Back in 1999, when Routeware was just getting underway, our focus was very singular: getting rid of the paper in the cab and the office. Though our list of benefits has greatly expanded since those early days, this still remains a laudable goal.

By it’s very nature, paperwork creates inefficiency. It has to be transferred from person to person in order to communicate its message. It can be misinterpreted or incorrectly transcribed. Worst of all, it’s 100% manual. In this digital age, where automation plays such a strong role in our daily lives, the case to switch from paper to electronic has never been stronger.

Given this, where can Routeware help you get rid of the paperwork that’s clogging your hauling operation?

Route Sheets. It is common for drivers to be handed a sheaf of papers on which are printed the sequenced route they are expected to run. Any exceptions on the route (skips or extras) are to be written on the sheets next to the customer’s name, then manually keyed into the routing/billing software.

Routeware automates that entire process. The route is presented to the driver electronically on an Rcore® on-board computer. Drivers use it to quickly enter all pickups they make, along with any exceptions. This data is transmitted back to the office in real-time, creating an efficient, seamless, and completely paperless data flow.

Log Books and Pre/Post Trip Inspection. Many drivers have to fill out log books to account for their time: when they went on break, when they went to the landfill or fueling station, etc. Some drivers also fill out pre- and post-trip inspection reports. With Routeware, handheld devices can transmit inspection results from the truck to Rcore. Also, every moment of offline time is tracked by Rcore, eliminating the needs for log books.

Reporting. The Routeware system replaces paper reports with up-to-the-minute information presented in a variety of ways: dashboard, customized alerts, and text messages to smart phones. Furthermore, data can be exported to Excel for further analysis—something paper cannot do without rekeying.

Customer Service. Instead of pulling route sheets out of file cabinet drawers, customer service agents can access pick-up status in real-time. This allows them to get through calls faster and arms them with objective, accurate information to address any customer complaints or concerns.

Invoicing. How automated can the invoicing process be? With our system, an extra is entered into Rcore, which transmits it back to the office in real-time. Based on its charge code, an invoice is automatically created and queued, waiting for approval from office staff before being emailed to a customer.

Are you weighed down by paperwork? Call Routeware at (877) 906-8550 and put the power of automation to work for you!

Traditionally, waste hauling has relied on paper to get through its daily business. Drivers are handed a stack of route sheets each day and told to write down any extra trash that they picked up. They fill out route books that log all of their route activity. Pre- and post-trip inspections are done using checklists and clipboards. Office staff transcribe all of this paperwork into their backoffice software programs in an effort to report on the information.

All this paper ends up draining the entire organization. Customers are put on hold while staff digs through the route sheets. Clerks waste time on manual data entry as they struggle to decipher driver handwriting. Management pours over limited and error-prone data, trying to find ways to improve the routes. This wastes valuable staff time that could be devoted to far more productive tasks.

An automation system from Routeware can eliminate virtually all of this burdensome paperwork. On-board computers become electronic route sheets, tracking every aspect of driver activity in the field. Integration between the truck and the backoffice means customer service information is available on-demand, in real-time. Manual data entry is all but eliminated, and managers have dashboards that instantaneously tell them what is happening with their drivers, routes, and trucks without ever pushing a button.

The cost savings to the hauler can be clearly measured in reduced employee time per transaction, enhanced revenue due to improved customer service, and better utilization of company assets. Additionally, staff efforts ordinarily devoted to manual tasks can be redirected to far more productive company activities, many of which can improve revenue and cut unnecessary overhead.

So get rid of the paper! Look into a technology solution from Routeware and see how you can benefit from the power of automation.