APIs have changed the game. What once took months of complex integration work can now often be completed in days. Software platforms can communicate with each other more easily than ever before - removing many of the traditional barriers that organisations once faced.

As integrations become simpler and more accessible, the focus is shifting. The question is no longer: Can your systems integrate? The question is now: Who delivers the best experience for the people actually using the technology?

This was the key theme behind our recent webinar, “SmartSuite – Minimal Touch, Maximum Impact”. Using real-world examples from local authority operations, we explored how modern in-cab and back-office technology should do more than simply connect systems. It should reduce effort, improve usability, and make day-to-day work easier for both frontline crews and office teams.

APIs Are No Longer the Differentiator

For years, system integration was seen as a major challenge in operational technology projects. Today, APIs allow software systems to “speak” to each other far more easily.

This means organisations can integrate platforms, share data, and automate workflows at a speed that would previously have seemed impossible. That shift has changed expectations.

Integrations are now expected as standard. The real differentiator is the quality of the user experience built around them. This is exactly where SmartSuite has been designed to stand apart.

As discussed throughout the webinar, SmartSuite is built around the principle of “minimal touch, maximum impact”. The software quietly handles the complexity in the background, allowing drivers, crews, supervisors, and back-office teams to focus on their work rather than wrestling with technology.

Making Life Easier for Drivers

Frontline crews need technology that supports them without becoming a distraction. SmartSuite has been designed with a simple, map-based interface that delivers the right information at the right time, without unnecessary interaction.

During the webinar we demonstrated many features, including:

• Spoken prompts for assisted collections and service updates
• GPS-led navigation
• Automatic street completion updates
• Simple reporting tools
• Minimal screen interaction for safer operation

This “minimal touch” approach reduces workload inside the cab and helps drivers stay focused on the road and their surroundings.

The result is technology that feels intuitive rather than intrusive which links closely with our recent blog, “Safe Use of In-Cab Technology: Designed for Safety, Built for Drivers” which explored how SmartSuite supports legalities and reduces distraction through voice prompts, automation, and simplified workflows.

As highlighted in that article, SmartSuite has been specifically designed to reduce the need for manual interaction through voice-led prompts, automated updates, clear layouts and simple response options. Together, these features help create a safer and more efficient working environment for crews on the ground.

Supporting Back-Office Teams

The webinar also explored the impact on operational and supervisory teams. Historically, back-office staff have spent a significant amount of time dealing with manual administration, fragmented information, and reactive problem solving.

Modern APIs and connected systems now allow much of that heavy lifting to happen automatically. SmartSuite enables operational teams to:

• Access real-time information from crews
• Monitor progress live
• Respond more quickly to issues
• Reduce manual data handling
• Improve communication between departments

Rather than spending time chasing information, supervisors can focus on adding value, improving services, and supporting teams. This is where the true benefit of modern integration lies.

APIs may connect the systems, but the real operational gains come from how effectively the software presents and uses that information.

User Experience Is the New Differentiator

One of the strongest messages throughout the webinar was simple: Everyone can do APIs now, but not everyone can deliver a great user experience. For local authorities and operational services, this matters more than ever.

Technology projects succeed when:

• Drivers adopt the system confidently
• Crews trust the technology
• Back-office teams save time
• Reporting becomes easier
• Operational visibility improves

This requires more than technical integration alone. It requires thoughtful design, operational understanding, ongoing support and continuous refinement based on real-world use.

At Integrated Skills, that philosophy continues to shape the development of SmartSuite and all our other service offerings.

The Integrated Skills Experience

At Integrated Skills, we believe the user experience goes far beyond the software itself. While APIs and integrations are now more accessible than ever, ongoing support, responsiveness, and strong working relationships remain the real differentiators.

From initial implementation through to day-to-day use, our clients are supported by a highly experienced team who understand the operational challenges they face.

Our approach includes:

• Direct access to a dedicated Implementation Consultant
• In-person onboarding and training
• Fast, responsive support via email and messaging platforms
• Full access to our support desk

This hands-on approach helps build long-term partnerships and ensures any questions or issues can be resolved quickly and effectively. It also allows us to continually support our clients as their operational needs evolve over time.

Looking Ahead

As technology evolves, the move towards “minimal touch” operations will continue. Future developments are expected to include:

• Greater automation
• Expanded voice interaction
• Stronger links between operational systems
• Reduced manual input across workflows

The goal remains the same: making technology easier to use while improving operational performance behind the scenes.

Ultimately, successful software should not create more work for users - it should quietly remove it.

Watch the full webinar here.

The post SmartSuite – Minimal Touch, Maximum Impact appeared first on Integrated Skills.

In this webinar, Josh will provide a walkthrough of the different ways to give feedback, such as feature requests via tools within the RouteSmart Optimize environment.

