Item #09 Approval of Sanitation Service Software
center of GOOd 1.1
~~e. . I'~
se~
AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET
Meeting Date: April 21, 2009
Item # q
Contact Name:
Contact Number:
Stephen C. Krug
6002
Reviewed By:
Department Director:
City Manager:
Subject: Sanitation Service Software, Pinpoint Public Works by Pinpoint Geotech, LLC.
Background Summary:
The Public Works Team continually strives to improve the Department's operations and reduce costs.
To this end, we are proposing to implement the Pinpoint Public Works (PPW) software system in Ocoee.
PPW is a remote data collection system based on mobile PDA devices utilizing touch screens and GPS
to mark, timestamp, categorize and document a location of an item needing to be addressed. The
Sanitation Team proposes using PPW to mark the locations of items that require collection by the claw
truck and print the locations to form a route for collection the following day. This will eliminate the need
for the claw truck to canvas the entire City looking for piles to pick up.
This system will provide a proactive method for reporting and addressing damaged/missing carts, pot
holes and damaged signs through the simple touch screen entries by the sanitation drivers. PPWalso
provides the GPS reporting & documentation required for disaster reimbursement and stormwater
inspections.
The Sanitation Team has estimated that this proactive system will reduce Division costs by
approximately $20,000.00 annually through a reduction in fuel usage and day labor required to collect
debris. This will conservatively provide a return on investment of approximately 1.5 years. Public Works
first became aware of the software system through the monthly American Public Works Association
Reporter, which lead to a meeting with PPW representatives at the annual League of Cities conference
and finally an on-site demonstration with the Public Works Team. The City's Information Systems
Division has verified software compatibility.
Issue:
Request City Commission to approve implementing the Pinpoint Public Works system in the Public
Works Department.
Recommendations
Recommend approval of a $33,200.00 to purchase the Pinpoint Public Works system from Pinpoint
Geotech, LLC., for implementation in the Public Works Department.
Attachments:
Pinpoint Public Works Proposal, APWA Article.
Financial Impact:
$33,200.00 is adequately funded in the 2008-2009 Sanitation Division through fuel cost savings.
Type of Item: (please mark with an "x'J
Public Hearing
Ordinance First Reading
For Clerk's Deot Use:
Consent Agenda
Ordinance Second Reading
Resolution
x Commission Approval
Discussion & Direction
Public Hearing
Regular Agenda
Original Document/Contract Attached for Execution by City Clerk
Original Document/Contract Held by Department for Execution
Reviewed by City Attorney
Reviewed by Finance Dept.
Reviewed by ( )
N/A
N/A
N/A
2
February 25, 2009
City of
Ocoee,FL
Respectfully Submitted by:
Bob Magee
PinPoint GeoTech, LLC .
405 College Avenue, Suite 100
Clemson, SC 29631
864-643-0344
BOB@PinPointGeoTech.com
~
'1 .
~, T1 ;I~
; . r~ (
Table of Contents:
>- Company Profile
>- Product Description
>- Sample Quote
>- Actual City Results
>- Annual Service Contract
>- References
>- Public Awareness Kit
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: PINPOINT _ PUBLIC WORKS TM (Patent Per1llng)
PinPoint Remote Data Collection Unit
~
"
'~ I
I'-UI" I"
,{In J T,... :
. ....;.. - <." ( ,
'.
..... . .
A Remote Data Collection system based on a Microsoft Windows Mobile
6 PDA in a hardened enclosure. The device is outfitted with a touch
screen, a GPS receiver, and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and (optionally) a GPRS
transmitter for remote data upload.
The device is pre-configured with the PinPoint Remote Software which
allows the simple pushing of a virtual button to mark, timestamp, and
categorize a location issue needing to be documented.
These devices are typically mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle but
they can be easily removed to allow for approximately four hours of
data collection while on battery power.
The Remote Unit also allows for an unlimited number of screen profiles
to be created for data oint cate orization.
PinPoint Server
...... ,
-oJ
.,
The PinPoint Server is a Microsoft Windows based application that
silently sits on a Windows Desktop Computer or Enterprise Server
and watches for incoming data from the Remote Units.
As data comes into the Server via Wireless Transfer, the server
executes rudimentary address matching as well as importing the
GIS data points, their associated categories, the time and date
stamps, and additional data (such as text, voice, and images) into
the PinPoint Mapping Application's data tables.
The Server also allows for the automatic preparation of export files
and automated reports to be created on a routine basis without the
user having to initiate them.
Desktop Mapping Application
...-
4___
...---
"-
.._"'_..
.. ~;;;
The Desktop Mapping Application is a MS Windows application that
runs on Windows XP or Windows Vista.
~-
"' ;:-.-
... . , -""
.-: :"<\'-" \
~ .r.
~ J"':" '",
~ ,/<00. \ (".'): ..
, .
-.
The user can call up icons on the map that indicate the various
locations and categories marked by the remote units. Each point is
given an icon that symbolizes the category that was marked.
,;,j-
The user can then sort and filter the maps on a variety of fields such
as the Remote Unit ID, Date Ranges, and Category.
...... -""~" ......
..-....
"-...-....-.
The Desktop Application also allows for the preparation of an
unlimited number of Button Category Profiles to be sent to the
Remote Units as well as the custom selection of category icons to
be displayed on the maps.
~~ .,~... "'-.......
'..~'-lt: . '.... ...., ....._...t.
t&"VC" 'J'_ ~'Ft__"
li"Y" .... .........
The Desktop Mapping Applications ultimate goal is to create a work
order document that crews can use to rectify the marked issues.
