Routeware Optimizes Waste Management Solutions with AirLink Gateways

Founded in 1999, Routeware provides hardware and software solutions improve routing efficiencies, resulting in reduced operational expenses and improved customer satisfaction. Routeware has transported the waste industry into the 21st century by streamlining processes and helping its customers to streamline and improve routing, leading to bottom-line cost savings and revenue increases.

Challenges

The initial solution consisted of a system that stored data entered by waste vehicle drivers throughout the day and required the drivers download the stored data at a centralized location for use with billing, scheduling and other operations applications.

Eventually, Routeware introduced an operational dashboard application that allows fleet managers and dispatchers to track a broad range of route, driver and vehicle statistics (such as speed and location) in real-time. All of these were built around the integration of cellular modems into the revamped system.

Solution

When searching for a reliable in-vehicle cellular solution, Routeware turned to value-added systems integrator Feeney Wireless, who recommended the Sierra Wireless AirLink PinPoint X mobile communications gateway.

"We tried another brand of modem, but had significant quality and connection issues. There is no more difficult vehicle to build electronics for than a garbage truck,” said Kaufman, who cites idle vibration, the nature of truck contents, the duration of a vehicle’s service and extreme temperature as factors that can erode a product’s reliability.

Routeware has also taken advantage of the PinPoint X’s input/output (I/O) port capabilities to manage the flow of transactions from other peripherals, such as the previously referenced on-board camera, which connect to Routeware’s in-vehicle system. As Kaufman described, the PinPoint X is “more than just GPS and data transmission; it’s an I/O ‘traffic cop’ that routes all of the complex inputs we have flowing through our system.”

“When we upgraded to the AirLink PinPoint X, all of the connection problems we were having just disappeared, along with many of the customer complaints about cellular communication difficulties,” said Kaufman.

Routeware’s waste management system utilizing the Sierra Wireless AirLink PinPoint X provided the following benefits:

• Reliable, on-demand communication – ALEOS intelligence provides the “always-on” and “always-aware” access to real-time two-way communication required for critical mobile data applications.
• Rugged form factor – MIL-STD 810 certified for high performance in the harshest of environmental conditions.
• ROI and quality – The PinPoint X gateway’s unmatched performance and durability helps Routeware create the high-quality product it has committed to provide its customers.