Public works software: How departments can thrive with rich telematics data

Public works software is quickly becoming indispensable to modern public works agencies’ daily processes, as it helps them increase public trust, manage their resources efficiently and advance their fleet goals. As a modern tool that provides unparalleled operational insights, public works software represents both the now and the future of public works service. This article will focus specifically on public works telematics solutions, providing all the insight you need to know on what they are and how they’re used to boost efficiency.

What is public works software?

A public works software is a digital system used by an agency to manage and enhance various aspects of their service operations. No matter the season, telematics for public works can offer a variety of powerful applications, including, but not limited to, better materials management, route completion metrics, stronger compliance, scalable electric vehicle (EV) transitions and improved fleet usage.

Geotab’s public works fleet management solution is tailored to the specific needs and challenges this industry faces. Developed in conjunction with careful studies and collaboration with public works leaders, our offering is tailored to help these organizations minimize waste and improve operational agility. Uniquely solve each challenge with a platform that’s tailored to your fleet management practices.

See more: Learn how Town of Blacksburg’s public works department uses Geotab to turn rich telematics data into better operational strategies.

Developing a strong public works fleet management plan with telematics insights

A robust public works solution gives you the ability to harvest intuitive telematics data from each vehicle in your fleet, offering extensive insights on fleet usage, fuel consumption, routes and more. Monitor these critical biomarkers of fleet performance to optimize maintenance, prevent unnecessary costs and extract more value out of your vehicles.

A strong public works fleet management plan also factors in vehicle maximization and responsible use of public funds. With a close understanding of every aspect of your public works fleet, you can better identify inefficiencies, eliminate wasteful spending and provide better service to citizens.

Public works telematics use cases: Making efficient use of resources using robust data

Transparency and accountability: Keeping the public informed of what your public works team is doing is essential to building public trust and limiting disruptions to daily life. When servicing roads, it’s imperative that citizens know what work has already been done, what is left outstanding and which roads might be unavailable for them to drive on. Geotab’s Citizen Insights solution is an integral part of many public works teams’ operations, as it allows them to evangelize their work to the public via a live view map. They trust this capability to help them keep citizens informed of their operations and how services like salt spreading, street sweeping, water line maintenance or debris clearing are taking shape across their communities. Residents can check online to see what services have already been rendered and know how roadway closures might impact their days, saving your public works office staff time and bandwidth when responding to inquiries.

Winter operations and materials management: During the rigorous winter season for snow plowing and salt spreading public works operations, it’s essential to have software at your disposal that allows you to maximize materials usage and efficiently clear roadways. Unpredictable snowfall patterns and winter storms necessitate a nimble and responsive public works operation. Using Geotab, you’re able to take prompt action by closely tracking salt being spread on certain roads, keeping them in traversable condition. Monitoring usage effectively helps you fine tune material amounts needed, comply with regulations and conserve budget funds, all while reducing your environmental impact.

Public infrastructure, maintenance and repair: From repairing potholes and fixing roads to conducting street sweeping, having a dependable public works software to rely on is crucial for effective operations. Monitor essential assets like street sweepers, signage and other tools with asset tracking capabilities that report on locations and usage. Plus, keep tabs on sweeping activity as well as water usage by your sweepers to prevent service interruptions and reduce wasted time. Keep the public and your employees safer and limit liability by efficiently monitoring how vehicles are being driven with a telematics solution built for public works.

Waste collection management: Collecting waste is easier to do with a public works solution at your side. Keep detailed track of completed routes and optimize routing for faster, more efficient service. Additionally, use this technology for service verification to prevent call backs and settle customer disputes with data-driven evidence. Tracking fleet maintenance schedules also helps you administer the right service at the right times to each of your waste collection vehicles, extending their longevity and saving your department more money over time.

Alternative fuel programs: Leveraging Geotab’s sustainability tools for public works agencies, you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save more money. Our public works solution helps you identify your highest-emission vehicles, then forecast and track the results of a pivot to alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas (CNG). This solution additionally allows you to see how your fleet’s emissions have decreased over time and quantify your cost savings from an alternative fuel transition.

How to get started with Geotab’s public works fleet management software

If you’re ready to blaze a trail toward better public works fleet management, consider Geotab’s public works solution. Our dedicated team of subject matter experts are at the ready to help your agency integrate our solution into your daily processes, so you can begin solving your operational challenges and enhancing public service efficiency. Join the countless other public sector customers who rely on our solutions today by scheduling a free consultation. 

Get started with Geotab’s public works solution by contacting a member of our sales team.