When it comes to safe digging, you know that accuracy is essential. One of the most important steps in submitting a ticket is entering the correct start date for your work. This helps reduce unnecessary ticket volume, ensures accurate locates and keeps our member utilities working efficiently. When your start date is correct, locators can schedule their work effectively and respond within the legal timeframe so you can begin your project without delays.

Many excavators rely on the Exactix System’s default start date instead of entering the actual day they will begin work. This can result in early or unnecessary locates, duplicate tickets and wasted resources for everyone involved.

How to Enter Your Start Date in Exactix

When you create a ticket, you will be asked to enter the date and time you plan to start working. By default, Exactix sets this to two full business days from your request date, not including the day you submit the ticket. This is the legal timeframe utilities have to respond to your request.

If your start date is later than the default:

Click the Start Date in Exactix
Select the correct date on the calendar with your mouse
If needed, adjust the start time using the option below the calendar

Important reminders:

You cannot enter a start date or time earlier than the legal timeframe

This is the only field that indicates when your work will begin

Do not type your start date or time into any other ticket field

Entering the correct start date every time helps ensure that locates are done when they are truly needed. This saves time, reduces confusion and helps keep everyone safe.

Bonus: For a refresh on how inaccurate and excessive ticket renewals can bog down the system, watch our latest video today!

Why Accurate Start Dates Matter for Your Ticket