Sensoneo announces monitoring device for waste collection truck

The WatchDog solution enables users to automatically track and record all actions made during the waste collection process without the need for any manual handling. Instead of combining multiple devices and systems for fleet management, truck tracking and service verification, WatchDog includes everything in a single device using highly innovative technologies to maximize data accuracy, ensure correct GPS tracking, and to guarantee secure data backup. Over the past few months, the solution has been successfully tested in operation at customer locations in two different climate zones and is now ready to be deployed anywhere in the world to ease digitalization of the waste collection industry, drive efficiency and data accuracy.

WatchDog enables haulers to collect waste the same way they currently do while receiving automatic records of all actions made during the waste collection process. Using WatchDog, customers can automatically identify bins and bags authorized for waste collection, automatically verify pick-up, update bin inventory, identify fraud, accurately record all the routes made and safely store the data, even in the case of sudden vehicle shutdown.

The solution consists of a main unit, which is placed on top of the vehicle, four adjustable ultra-high frequency short-and-long-range RFID antennas, and RFID tags or stickers that are placed on waste bins or bags. The adjustable UHF RFID multi-antenna system allows multiple bin or bag pick-up recognition and fraud prevention. The frequency used ensures that long-range antennas can easily identify bins and bags eligible for collection/pick-up within a range of 5-7 meters.; the short-range antennas provide the automatic verification of pick-up. Positions of the antennas can be easily adjusted according to customers’ needs.

WatchDog offers a wide range of communication interfaces that provide unlimited scalability and the ability to easily connect multiple devices, e.g. integrated dynamic weighting system, driver identification through RFID chip reader on driver dashboard, extensive driver navigation interconnected with Watchdog precise GPS, CAN bus connectivity for vehicle telemetry or waste extension, industrial buttons to report fill levels of bins while pick up is performed, buzzer and light to create signals or alerts to staff on unauthorized collection.

All data gathered via WatchDog are immediately recorded in Sensoneo’s platforms for Asset Management to automatically update the inventory data, Fleet Management and Route Planning. The system automatically records the ID of the bin/bag, date, time and the GPS position of the pick-up. WatchDog provides alerts for the misplacement of any asset (and provides the option to update its new GPS position in the inventory system) and notifies about the collection of unauthorized bins (missing appropriate tags or showing as unpaid in the system).

WatchDog also precisely records all the routes made including the details related to time, cost, length and driving patterns. The Fleet Management platform offers easy-to-use daily management of vehicles and routes. Operators are given a detailed and complete overview of all the operations made in the field and in the depot including progress status and cost, as well as the ability to update the ongoing routes and locate the trucks on the map in real-time. The tool also includes the Garage Dashboard, Incident reports, and detailed statistics including driving patterns.

The Route Planning platform automatically creates optimal collection routes based on defined criteria and ensures the waste is collected via the shortest and safest routes, according to specific criteria such as the shortest routes possible; quality of service or maximized utilization of vehicles.

Along with the opportunity to digitalize the waste collection process and to make their operations more transparent and efficient, WatchDog also brings the haulers significant business opportunities. The easy identification of unauthorized bins and automatic inventory updates allows operators to stop collecting unpaid trash and prevent fraud. Both municipal and commercial customers can benefit from easy to run Pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) models, powered by the automatic service verification. PAYT models are available for curbside collection of both bins and bags.