As software for the portable sanitation industry continues to advance, becoming more sophisticated with each new update, more and more companies have incorporated it into the running of their business. Is it your turn to invest in this powerful business tool?
By portable sanitation software, we specifically mean routing or route management software. Routing software is a computer program that automatically creates your routes. It puts all your jobs in the order that makes the route as efficient as possible so you or your driver(s) will spend the least amount of time, use the least amount of fuel, and/or drive the fewest miles. Routes are easily updated.
A big appeal of routing software is that it’s usually more than just routing. In fact, programs cover almost every aspect of route management that you can think of. Some of the most popular additional features are step-by-step directions, real-time tracking of trucks, and immediate confirmation that a job has been completed.
Route-planning software is either cloud-based or on-premises. Cloud-based means that you access the service over the internet. On-premises means that the routing software is installed on your computers.
As you might expect, “there’s an app for that!” Most routing software offers a mobile app for iOS and/or Android so you and your team can access and input information on the go.
For many PROs who own smaller operations, route management software might be all they need or can afford, so several companies offer it as a “standalone” product. However, most software developers also considerably expand the capabilities of portable sanitation software by adding business management features. These comprehensive services can include accounting and invoicing, customer records, business reports, inventory management, credit card processing, and much more.
Some tips when researching routing software:
Reliable reviews of routing software are in short supply on the web, so you might want to take a more personal approach. Talk with other PROs you know about the software they use. Ask what works and what doesn’t. Are the programs easy to understand and use (“intuitive”)? How well does the driver app work in the field? Use social media to get a broader range of opinions.
Most of the companies listed in this article offer a demonstration of their product. To take a demo, you will have to contact the company and give them general information about yourself and your company. If you’re not ready to contact a software provider, an alternative is to check out online videos of their products, particularly on YouTube.
The many pricing options offered by routing software companies give you the advantage of choice. The most important decision on price, besides the actual cost, will probably be whether to choose a one-time fee or an ongoing fee (monthly, for example). The one-time payment method is an upfront cost that can be expensive, while the ongoing cost is much smaller but continues as long as you use the software.
Most software providers don’t list prices on their websites, so you’ll have to call or email the companies for information. For an overview of some route management software pricing, click here.
Below, we’ve outlined the features and services of several popular route management programs. You will see many similarities in what they have to offer, which is why you should take the time to thoroughly research the routing software companies and products that you think will best meet your needs.
Website: https://crosoftwaresolutions.com/
The software is entirely cloud-based, using infrastructure providers including Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure.
Website: http://www.routeoptix.com/
RouteOptix is a Canada-based software company and is a Bronze Supplier of Portable Sanitation International (PSAI).
Route Advisor
Android Integration (Android app for drivers)
Mapped Service Analysis – Visually analyze geographic densities using parameters such as Service Type, Sales Representative, Service Frequency, etc.
Customer Information
Billing/Accounts Receivable
Parts/Supplies
Production Reporting
Customized reporting:
Installation and Training
Benefits Include: Subscription to JohnTalk Digital & Print Newsletters • JohnTalk Vault In-Depth Content • Full Access to the JohnTalk Classifieds & Ask a PRO Forum
Website: https://www.servicecore.com/
ServiceCore is a web-based, QuickBooks-compatible application specifically designed for the toilet rental industry. ServiceCore is a Silver Supplier, Portable Sanitation Association International (PSAI).
ServiceCore Mobile App
Service scheduling
Accounting and invoicing
Customer records
Business reports
Credit card processing
Website: http://www.ritam.com/
Ritam Summit Array software for portable sanitation uses Windows® 10 and Office XP through Office 2013. A small PRO business may choose the program for route management only, while larger or growing companies may opt for more comprehensive services.
Summit Route Management
Lite edition and Plus Mobility edition include:
Plus Mobility edition also includes:
Summit Proof!™
Mobile app for proof of service and inventory tracking
Summit Rental System™
Complete business management software system, including route management.
The Summit Rental System is available in four editions:
Plus Edition
Pro Edition
All the feature of Plus, and including:
Deluxe Edition
All of the above, and including:
Premium Edition
All of the above, and including:
* Services that require email or other accounts.
Software Licensing Options
There are two ways to license Summit Array software:
At any time, monthly subscription licensing may be converted to standard licensing.
Continuity Plan
A 12-month subscription plan to keep program current.
Website: https://www.amcsgroup.com/
Cloud and software for the waste industry that integrates route management, inventory management, accounting, and finance. AMCS is a Bronze Supplier, PSAI.
AMCS Intelligent Optimization
Route optimization that supports the business process
Mobile Workforce
In-cab (mobile) order management app
Enterprise Management (ERP) System
AMCS Enterprise Management covers an extensive range of business processes.
Analytics
Describe, predict and improve business performance with operational, financial and performance data.
Website: https://www.armsoftware.com/
One application that unifies service scheduling, financial, accounting, and inventory management.
Omnitracs Roadnet Anywhere fleet routing
ARMobile
Mobile app available for iOs and Android.
Accounting and Finance
Inventory Management
Call your account manager anytime.
Website: https://roadwarrior.app/
Get the RoadWarrior app at the App Store and Google Play
RoadWarrior Basic
Free
RoadWarrior Pro
$10/mo. or $100/yr.
All of the above plus:
RoadWarrior Team
$5/mo. per driver + $10/mo. base
All of the above plus:
Plan Quotas
Max route size (stops)
Daily optimized stops
Daily search limit
Website: https://www.route4me.com/
Route scheduling and planning software that supports routes that change daily, weekly, or seasonally. Routing professionals work directly with you. Type, copy-and-paste, or upload customer list. Pick the number of drivers and hit optimize. Within about 10 seconds you will have an optimized route.
Mobile route-planning apps (iOS, Android, Zebra)
Dynamic Routing
For businesses whose driving routes change daily or a few times a week
Route Management: $149/mo.
Route Optimization: $199/mo.
Advanced Route Optimization: $299/mo.
Territory Management and Optimization
For businesses that manage customers, locations, field-sales and field-marketing using geographical territories
Territory Management: $99/mo.
Advanced Territory Management: $199/mo.
Automatic Territory Optimization: $1,999/mo.
Scheduled and Recurring Routing
For businesses whose customers need to be visited using a repeating schedule. Contact company.
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