificial intelligence for job durations. 

The FLS aim is to ensure that their solutions are undisputedly the fastest, leanest, and smartest on the market.

• Fully cost-optimised appointment scheduling
• Actual time of day route planning
• Real-time re-optimisation to reflect in-shift changes

Use this link to find out more: https://www.fastleansmart.com/en/?utm_source=alphatracker

Microsoft Teams <-> Alpha Tracker integration improved. New Tracker Filer now available

Tom has released a new version of our Tracker Filer product to improve the link between Microsoft Teams and your Alpha Tracker diary.

When you're setting up a Microsoft Teams meeting, try including your Tracker Filer email address as an attendee, like this:

Add your special Tracker Filer email as a meeting attendee

You'll see the meeting appear in your Alpha Tracker diary with the notes carried through from the Teams meeting.  Really handy!

Check out the new Integrations page on our Alpha Tracker website. See how many ways you can link to and from Alpha Tracker

We've updated our website to include the full list of software and systems that Alpha Tracker can interface with.  We've called the page Integrations and you'll find it on our website menu.

Visit https://alpha-tracker.co.uk/integrations

We've broken it down into 9 sections:

1. Spreadsheet Import from Excel or CSV into clients, sites, jobs, appointments, asbestos data...
   
   
2. Spreadsheet Export to Excel from any of the Alpha Tracker screens
   
   
3. Accounts Systems including Xero, Sage and QuickBooks
   
   
4. Zapier to link to Alpha Tracker to any Zapier-connected apps
   
   
5. OpenAsbestos for asbestos data interchange with most of the key asbestos systems
   
   
6. API enabling other software to connect to Alpha Tracker using Internet-standard methods
   
   
7. Housing Software including most systems used by UK councils and housing associations
   
   
8. Facility Management systems for property information exchange
   
   
9. Property Inspection apps including Mobile Data Anywhere and Alpha Transform

Zapier integration with Alpha Tracker coming soon

Zapier is awesome!

If you don't know what it is (yet), take a look here https://zapier.com/explore for inspiration.

Zapier connects your apps together and automates repetitive tasks.  It can make something happen in one app (eg, your accounts system) when an action happens in another system (eg, your job processing system).

Zapier connects and automates pretty much anything and everything!

It can even make things happen on a schedule you define, when physical things happen or when something happens on social media.  Zapier basically connects apps together in any way you can imagine.

The wonderful news is that our development team is working on an Alpha Tracker connection with Zapier.  This means that you'll be able to trigger actions in Zapier (eg "Raise an invoice in Xero" or "Add a row to the work-in-progress spreadsheet") when something happens in Alpha Tracker (eg "A new project has been saved").

We'll post on the blog again when the Zapier connection is ready.  If you want to be a beta tester for this new functionality, do get in touch with product lead Jack.