We will also look at how to get step-by-step guidance on the processes and features in RO.

Join Josh Wheddon, one of our Route Optimisation Consultants, on Wednesday 20th May 2026 at 3pm.

Note: We would expect participants to be trained in RouteSmart Optimize

Sign Up Below:

The post Webinar: RouteSmart Masterclass – RouteSmart Optimize Feedback & Assistance Tools appeared first on Integrated Skills.

A brief history route optimisation software in the municipal waste & recycling collection sector across the UK, USA, Middle East and Europe

The deployment of route optimisation software in municipal waste and recycling collection has evolved over several decades, shaped by advances in computer processing power, geographic information systems (GIS), the availability of street data sets, and more recently, real-time data technologies.

In the early stages (1960s–1980s), waste collection routing was largely manual. Municipalities relied on paper maps, local knowledge, and simple heuristics to design collection rounds. These methods were often inefficient but reflected the computational limitations of the time.

Academic research into the “vehicle routing problem” (VRP) began to influence thinking in the 1960s and 1970s, highlighting the potential for mathematical optimisation, although practical application in waste services remained limited. The foundational work of George Dantzig and John Ramser in 1959 formally introduced the truck dispatching problem, which became the basis of VRP. Building on this, Clarke and Wright developed the well-known Clarke–Wright “savings” algorithm in 1964, providing one of the first practical heuristics for reducing route length and fleet requirements.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, further academic contributions expanded VRP into more realistic variants. Researchers such as Paolo Toth and Daniele Vigo explored capacitated VRP formulations, while others examined constraints such as time windows, route balancing, and multi-depot scenarios. These developments were particularly relevant to waste collection, where vehicle capacity, disposal trips, and service frequency introduce significant complexity. In parallel, studies in urban logistics began to recognise waste collection as a distinct application area, with early modelling efforts demonstrating that even modest optimisation could yield meaningful reductions in distance travelled and operational cost.

Despite these advances, real-world deployment in municipal waste services lagged behind theory. Computational limitations restricted the size of problems that could be solved, and the highly localised, variable nature of waste collection - such as one-way streets, cul-de-sacs, and differing collection policies - made standard models difficult to apply directly. Academic studies often relied on simplified datasets or small case examples, limiting their immediate operational relevance.

It was not until the late 1980s and 1990s, with improvements in computing power and the emergence of GIS, that these academic principles began to transition into practical tools. Nonetheless, the early body of VRP research was critical in establishing the mathematical foundations that underpin modern route optimisation systems used in municipal waste and recycling today.

The 1990s and early 2000s marked a turning point with the rise of GIS-based tools. Municipalities in the UK, USA, and parts of Europe began digitising their street networks and service data.

Early software solutions enabled planners to visualise routes and apply optimisation algorithms, reducing travel distance and improving service consistency. During this period, solutions such as those now associated with platforms like RouteSmart emerged, combining GIS with sophisticated routing algorithms to model the unique constraints of waste collection.

In the UK, the advancement of route optimisation software deployment was boosted by the ongoing map service agreements that allowed local authorities to use Ordnance Survey mapping data for free. This enabled waste management consultancy companies, like Integrated Skills Ltd, to adopt route optimisation software and introduce it into the UK, Europe and Middle East markets. Solutions deployed across these regions routinely optimise collections at the individual property level, balancing efficiency, safety, and environmental impact.

By the 2010s, deployment expanded significantly across North America and Europe, with increasing adoption in the Middle East. Municipalities began integrating optimisation software into broader fleet and asset management systems. Case studies from cities showed measurable benefits, including reductions in route mileage, fleet size, and emissions. For example, optimisation initiatives have demonstrated distance savings of over 25% in some implementations.

At the same time, cloud computing and mobile technologies transformed how these systems were used. Instead of static, pre-planned routes, modern platforms allow dynamic route adjustments based on real-world conditions such as traffic, missed collections, or vehicle breakdowns. This shift reflects the reality that waste operations are highly variable and require continuous monitoring and adjustment. In-cab devices and GPS tracking now provide real-time visibility, improving accountability and service reliability.

Today, route optimisation is considered a core component of municipal waste strategy. In the UK, the technology has enabled local authorities to quickly adapt to new policies such as Simpler Recycling and Local Government Reorganisation that has led to the wholesale redesigning of collection rounds and service changes due to the food waste collection rollout.

Route optimisation systems, like RouteSmart Optimize, integrate with Waste Management Systems, such as SmartSuite from ISL, providing a unified platform for the waste & recycling collection & street service operations that incorporates digital mapping, job, task & round management, integration with telematics, finance systems and client facing web pages & apps, and even predictive analytics to support “smart city” initiatives.

Overall, the history of route optimisation in waste management reflects a broader digital transformation - from manual planning to intelligent, data-driven systems that are essential for modern urban & rural service delivery.

