Key things to consider
when deploying in-cab navigation solutions for waste & recycling collection
operations
In-Cab technologies bring a whole host of benefits to waste collection services. When deployed in the right way, these technologies can revolutionise the way these services operate. Alongside reducing paperwork and other manual procedures for operatives, the information gathered from in-cab solutions can provide real insight into waste collection services and greatly improve efficiency.
As with all projects,
the success of in-cab rollouts is dependent on a number of factors. Below are
the key considerations that successful implementations take into account:
Establish
a dedicated in-cab solution team – Define roles and responsibilities and develop a realistic project
timeline. The team should include management, operational and technical staff
and measures should be put in place to maintain regular and ongoing
communication between team members
Champion
the Solution – Identify key staff
who will act as champions for the solution. These members of staff will assist
with implementation and the training of users and will be the bridge between
end users and the software providers
Prepare
your data – Spend time making sure your
data is checked and finalised in advance of its introduction to the in-cab
solution. Inaccuracies in data can be mistakenly interpreted as shortfalls of
new in-cab technologies, affecting the success of their introduction
Map
out the flow of information –
Understand what data you would like to gather using the technology and how you
would like this information to move between different parts of your organisation.
Discussions should bring together operational and technical staff to plan how
the data can benefit everyone
Consider
hardware lead timesandinstallation
timeframes – Hardware orders can have long lead times so ensure that this
is considered in project timelines. For service continuity, try and coordinate
installations around operational hours and ensure that hardware is installed
and signed off prior to user training
Be
aware of in-cab legalities – Carry
out vehicle audits to ensure that hardware is positioned safely and is installed
in accordance with health and safety guidance. The position of the hardware
should be agreed and signed off by both operatives and management prior to
going live. Users should be made aware of the difference between the use of in-cab
satellite navigation devices and mobile devices
Manage
change with ongoing communication – Early communication with staff helps to convey the background of why
in-cab technology is being introduced, provide staff with the opportunity to
ask questions and allows time to address any concerns raised. This
communication should be ongoing to help iron out any issues and maintain the
use of the solution
Promote
the benefits – Emphasise that the
technology is being implemented to reduce work rather than to add to this,
providing concrete examples of how time is saved (for example through driver
reporting). Help staff to understand that the solution is a tool to help rather
than hinder them
Provide
good training – Where possible, plan
to provide user training as close to the rollout as possible, keeping this
fresh in users’ minds. Ideally provide one-on-one training in the cab for users
to grasp the application. Provide ongoing training where needed and communicate
any new features to users. Ensure that new users are brought up to speed with
full training
Start simple – A new technology may be overwhelming at first. Where
possible, ease in the technology slowly, for example saving more complex functionality
until later once operatives have got a firm grasp of how it works
Don’t change everything at once – If, for example, new
routes are being introduced to a service, it is best to avoid introducing these
at the same time as the new technology. Allow time for the technology to bed in
with existing routes before rolling out the new routes. This way, the
technology will be met with far less resistance
Monitor
in the early stages – Users may avoid using
the solution if they are struggling with certain functionality. Catch this
early by monitoring use and checking in with staff who may require further
assistance
Harness
the data – Monitor and analyse
any data you may be receiving to build up ‘service intelligence’. Feed information
provided by the solution back to your operational data for continuous
improvement. Where possible, communicate to operatives how the data they are
collecting is being used across the service
Once
in-cab solutions have been successfully embedded into organisations they can
very quickly become an integral part of day-to-day operations. Information that
was previously recorded on paper or communicated via telephone can be relayed
to the back office in real time, improving service visibility and allowing
operatives to spend more time on the task in hand.
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