The challenge using post-it notes for route planning
When Hilleroed Municipal Waste Collection needed to plan or adjust curb side collection routes, the process relied heavily on experience, local knowledge, and manual working methods.
The route planning was typicaly made by using paper maps, post-it notes in the dialouge with experienced drivers. Route planning typically involved the use of maps, Post-it notes, and discussions with experienced drivers. When a route needed changing, notes were rearranged and new proposals sketched out, after which the solution had to be tested in practice.
Only after the driver had actually driven the route did it become clear whether the change was truly an improvement.
“I was certain that our routes could be optimized, but we didn’t have the tools to do it.” /Mathias Bøhm Madsen, Operations Manager, Hillerød Waste Collection
The Solution
To modernize and digitize their planning operations, Hillerød Waste Collection implemented
WasteMaps from Rapidis.
Whereas they previously relied on physically testing new routes, planners can now create digital twins of the collection operations and test various scenarios directly within the system.
In just a few minutes, they can:
WasteMaps does not replace the employees’ experience and local knowledge. On the contrary, the solution makes this knowledge even more valuable by enabling the rapid validation of ideas and supporting decisions with data.
Significantly faster planning
Whereas new route proposals previously had to be tested on the road, Hillerød Waste Collection can now analyze and compare different scenarios digitally before the first vehicle is dispatched.
“The system saves us a great deal of time.” /Mathias Bøhm Madsen, Operations Manager, Hillerød Waste Collection
Data-driven decisions
The organization has acquired a tool that makes it possible to assess the consequences of future changes before they are implemented. This applies to, among other things, new routes, changes to the fleet composition, and new collection strategies.
Rapid training and system implementation
Following an onboarding and training program consisting of two three-hour sessions and a brief follow-up session, Hillerød Waste Collection was fully self-sufficient in using WasteMaps.
The solution is now an integral part of the planning process.
“We can fully achieve what we want with WasteMaps, and we are going to use it extensively.” /Mathias Bøhm Madsen, Operations Manager, Hillerød Waste Collection
More efficient work processes
Planners now work independently on route optimization, scenario analyses, and the creation of new routes directly in WasteMaps.
“The routes are super easy to work with now.” /Kasper H. Jeppesen, Operations Coordinator, Hillerød Waste Collection