The post A brief history of route optimisation software appeared first on Integrated Skills.

In an increasingly competitive admissions environment, private schools – much like their state-funded counterparts – often face oversubscription. With limited places and high demand, admissions officers must ensure that their processes are not only fair, but also clearly justifiable. One key factor in this process is the measurement of home-to-school distance, which many schools use as a tiebreaker when allocating places.

Admissions officers constantly navigate difficult decisions. Even when academic criteria are met, schools frequently encounter more qualified applicants than they can admit. In such scenarios, “distance from home” becomes a critical differentiator.

However, not all distance measurements are created equal. Some schools rely on simplistic estimations, while others may use travel-route approximations that can introduce inconsistencies. In contrast, a rigorously calculated distance offers transparency and consistency, helping to minimise perceived unfairness or dispute.

At Integrated Skills Limited (ISL), we offer a precise, GIS-based distance-measuring service that supports admissions teams in making equitable, defensible decisions. The distance-measuring service draws on our deep expertise in mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Here’s how it works:

1. Highly Accurate Data Sources
   We partner with Ordnance Survey (OS) — a relationship that has lasted over 15 years — and combine their authoritative data with ESRI’s GIS platform
2. Flexible Distance Metrics
   We can calculate both “as-the-crow-flies” (straight-line) distances and travel-path distances (walking or driving), depending on what your admissions policy stipulates
   • The straight-line method mirrors widely used local-authority practices
   • For schools that favour a more contextual measure, we can map realistic walking or driving routes, from the centre point of a house to the school’s main gate, ensuring accurate alignment with policy
3. Clear, Accessible Outputs
   Once computed, results are delivered in formats that admissions teams find immediately actionable:
   • Excel spreadsheets containing detailed distances for every applicant
   • Visual overview maps (with the option for detailed, zoomed-in versions) that provide spatial insight at a glance
4. Dispute Mitigation
   Because our methodology is rigorous, our outputs help pre-empt and resolve any potential contestation. The transparency of the GIS-based approach means that decisions backed by our data are far easier to justify

In 2024 and 2025, Emmanuel College, Gateshead, engaged ISL for their admissions cycle. The school introduced the “as-the-crow-flies” distance as a tiebreaker in their admissions policy, praised our work for its precision and for the ease of implementation. Dr K. Benbow, Director of Academic Services, described the process as “straightforward”, highlighting both the accuracy of the measurements and our supportive customer service.

If you are an admissions officer at a private school looking to enhance the fairness and transparency of your oversubscription criteria, ISL’s Home-to-School Distance Measuring Service can help. To explore how our solution can be tailored to your school policies, please get in touch - we’d be delighted to discuss your specific requirements.

The post Home-to-School Distance Measuring Service appeared first on Integrated Skills.

Spending time yesterday at the Ordnance Survey partner day reminded me of how many different location-based datasets we use across our client base. At Integrated Skills Limited (ISL), we pride ourselves on delivering cutting-edge route optimisation and address validation solutions across a diverse range of sectors. Our success in achieving operational excellence for our clients—whether in waste and recycling collection, street cleaning, winter maintenance, parcel and postal delivery, drinks distribution, or energy meter reading—is underpinned by our strong partnership with Ordnance Survey (OS).

For a route optimisation specialist, one would expect our solutions to consume the highways related data (street attributes, road speeds, driving restrictions, etc) but, as our solution can cope with mixed mode routing (drive/walk/cycle) we also use the data relates to paths (as many a meter reader and postal operative will walk/cycle them). Not to mention (again) we can incorporate ferry crossing into our route plans! However, on occasions, we also validate addresses and locations prior to creating optimised routes. This blog explores the OS data sets we use to provide solutions to our client base.

Why Ordnance Survey Matters to Our Solutions

Ordnance Survey is the national mapping agency for Great Britain, renowned for its highly accurate geographic data and location-based intelligence. Our partnership with OS enables us to integrate their premium datasets into our software solutions, providing unparalleled accuracy and efficiency to our customers. Here’s how key OS datasets enhance our services:

Route Optimisation with OS MasterMap® and OS Highways

Our route optimisation software can leverage OS MasterMap® Topography Layer for precise geographic detail and OS Highways to incorporate comprehensive road network data. OS Highways includes detailed information on road restrictions, classifications, and turn restrictions, ensuring that our route planning accounts for the real-world complexities of urban and rural environments.

Accurate Address Validation with OS AddressBase®

In sectors such as parcel delivery, postal services, and energy meter reading, ensuring that the correct address is serviced is critical. We integrate OS AddressBase®, which provides accurate and up-to-date property-level data. This ensures that our address validation solutions can precisely match addresses and geocode them for efficient service delivery, reducing missed appointments and delivery errors. For some clients we also use Code-Point® - a postcode locator with postcode units in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Coverage includes over 1.7 million postcodes in Great Britain and Northern Ireland updated quarterly – the most authoritative and accurate depiction of all live postcodes.

