Mar/April 2009

Biffa Waste Services says it has improved the effectiveness and reliability of its existing in-house data collection software system, BINS (Biffa In Cab Notification System), by introducing modern Windows Mobile-based hardware to replace the time-expired handheld units that were in use before.

The system is used for gathering data from the company's 1,200 waste collection trucks, and disseminating it to customers in real time via the company's corporate intranet. But the original mobile hardware was reportedly unable to cope with the rigours of a harsh working environment, and had become unreliable.

The company appointed Spirit Data Capture to supply the new equipment, and has chosen the M3 Sky from M3 Mobile. This is a rugged, IP64-rated PDA-style mobile computer, which runs Windows Mobile 5.0 and incorporates an integrated GPS module.

Spirit prepared the M3 Sky units and replaced installed Biffa's own software on them. The devices were then fitted in all of Biffa's service vehicles, and are now being used for vehicle safety checks; mileage and driver details; job details; disposal details; image capture; signature capture; and GPS positioning.

 

According to Brian Lancaster, Biffa's business systems analyst: 'The ruggedness of the new units makes them much more suitable, and their reliability and additional features are much appreciated.'