by MARY M. COX
Manufacturer List
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For a lean bottom line, it is crucial for waste disposal firms to properly coordinate the large number of collection stops that are required to serve their clients.
The client base at Alpine Technology Corporation ranges from small haulers with a single location and thousands of customers to large corporations that span multiple locations and hundreds of thousands of customers. Alpine’s office solution, Visual RAMS-Pro (RAMS), is highly customizable and is the result of four decades of input and feedback from haulers all over the globe. RAMS seamlessly integrates with Alpine’s in-cab computing system, Visual On-Route (VOR). “The waste industry is evolving and compliance requires more data – from drivers and routes, better reporting and real-time communication that many solutions cannot provide. Also, AlpineLive, our Cloud solution, allows our clients to access RAMS anytime, from anywhere. We know the industry and we know what our clients need. We want to help you do what you do best…run your business. Leave the software to us,” suggested Steve Flemming, owner.
He said that although Alpine was the first to introduce tablet use in trucks, the staff has worked the past 10 years perfecting and evolving VOR for residential, commercial, roll-off and cart delivery services. “We provide more affordable and accessible hardware with mobile applications. Route management and dispatch is made easier with extensive mapping features. VOR also integrates new industry-changing technologies like Optical Character Recognition, integrated video capture and playback, route optimization algorithms, and extensive Google mapping tools. Having VOR is like having an assistant in the truck with your drivers. With a single tap of a finger, drivers can record extras, track content, take a picture, record recycling contamination, generate a work order, and more,” Flemming said.
He also noted that Alpine has served the solid waste industry for over 40 years with practical, affordable and integrated software for both the office and trucks. In addition to the U.S., Alpine serves clients in Australia/New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Guam, Hawaii, Canada and Western Europe.
Routeware claims to offer the safest option in the market. They’ve had decades of success with their software, providing assistance that allows users to operate on time, in a short time and on the first trip. Their product interfaces with AMCS Tower, Soft-Pak, Trux, Encore and more. Using only industrial grade devices that are thoroughly tested to withstand shock, moisture and dust – thousands of models have been sold over the years to municipalities and waste haulers.
The software has been designed to be intuitive; thanks to the knowledge Routeware software developers have gained in learning about the unique conditions that various types of users may encounter. An entry-level, tracking-only product is available for clients that aren’t in the market for a tablet option. Solutions are available for every budget and for Windows or Android, thick and thin 8 or 10” tablets, Routeware or self-hosted, subscription or up-front fees, tablet or for a simple tracking device. Support capabilities cover client computers, mounts, cradles, cellular service, RFID readers, cables, on-board software, back-office software and more so that users only need to make one call when issues arise, not several.
Zonar’s Ground Traffic Control® (GTC) paired with its V4ä telematics control unit provides a real-time picture of fleet operations including mapping every turn of the key, every stop and start, and all activity while measuring driver performance, such as speed, path, safety and idling. In addition to the base telematics offered, Zonar also can help fleets automate and streamline inspections, help drivers track and even prevent bad behavior and help any manager ensure the safety and compliance of their fleets.
The firm’s patented Electronic Verified Inspection Reporting (EVIR®) system uses a unique and first-of-its-kind approach to verify the collection and transmission of compliance and maintenance data—which used to involve an analog method—an often tedious process. Fleets using EVIR are able to reduce the processing time for inspections by more than 50 percent. This helps to ensure vehicles stay on the road and are repaired before issues arise. “Busy and congested streets can be dangerous for even the most alert operators but with Zonar Coach™ drivers have another set of ‘eyes’ watching the road. Coach provides real-time, audio violations and video capture, so drivers can correct their behavior immediately and even protect their safe driving records while behind the wheel. Managers can also use Coach to reward good behavior,” explained Gary Schmidt, vice president, business solutions.
Although new technology often takes time to implement and set up on each vehicle, Zonar’s round-the-clock customer service and support team helps with set up and regular maintenance. “It can be challenging to train staff in the correct usage. However, we can help any user within an organization to understand how Coach, EVIR, or any of our other products function. We can also help ensure that businesses using these tools increase the overall safety and efficiency of their fleets,” Schmidt said.
He concluded with “More organizations are being asked to do more, with less – fewer operators, vehicles, and even budgets—alongside updated safety regulations and compliance guidelines. Zonar design solutions like EVIR and Coach increase the accuracy of data captured, automates time-consuming tasks like pre- and post-trip inspections and ensures that operators practice good driving behavior. The added benefit of information gathered from EVIR and Coach is the ability for managers to identify trends around vehicle defects, driver behavior, and other issues—to quickly address and even prevent them from becoming crises.”
Published in the May 2019 Edition