Efficient Boundary Management with OS Boundary-Line and OS Open Map - Local

For waste collection, street cleaning, and winter maintenance services, understanding administrative boundaries is crucial. We use OS Boundary-Line to define local authority boundaries accurately and OS Open Map - Local to enhance our spatial analysis for effective service planning. These datasets ensure that no area is overlooked, and resources are allocated effectively.

Enhanced Network Planning with OS Open Roads

OS Open Roads data provides a simplified but detailed view of the national road network, which is particularly useful for managing large-scale operations like winter gritting and postal delivery. It allows us to optimise routes by understanding road connectivity and ensuring efficient vehicle movement across service areas.

National Geographic Database (NGD)

The OS NGD is a single store of all Ordnance Survey’s authoritative data for Great Britain. The OS NGD delivers the richest data available for optimum analysis and application to route planning challenges.

Transforming Sector-Specific Operations

Our use of Ordnance Survey data plays a critical role in improving outcomes across multiple sectors:

• Waste & Recycling Collection: Optimised routes that factor in road speeds, road restrictions, and accurate property data for consistent, timely collections.
• Street Cleaning & Winter Maintenance: Targeted service delivery, with data-driven decisions for sweeping and gritting operations in specific areas.
• Parcel & Postal Delivery: Increased first-time delivery success through enhanced geocoding and precise address matching.
• Drinks Distribution & Energy Meter Reading: Reliable scheduling and accurate location validation to ensure safety & compliance.

Delivering Real-World Benefits to Our Clients

By integrating Ordnance Survey’s datasets, we ensure that our clients experience tangible benefits such as:

• Reduced operational costs by minimising unnecessary mileage and optimising fuel consumption.
• Improved customer satisfaction with enhanced delivery and collection accuracy.
• Lower environmental impact through fewer emissions and reduced congestion.

A Partnership that Drives Innovation

Our collaboration with Ordnance Survey empowers us to continuously innovate and adapt our solutions to meet evolving industry demands. With OS’s commitment to data excellence and our expertise in delivering World leading route and address validation solutions, we remain at the forefront of operational efficiency for our clients.

As we look to the future, we are excited to explore new opportunities to apply Ordnance Survey’s NGD to further enhance the functionality and accuracy of our solutions, driving long-term success for the industries we serve.

The post Delivering Efficiency and Accuracy in Route Planning: The Vital Role of Our Partnership with Ordnance Survey appeared first on Integrated Skills.

Street cleansing is an essential service that we’d certainly miss if councils dropped the ball. But it’s not the first service that springs to mind when we think of waste removal teams - recycling and general waste management is the more obvious thought. It’s easy to overlook, and that’s why we’re shedding some light on it today.

The street cleansing teams responsible for this work play a vital role in maintaining public health, safety, and environmental standards. They also assist in minimising the costs of street maintenance. Many councils are turning to electric vehicles to fulfil their duties in a more environmentally friendly manner - and Integrated Skills are poised to help.

Why Street Cleansing Matters

Street cleansing is more than a purely cosmetic effort to keep towns and cities looking appealing. It’s a cornerstone of public health and environmental care.

Unclean streets can lead to significant issues, including:

• Public Health Risks: Litter can attract vermin and harbour bacteria.
• Environmental Damage: Plastics and other debris on the streets can wash into waterways.
• Safety Concerns: Litter, such as broken glass or sharp objects, can pose physical hazards to pedestrians, cyclists and animals.
• Economic Costs: Areas with littered streets often deter tourists and businesses, reducing local economic growth.
• Unswept streets can create an environment for weed growth, - weeds which take hold and then need removal, or even worse, can root down into the structure and can weaken the fabric of the highway, leading to further costs.

Studies have also shown that residents feel safer in cleaner areas, and that clean streets perpetuate a desire to keep them that way. Well-kept streets lead to safer areas and residents that are more aware of keeping the area clean and well kept.

Challenges Faced by Street Cleansing Teams

According to the Government’s Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse, littering remains a persistent issue. Fast food packaging, cigarette butts, and discarded plastics are among the most common items found littering streets. The increase in single-use plastics and convenience culture has exacerbated the problem.

Budget cuts faced by local councils are impacting their ability to maintain street cleansing services. Limited funding often results in fewer staff, outdated equipment, and reduced frequency of cleaning. Public attitudes towards littering also create obstacles. Despite awareness campaigns and the threat of on-the-spot fines or even court action, many people continue to discard waste irresponsibly.

Street cleansing vehicles themselves can also contribute to air pollution and overall carbon emissions. However, innovations in eco-friendly technology are offering solutions. Cleaner and more energy-efficient road sweepers are becoming more readily available, as noted in a recent article by Government Business.

