Background
Spelthorne Direct Services (SDS), operating from Ashford, Surrey, embarked on a mission to revolutionise local waste collection services while supporting community initiatives. Launching a comprehensive commercial waste service, SDS offered a variety of waste collection options, including general waste, dry mixed recycling, food, and garden waste, all tailored to reduce collection costs and directly contribute to non-mandatory council services. With the venture in its nascent stages, SDS faced the challenge of building an operational framework from the ground up, necessitating a robust, efficient, and scalable waste management solution.
Solution
In September 2020, SDS chose PurGo waste management software by VWS Software Solutions, marking a strategic move towards establishing a seamless operational base for their new service. Business Development Manager, Graham Boswell, highlighted the essential need for an integrated system that could unify various operational components under one roof. PurGo was selected for its ability to integrate with existing systems, including Sage accounting and VWS’s EnviroWeigh bin weighing, facilitating efficient management of customer data, reporting, and billing.
PurGo’s industry-specific design and terminology were pivotal in SDS’s decision, ensuring that the software resonated well with the commercial waste management processes. The system’s user-friendly interface, particularly on Getac tablets for drivers, with features like enlarged fonts, significantly enhanced the daily operations on the ground.
Training and support infrastructure provided by VWS Software Solutions played an important role in the smooth transition to PurGo. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 restrictions, remote training sessions equipped the SDS team with the necessary knowledge and confidence to maximise the system’s potential.
Results
The implementation of PurGo has transformed SDS’s operational capabilities, significantly enhancing efficiency and data accuracy. SDS’ Commercial Account Manager, noted the elimination of manual records and the transition to a completely paperless environment, underscoring the system’s impact on operational sustainability and customer communication. The real-time data availability and customer portal access have empowered SDS customers with unparalleled transparency and service satisfaction.
In addition, PurGo’s workshop management module has streamlined vehicle maintenance checks and compliance processes, ensuring that vehicles are safe and service-ready. This functionality has not only optimised SDS’s fleet management but also reinforced their commitment to duty of care and regulatory adherence.
PurGo has enabled Spelthorne Direct Services to lay a solid foundation for its commercial waste service, aligning operational efficiency with its community support objectives. The success of this implementation highlights the potential for waste management companies to leverage technology not only to enhance their services but also to contribute positively to the broader community.