Top Waste Management Challenges Solved Using ReachOut Suite!

Managing waste has always been a challenging task. The waste management process often faces issues such as poor scheduling and sub-par efficiency of the field teams. Service managers do not have visibility or control of day-to-day processes, leading to field teams becoming lax. At times, the collection and disposal of waste do not meet health and safety compliance standards, leading to fines and strictures. Costs keep rising in an inflationary environment to the point of becoming financially unviable. 

Waste management software offers a solution to such challenges. A robust field service software like ReachOut Suite removes process bottlenecks, offers end-to-end visibility, and speeds up things. The process gets transparent and accountable, plus compliance is improved. Here are the top 4 ways FSM software helps tackle waste management challenges.

Read more: Why Does Your Waste Management Business Need FSM Software?

1. Efficient scheduling and dispatching

One of the biggest challenges for any field service task is scheduling the work crew to open tasks. The waste removal process is dynamic, necessitating regular changes to schedules. The assigned crew may call in sick, or customers may make out-of-turn requests. Environmental conditions such as rains may delay routine processes. Schedulers may consider the workload before assigning new jobs or making changes.

Best-in-breed software enables managers to schedule jobs and manage the fleet. The back-office staff can micro-schedule waste collection and processing tasks.

The software creates service requests and schedules tasks. Allocation of the task to field teams depends on workforce availability and the availability of spares and equipment. Advanced scheduling options enable grouping work orders by area to save fuel and speed up service fulfillment. Making such choices using manual or first-generation disjointed tools is time-consuming. The digital suits automate the process and prepare accurate schedules in seconds.

The dispatcher uses field service software to plot the best routes to the location. Integration with maps makes explicit the most fuel-efficient or fastest route to the waste removal location. The best route is only sometimes the shortest route. Traffic conditions, diversions, road works, and other factors may improve one route on any given day. 

Service managers may track and monitor field activities and control operations tightly. GPS-tracking enabled through mobile apps allows managers to intervene in case of mix-ups, accidents, or some other delay. Also, they may track the truck movement with benchmark times to identify any laxity from part of the work crew.

Visibility into real-time stock positions enables aligning schedules with stock availability. For instance, visiting a site to remove waste without garbage bags is pointless.

2. Easy access to information

A waste management system offers field crew access to relevant information. The field crew may use the companion mobile app to 

• Access documentation on hazardous waste collection or safety measures. 
• Pull client details and directions to get to the waste collection point
• Get reminders on upcoming jobs and notifications on job changes.
• Track dispersed assets. Service providers may create digital asset registers and ensure regular tracking through GPS.

Field teams may access data and get information from anywhere, anytime. 

3. Streamlined workflows

An integrated waste management system enables controlled access and real-time monitoring of operations. Process efficiency improves when field agents use these features, and workflows get streamlined. Automated backend tasks reduce clerical costs and enhance the company’s cash flow.

A waste management system accessible through companion mobile apps enables:

• Electronic data collection, including images, videos, and electronic signatures. The work crew’s mobile app captures data electronically. The suite appends the same to customized forms and dispatches reports to the set addresses.

• Paperless submission of timesheets, job reports, payment info, and other operational reports.

• Automating routine processes such as reporting and invoicing. The suite auto-generates invoices at the month-end or upon completing a specific job. 

• Automating timesheets and leave processing. Syncing leaves with scheduling minimizes the need for changes and rescheduling down the lane. 

• Integrated communication. Field agents may get in touch with the back office or the customer, with easy traceability of the communication. Customers may log issues on the system and track their progress. 

Managers may deliver checklists for field teams to follow standards and maintain compliance. End-to-end transparency and visibility improve control and also accountability.

4. Subcontractor management

One underutilized component of most field software is the subcontractor management module. Waste management involves several subcontractors who work semi-autonomously. Good waste management software enables work allocation to subcontractors. 

The suite makes it easy to monitor and manage:

• Waste collection and processing tasks
• Service level agreements
• Collaborative use of operational assets.

Read more: All You Need to Know About Mobile Workforce Management.

Why is ReachOut the best option?

ReachOut Suite waste removal software offers insights that make the process run like a well-oiled machine. 

One of the big impact areas is scheduling. The easy drag-and-drop interface makes assigning jobs instant and effortless. Simplified calendar views offer schedulers a bird’s eye view of the activities planned for the day, week, or month. Crew members and related stakeholders get instant alerts. Managers may configure automated scheduling for repeat jobs, reducing the clerical burden.

Geo-tagging provides traceability to jobs and also automates timesheets and payroll.

Native integrations and APIs enable seamless data to flow among other enterprise databases. Two-way integrations allow teams to import and export data from QuickBooks and other databases.

Mobile apps offer field crews access to relevant information, such as worksite details, upcoming schedules, etc. They may also collect data, including signatures, electronically. 

The robust reporting module enables the creation of ad-hoc and pre-designed reports. Insights from the report, enriched with analytical tools, offer deep insights to improve processes. The form marketplace offers custom forms and report templates suitable for all purposes. Users can upload their stylized forms customized to their liking. As desired, they may also create customized dashboards with KPIs, gauges, tables, and charts. 

Flexible and configurable workflows enable providers to retain complete control. Managers may configure multiple business processes with different workflows for different work types. They may also set up business rules linked to specific operational steps. For instance, they may delegate sign-off authority for particular roles based on financial thresholds. They may also configure different rules to customize and optimize service delivery. Creating sub-accounts under the main field service management suite makes subcontractor management easy.

The app works offline by saving data in remote, non-connectivity areas and syncing when back online. Users may customize the appearance, KPI metrics, reference data, and reporting system. 

ReachOut Suite leverages the power of simplicity to make the waste management process agile. The suite empowers field crew, managers, and other stakeholders, producing high-quality work output. All functions get transferred to electronic mode, and efficiency improves manifolds.

Sign up with ReachOut now and feel the difference!