The Legal Framework

UK laws and guidelines to tackle litter issues and promote street cleanliness include:

• Environmental Protection Act 1990: This legislation places a duty on local authorities to ensure public spaces are kept free of litter and refuse.
• Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs): Littering is a criminal offence, and offenders can be fined on the spot. Fines act as a deterrent, but enforcement remains inconsistent. The severity of fines also fluctuates depending on the authority and circumstances of the offense. The range from £40 and £500 per ticket.
• Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse: This document provides practical guidance for maintaining street cleanliness. It sets standards for cleaning frequency and prioritisation based on the location’s usage.

Innovations in Street Cleansing

Despite the challenges, advancements in technology and practices are transforming street cleansing. Modern road sweepers now feature water-efficient systems, dust suppression mechanisms, and lower emissions. These machines not only clean more effectively but also align with environmental goals.

Additionally, data-driven approaches are gaining traction. Using GPS tracking and real-time reporting, councils can deploy resources more efficiently. Areas with high footfall or frequent littering can be prioritised, ensuring a targeted and cost-effective response.

While technology and regulation are essential, public participation is equally important. Campaigns like Keep Britain Tidy’s "Great British Spring Clean" encourage individuals and communities to take responsibility for their local environment. By fostering a culture of care and accountability, such initiatives can reduce the burden on street cleansing teams.

Education also plays a vital role. Teaching young people about the impact of littering can instil lifelong habits. Schools, local councils, and charities can collaborate to deliver engaging and informative programmes. We’ve heard of many councils inviting young school children to name new, eco-friendly sweepers, resulting in some fantastic suggestions such as Sir Sweepalot, Shaun the Sweep, and Sweepy McSweeperson.

While the fun in these strategies is apparent, they also lead to higher engagement from the community and a sense of collaboration in the next generation, who are increasingly eco-aware.

How Integrated Skills Can Help

Efficient routing is the key to keeping costs low, and our digital mapping data can be used to ensure that efficiency. From route planning to vehicle tracking, site location analysis to territory planning- this list goes on.

We’ve worked with many councils over the years, integrating the Ordnance Survey data available with the capabilities of our RouteSmart software. Our partnerships have resulted in massive financial savings, reduced carbon emissions and increased job satisfaction, as well as improved public opinion.

Our in-cab and back-office solution, SmartSuite, can provide Councils with the means to ensure that planned savings are realised. Our solution can mix both planned street sweeping work with ad-hoc tasks – such as fly-tipping removal and both with a full audit trail to ensure work is all completed and recorded.

Integrated Skills is also working with telematics providers to ensure that when streets are being serviced, there is an audit trail to ensure that there is evidence of when brushes are up and down.

For those switching to Electric Vehicle fleets, we can model the network coverage and routes for any future purchases or optimise the routes for your new vehicles as they enter the streets. We also provide in-cab solutions for all drivers to follow for maximum efficiency, whether they are established, seasonal or brand new.

Conclusion

Street cleansing is an essential yet often overlooked public service. Its impact on public health, the environment, and local economies cannot be overstated. However, challenges such as funding cuts, public behaviour, and climate considerations highlight the need for collective action.

By recognising the value of street cleansing, supporting innovative practices, and encouraging public engagement, we can ensure our streets remain clean and safe for everyone.

The post Street Cleansing: The Often Forgotten, Essential Service appeared first on Integrated Skills.

Ordnance Survey mapping may not be at the top of the list for dinner party conversation, but the invaluable data supplied by this centuries-old organisation is the lifeblood of route mapping. Their data now underpins much of modern life, especially business life.

Here we’ll be explaining how Ordnance Survey data has evolved over the years and how it supports the work of emergency service responders, waste and recycling management and our postal services, as well as how we utilise OS data in our own service offerings.

An Intro to Ordnance Survey and Their History

As Britain’s national mapping agency, Ordnance Survey are tasked with maintaining accurate, up to date geographical data. Born out of military needs, the agency was first tasked with mapping the Scottish Highlands during the rebellion of 1745.

Until this time, maps were created in lesser detail. They lacked the information needed to successfully move troops and plan for military strategies. The maps created included paths, rivers, hills and settlements - achieved by a handful of surveyors and very basic equipment. They used simple compasses and 50ft lengths of chain to measure distances, while the remainder was sketched by eye.

Later, in 1789, the “Board of Ordnance” was asked to survey England’s southern coasts out of fear that the French Revolution may spill onto our shores. The agency then evolved and expanded their work, improving their mapping abilities and aiding in British military planning for years to come.

After the Second Word War, Ordnance Survey re-mapped the country to correct previous inaccuracies and reflect the changes caused by wartime destruction.

