Unified Routing Platforms: Evaluating Solutions for Public Works Route Optimization

Focused on addressing technical challenges, meeting their customers’ needs and operating across numerous geographical markets, public works organizations need unified routing platforms that help them save time, money and hassle.

Unfortunately, not all routing platforms live up to expectations. Some are just downright confusing, others a waste of time and still others create high levels of buyer’s remorse.

The question is, how can you walk into the research and procurement process and come out with a solution that truly fits your organization’s needs?

We’re here to help you answer that question (and more). Over the coming weeks, we’ll outline 10 important criteria for evaluating route optimization solutions. Our ultimate goal for this blog series is to make sure you find the best solution to the real transportation problems that your public works organization faces on a daily basis.

Can You Use a Unified Routing Platform Across Your Entire Enterprise?

Most routing software packages are narrowly focused and developed by companies that lack the resources and expertise to develop comprehensive platforms. This can create major problems for the public works organization that needs an end-to-end solution for its entire operation.

For example, a specialized routing package may shine in one area — say, residential service — but could fall short when called upon to manage the scheduling and optimizing requirements for periodic/multi-day routing for high-value commercial waste customers.

In another example, many packages can’t help you determine whether your roll-off routes need improving (so you can maximize daily resource utilization and increase serviced stops).

Finding a Smart Solution
Here’s the good news: it’s not that difficult to pinpoint a vendor’s specialization areas. With that knowledge in hand, you can start to drill down and figure out if the routing platform will meet your organization’s needs.

If you’re handling residential collection, for example, you’ll want to know whether the solution is smart enough to adjust and solve problems based on predetermined criteria like the new automated side-loaders that you recently purchased.

Handling all Business Areas 
Ultimately, the solution you choose must be able to handle all critical business areas. Finally, make sure you’re purchasing a package from a reliable solution provider that offers a full breadth of functionalities, capabilities and software support.

RouteSmart Technologies has been serving the waste industry for more than 30 years and has proven solutions for residential waste & recycling collection, commercial multi-day and roll-off route optimization. For more information, email Jessica at jcearfoss@routesmart.com.

About the Author

Jessica Cearfoss

Senior Business Development Manager

Jessica Cearfoss is the Senior Business Development Manager at RouteSmart Technologies, specializing in advancing vehicle route planning and optimization solutions for the public works and waste collection sectors. With a robust background in geographic information systems and data analysis, Jessica leverages her technical skills to forge strong, enduring partnerships and drive innovative solutions tailored to each client’s needs. Her approach is hands-on through every stage of the sales cycle, ensuring that the evolving objectives of her clients are met post-implementation.