Operating from their depot in Ashford, Surrey, Spelthorne Direct Services (SDS) has launched a new commercial waste service. Offering general waste, dry mixed recycling, food, and garden waste collections in a variety of bins sizes, SDS aims to not only lower waste collection costs, but help the local community, as their profits will used to support non-mandatory council services, such as parks and recreation for the young and accessible transport services for the elderly and disabled.
In September 2020, SDS made the decision to implement PurGo waste management software from VWS Software Solutions. The new start up was in its early stages and according to Business Development Manager, Graham Boswell, “it was a blank canvas – we were building from scratch.” SDS had already investigated other solutions on the market; weighing up the cost, features and value proposition of each. Graham explains that “other solutions on the market were either expensive for what they offered or were not built for the commercial waste activities that we operate.” He continues by explaining that “VWS Software Solutions offers a one stop shop solution and that’s what we needed.”
“We needed a solution that would talk to other systems in a joined-up way. PurGo does just that.”
Commenting on a key factor in the decision-making process, Graham explains that “other systems we looked at weren’t able to integrate with other operational systems. We needed a solution that would talk to other systems in a joined-up way. PurGo does just that.” Giving an example of how this works for SDS, Graham explains that “PurGo has a 2 way link with our Sage accounting system, our VWS weighing data and our PurGo CRM so that we can seamlessly generate reports, quotes and manage customers efficiently.” As a customer of Vehicle Weighing Solutions, the SDS vehicles are fitted with EnviroWeigh bin weighing. The data captured from each bin lift is seamlessly integrated into PurGo waste management software and can be used for identifying excess bin weight and charging accordingly.
As PurGo has been developed for use by commercial waste operators, Graham points out that “the terminology used in PurGo is all relevant. It is obvious that it has been built for commercial waste operators, by people with experience of the industry.” He also comments on the user experience for drivers who use PurGo on a Getac tablet, noting that “the font is bigger on the handheld device, which really helps drivers when they are on their round.”
“the terminology used in PurGo is all relevant. It is obvious that it has been built for commercial waste operators, by people with experience of the industry.”
One of the key factors affecting the success of a new system implementation is often the training and support offered and Zoey says that “there is a full support infrastructure in place.” She continues by explaining that “training manuals were already written and available to us, which has helped us navigate the system.” Due to the timing of the implementation, and the Covid restrictions in place, the training was carried out remotely, which provided SDS with everything they needed to use the system.
Since implementing the technology, some of the key areas of efficiency noted by Zoey Gingell, Commercial Account Manager, are the accuracy of the data recorded, due to no manual records and the ease of customer communication. Zoey explains that “With PurGo, we are completely paperless – so much so, that we don’t even own a printer!”. She continues by explaining that “the customers can have as much information as they require – it is all there in the system, in real time.” As well as providing information to customers by email or phone, customers are also able to log into their own customer portal to view their account.
From a duty of care and compliance perspective, PurGo provides a full workshop management module. Zoey explains that “we use PurGo to complete our vehicle checks. The drivers carry out their walk around checks and record any defects on their tablets. Instructions for them to follow are included on the device, so we know that checks are being fully carried out. This information comes straight back into the PurGo back office so we can plan remedial works, if necessary.”
“it does everything we need and more, and because it is scalable, I don’t think we will ever be able to outgrow it.”
Commenting on the features of PurGo and its longevity, Graham recognises that “it does everything we need and more, and because it is scalable, I don’t think we will ever be able to outgrow it.”