In the 21^st century, Ordnance Survey rocketed into using the latest technologies to help create data sets such as OS MasterMap and OS OpenData which exploded into our day to day lives:

“Over the first eight years of OS OpenData we saw data downloaded 1.9 million times. On average, 150 people download OS OpenData every day. That’s 54,750 people a year.”

Ordnance Survey Today

The entire country is now accurately mapped to extraordinary detail, with some 20,000 amendments made daily. Geographical information is a part of most of the information collected in Britain- from the location of addresses and people, to local government boundaries to flood risks areas.

This data has huge potential to increase efficiencies and profits for companies that helps spur growth in the UK economy which is why the OS is well supported. They now utilise technologies including satellite navigation systems, remote sensing, LIDAR and Geographical Information Systems, tools and software.

“The public and private sectors benefit from accurate information about ‘location’ and a world-leading reliable geographic framework helps deliver effective and efficient services.”

How is the Data Utilised?

OS data is used by just about every industry that relies on movement and/or location. Postal workers, delivery drivers, meter readers, emergency services- plus anyone that uses a map in their day to day lives.

Of course, our focus is on the waste and recycling, parcel & postal delivery and meter reading sectors, for which OS data is invaluable. Efficient delivery, collections & servicing are the key to keeping costs low, and digital mapping data is used to ensure that happens. From route planning to vehicle tracking, site location analysis to territory planning- this list goes on.

The digital mapping required by HGVs, for example, is very different to the needs of normal road-users who may use Google Maps, Garmin or similar. HGVs, which often carry large and dangerous loads, require far more detail, including:

• Low bridges
• One-way streets
• Turn restrictions
• Weight restrictions
• Width restrictions
• Low emission zones
• Parking restrictions
• Live traffic information
• Historic traffic information
• Traffic restrictions
• Road slopes
• Road curvatures

The data provided by Ordnance Survey covers the above and more, allowing waste management teams to plan and execute their routes to perfection. This capability is increased further by combining the data provided with route optimisation software.

Ordnance Survey and Integrated Skills

Integrated Skills has been a partner of Ordnance Survey for over 15 years, utilising their map data in multiple route optimisation projects across various sectors. Whether applied to waste and recycling collections, parcel and document delivery or meter reading, we use OS data to ultimate effect.

In recent times, OS has been merging data sets and providing an even richer source of data which we have quickly utilised for optimal route planning. They have improved the granularity of the data, noting exactly where bridges intersect with other transport networks (road, rail or water) as well as footpaths. This has been an important development for our usage.

We use this data to ensure that meter readers and delivery drivers can reach their residential and business service locations as optimally as possible - even along footpaths or when catching a ferry.

We’ve worked with many councils over the years, integrating the OS data available with the capabilities of our RouteSmart^TM software. Our partnership has resulted in massive savings, reduced carbon emissions and increased job satisfaction.

Gateshead Council is a great example. They were focussed on increasing efficiencies across their waste management offering. Using Public Sector Mapping Agreement data from OS in conjunction with our software, we achieved significant savings in time, money and resources.

Outcomes included:

• £400,000 per year in savings
• Service vehicles reduced by 4
• Reduction in carbon emissions
• Compressed working week for employees, allowing better work-life balance
• Less public disruption thanks to redesign of rounds
• The combination of software and data means the future analysis of population increases can identify tipping points of the current rounds at an early stage.
• Recycling levels have risen significantly following the new arrangements

“OS MasterMap ITN layer and its Road Routing Information in conjunction with the Routesmart software have made it possible for us to optimise our waste collection services and allow us the flexibility to make ongoing changes when the need arises.” Colin Huntington, Service Director, Gateshead Council

Under similar schemes, West Suffolk council saved £180 000 in waste management costs, Hambleton and Richmondshire district councils achieved savings of £850 000 and Newcastle City Council reduced costs by £248,000.

At one of the UK’s leading meter reading companies the ROI was achieved within months thanks to the combination of the route optimisation software, the GIS system, the street network data, the bespoke address matching and geocoding solution and ISL’s ability to being all these elements into one solution.

For integrated thinking and integrated software call Integrated Skills.

If you’d like to hear more, just get in touch and we’d be happy to help.

The post Leveraging Ordnance Survey Mapping for Enhanced Route Optimisation appeared first on Integrated Skills.

“AI algorithms can do many things the human brain alone cannot,” RouteSmart Technologies Director of Research and Development Damon Gulczynski says. “But the most powerful thinker in known existence is a human who knows how to use AI effectively.”

I love this quote from October 2023. I found it in a RouteSmart Technologies blog that in turn was based on an article published in the Parcel & Post magazine. When plying Chat GPT with various questions relating to the role of AI on route optimisation for postal delivery specifically, the best it returns is; “AI algorithms analyse various factors such as traffic patterns, weather conditions, and delivery schedules to optimize delivery routes. This reduces fuel consumption, delivery time, and operational costs”.

Cutting through the AI hype

At recent industry events I have been quizzing software developers and operational research specialists about the application of AI to the algorithms that solve the travelling sales problem and its generalisations the vehicle routing problem and the travelling purchaser problem. The responses were revealing in that AI is not being applied to the algorithms per se, more to the management of them. One leading supplier uses AI in the scheduling of the application of algorithms to solve the problem in question, swapping the algorithms in and out at various times and stages of processing in an attempt to produce an optimal outcome in as short a time as possible.

Understanding the problem

Efficient route planning is a complex problem, especially for parcel and postal delivery companies that must consider factors such as multiple delivery points, varying package sizes, traffic conditions, safety issues, and time constraints. This is complicated further with the explosion in ecommerce post Covid and the ever-increasing demand for postal operations to deliver parcels in combination with letter (mail) delivery. This is where data-driven route planning with artificial intelligence and machine learning come into play, offering the potential to transform route planning into an adaptive process.

AI, ML and predictive analytics

There is a difference between AI and ML (machine learning). Do a search with your favourite engine (there is more than one) to discover the difference. The key takeaway is that the AI or ML solution learns how certain data variables can affect the route, such as, the most common package destinations, historical delivery times, traffic patterns, weather conditions, and even the behaviour of individual delivery personnel.

By analysing historical data and leveraging machine learning algorithms, postal delivery operations can predict future demand with high accuracy.  This helps in allocating resources effectively, ensuring that the right number of vehicles and personnel are available to handle peak delivery times, thus reducing operational costs and enhancing service quality.

Data and processing power

AI and ML involves an inordinate amount of data crunching of vast data sets. Processing power is key to ensure AI and ML can help create solutions fast enough to make them operationally viable, ie, in time for the delivery team to sort, load and deliver.

RouteSmart Technologies and AI

Will AI have a meaningful role in route optimisation for postal services? Specifically, will the application of AI significantly improve the outputs of route optimisation, ie, make the route more optimal than what can be achieved now? If you cut through the current hype, I think the answer as of mid-2024 is not yet. But I think it will soon. Damon and his colleagues at RouteSmart Technologies are looking closely at AI/ML and its application to the parcel and postal sector. After all, the company has been at the forefront of operations research for the last 40 years and continues to enhance their route optimisation product sets to meet the demands of its customers. And no AI hype will deter RouteSmart Technologies from their relentless march toward route optimisation perfection.

The post AI Route Planning for Post appeared first on Integrated Skills.

2023 saw the largest trial of 4-day working week in the UK with 60+ companies taking part from marketing agencies to financial firms and even a fish & chip shop. The trial didn’t work for every business. Some firms abandoned the experiment; others haven’t yet made the move to adopt the format full-time. A number of firms that continued with reduced hours are facing new challenges arising from shortened workweeks. It’s clear that a four-day workweek isn’t an automatic solution for all.

In October 2023 the UK government put the kybosh on 4-day working week trials in the local government sector. The non-statutory guidance covers local authorities in England who are considering adopting a 4-day working week – where staff have their working hours reduced by 20% but retain 100% of their pay (or equivalent/similar) and states:

“The government does not support a 4-day working week in local authorities, as it does not believe that it delivers local taxpayers’ value for money” Gov.uk

The government does, however, “support an individual’s right to request flexible working” but the 4-day working week is an organisation wide approach to pay and working hours and is clearly different as it doesn’t relate to the individual.

Against this backdrop the Greater Cambridge Shared Waste (“GCSW”) service - a strategic partnership between Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council responsible for the collection of household bins in the city of Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire – looked at the potential for a 4-day working week in the refuse & recycling collection operation. GCSW modelled detailed waste routes for a potential 4-day working week following trials by South Cambridgeshire District Council in January 2023. These 4 trials were the first of their kind in the local government waste & recycling collection sector.

One potential challenge of a 4-day working week concept in waste & recycling collection services is the requirement to collect the same number of bins in 80% of the available time and the concern that this would inevitably result in the need for additional vehicles and crews therefore increasing service costs. Interestingly, with the application of route optimisation software in the modelling of a 4-day service, this concern was nullified (Greater Cambridge Shared Waste Route Optimisation Success). According to Cllr Mike Davey, Leader of Cambridgeshire District Council:

“… the recent introduction of a four-day waste collection in South Cambs and City has gone extremely well so far. Data from the first five weeks shows we have exceeded our 99.7% collection target…” in a statement on South Cambridgeshire District Council's continuing four-day week trial

Even so SCDC received a Best Value Notice from the Dept of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities which, according to the Local Government Information Unit website, is a “firm tap on the shoulder” from central government expressing their concern.

The route optimisation software proved that a 4-day working week for refuse & recycling collection was feasible within the budget and the initial evidence from the operational teams is that employees and the Council are seeing benefits which, ultimately, is of benefit for the community as a whole.

How will things develop in 2024? With a General Election on the horizon, it will be interesting to see if any of the political parties put a 4-day working week high on their campaigning agendas. And regardless of the Westminster election, will the devolved governments of Scotland and Wales revisit the concept, especially for waste & recycling collection operations?

The post Causing a stink? Introducing a 4-day week into local government refuse & recycling collection operations appeared first on Integrated Skills.

The Local Government Information Unit recently described local government as an “essential agent” for achieving net zero by 2050. Services provided by individual local authorities vary along with their powers and functions, but the 333 principal local authorities and 10 combined authorities (along with the Greater London Authority) provide a huge range of services which impact on net zero.

Their influence over policy areas from social housing to transport planning, recycling operations to waste management will have huge effects on the nation’s efforts to reach our 2050 target. Here we’ll be discussing the impact of waste management operations and what will be needed from local government to ensure authorities are playing their part.

The Impact of Waste Management on Net Zero

The correlation between greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change is well established, and the waste management sector plays a huge part in controlling emission levels- especially within our cities.

Our household waste contains biodegradable, carbon-based organic matter such as kitchen and garden waste, paper and other organic materials, as well as plastics. When disposed of, this waste produces both carbon dioxide and methane (which is 21 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in its effects as a greenhouse gas). The way this waste is managed has a massive effect on the emissions produced. Depending on the methods used, we can control how these gasses will be released back into the environment. If material is broken down in open air, carbon dioxide will be released. In the absence of air, for example, through the use of landfill sites, methane is released.

Then we come to discuss the transportation issue within waste management. From the fuel used and emissions produced by the heavy vehicles needed to get the job done, to the essential route planning needed to service entire cities efficiently. Garbage trucks or bin lorries usually have diesel engines. These vehicles average around 3 miles to the gallon and “belch roughly 20 times the carbon emissions of the average American home” The Optimist Daily. They travel slowly, stopping and starting frequently and sub-par route-planning can add to the inefficiency by boosting their mileage.

What Should Local Authorities be Doing?

UK Research and Innovation spoke about what it will take for local authorities to enact meaningful change back in August 2022, and their thoughts ring just as true today: “Climate Emergency UK estimate that a third of all emissions are within the influence of local councils. Their statutory roles (housing, transport, waste and planning) will need to be fundamentally disrupted to transition to carbon neutral activities. During a time of decreasing resources and increasing demand for services this transformation will require bold choices, ground-breaking technologies, and new delivery and business models.”

While policies such as the expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone and the roll out of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods may have riled people in the local area, there are many improvements to be made that will have little to no negative impact on residents. Despite Rishi Sunak’s recent dilution of the Government’s targets, including his delay to the petrol car ban, local authorities can still ensure they are doing what they can to reallocate their budgets in line with achieving net zero.

While there has been some experimentation with electric versions of the traditional bin lorry, this is unfortunately not a ‘quick fix’. The costs involved with producing such large electric vehicles is not in line with current budgets, and the issues of battery production, the lack of a suitable charging network and the milage that can be achieved on a single charge mean that it’s not a feasible switch for now.

There are a number of trials currently underway that are testing the potential for hydrogen-powered vehicles, including this one in West Europe. Many of the trials are showing promise, but the only viable option for existing collection operations is the optimisation of the current fleet.

Route Optimisation

In a nutshell, route optimisation results in fewer miles. Fewer miles mean a reduction in emissions and lower fuel costs. Reducing a route by even a few miles can have a massive impact over time, saving gallons of fuel and reducing emissions in the process.

Geographic Information Systems-based route optimisation software minimises non-productive travel, service time and idling time. It does so by analysing the details of collection activity:

• Street network (one-way streets, no left turns etc)
• Expected weight of each bin (recycling, garden waste, household waste)
• Property type (detached, semi-detached, terrace etc)
• Access issues (alleys, bin stores, road type etc)

Once routes have been optimised, the information gathered can also be used in the strategic planning process. Councils are increasingly utilising route optimisation and planning software to assist them in the procurement process; informing themselves about how many vehicles they need to provide the level of service required while sticking to stringent budgets and emissions targets.

Summary

For local councils across the country, shifting sands from higher up, budget cuts and squeezes, and their responsibilities to their residents must be weighing heavily. While changes to current services should never impact negatively on vulnerable fractions of society, large-scale, innovative changes are needed to ensure we reach net zero by 2050.

Taking control of the refuse collection process and the emissions produced during this vital service will have a massive impact- especially if the majority of local authorities jump on board. Route optimisation software is budget well spent, both in terms of reducing fuel costs, and in terms of working together towards net zero.

The post Achieving Net Zero: The Role of Local Government Waste and Recycling Operations appeared first on Integrated Skills.