These work orders can include addresses and/or maps of the
locations to be serviced.
,:.-...,' ....- .............
.~..... .li_ .............:,
........ ...... ',.~.-..
.....oJ.:...... ...._...'"
'........ '''''' ....,,_:0
'..,,,.' ','J:_ .c......,.....
'10".= ~.,.... ....-_..
."..." ~':D... .... .........t~
~...N....... W'~"_"
,.....-..;".. ,.."",. .....
aM,a."."... .._....... _'4
')O'~". ':1:.. "" ........
"'...." ,-.,- '...,.--.... ,.
~~!J'" .~..... ... ...,...
.....~.. :....... ";>,0_,.
.~.......' .,.".. "-""'.
_.'
February 25, 2009
Official Quotation
City of
Ocoee,FL
Item
valid until September 1.2009
Description
PPPW &
I RDCU
I- _
pppw-
CONSOLE
, PPPW-
I DT APP
I
Total
.--
PPPW-
I INSTALL
L
Total
Software:
Pre-loaded with PPPW Data Collection Software
Hardware:
PinPoint Public Workstm Remote Data Collection Unit.
* Enclosed in hardened case with industrial vehicle mount.
* PDA includes Wi-Fi, BlueTooth, & Touch screen functions, as well
_ a.s 2 GB SQ m~llJoIY saLd_ ~_~
~
'1 .
JJ I.
;;, '~III
~. (
, .
..
Qty Price
Total
7 $2,600
$18,200.00
7 $900
$6,300.00 ·
.____~ I
$2,500.00
$2,500
PinPoint Public Workstm Management Console Software
* Remote Unit Data Transfer Agent
. Data ImporVExport Agent
. Report Automation Agent
$3,500
$3,500.00
PinPoint Desktop Mapping Application
Includes Microsoft Mappoint CAL
· Mapped Data Sorting
. Mapped Data Filtering
. Mapped Data Display
* Work Order Creation
* Reporting
* Profile Creation and Modification
* Mapped Point Icon Customization
Total: Software
Total: Hardware
$24,200.00
$6.300.00
Total
--rii'staiiatlOn- - - -- - ---- - - -.- '3-
* Per Day On site Installation and Training
Plus expenses for travel, room and board
$30,500.00
900 --$'2-;-ioo.66-
$33,200.00
. Standard Terms are Payment of 50% of the quoted Price on Order
and 50% upon delivery and completion of Installation and Training.
. Does not include Sales Tax.
. Unless Otherwise agreed, the "Point of Sale" is Clemson, SC
.--
PPPW-
. SFTAP
I
- -.2"0- -. ~$24,20b
-$4,840.00
Annual Software Assurance Program Year 2 and thereafter
* 20% of Software Total above
* See Details Page contained in Quote
_-.J
**Special Offer: For becoming our first Central Florida Reference Client and for purchase on or
before March 20, 2009, we will include 3 additional fully configured PinPoint Remote Data
Collection units at no charge. Total Value ($10,500)
PinPoint GeoTech, LLC
Software Assurance
Contract Details
PinPoint - Public Workstm is a system that was conceived by City Employees to solve City Problems.
Each City that has deployed this system has brought new insight and ideas as to how the system can be used
and what features would make it more effective.
With this spirit of cooperative innovation in mind we have developed the Software Assurance Program as a way of
guaranteeing that all PinPoint - Public Works customers will continue to benefit by new innovations on the base
product.
Term: Year 2 and thereafter on the anniversary date and
COSt: 20% of the PinPoint GeoTech Software components. In the event additional software is purchased the
Software Assurance will be adjusted to reflect the TOTAL software investment and be pro-rated to coincide with
anniversary date.
Technical Support:
Unlimited Technical Support via phone/internet during the hours of 8:30am - 6:00pm EST
Software:
All Updates. Feature Enhancements, Bug Fixes, and Functionality Improvements will be provided
periodically at no charge
Hardware:
The PinPoint Remote Data Collection Software Licenses will be transferred to the new unit(s) at no cost.
Enhancements:
As feature enhancements are added to the system, all new features will be sent to all Software
Assurance Clients automatically.
Advisory:
Software Assurance Clients are automatically invited to participate in our Online Advisory Discussion
Board where they can suggest and discuss features, modifications, uses, issues, and ideas directly with
our development team. This discussion list is the main force behind the continued improvement in the
system.
It was ideas from municipal employees that gave this product the life it has. It will be the same type of
input that will help us continue to improve the effectiveness of the system.
Actual City Results:
Curbside Debris Removal Application:
Clemson, SC reports:
. 40%-60%reduction in fuel usage for Debris Crews
. Debris crews complete routes by noon
. Residents VERY HAPPY with improved services
. Less wear and tear on equipment
. Lowered carbon emissions from less fuel burned
Gaffney, SC reports:
. Savings of 676 gallons of diesel fuel for
Jan/Feb '08
. Savings of $1892.53 in fuel cost
(20% of the cost of the system)
. 2 vehicles and 1 loader remained parked as a result of using PPPW
Union, SC reports:
. 42% reduction in fuel usage
. 132 gallons of fuel saved
. $368 fuel savings
References:
The City of Clemson, SC
Mayor Larry Abernathy
Rick Cotton, City Administrator
David Conner, Public Works Administrator
Mitchell Swaney, Sanitation Operations Manager
City Hall: 864-653-2030 DPW: 864-652-2053
The City of Union, SC
Perry Harmon, Director of Public Works
DPW: 864-429-1704
The City of Gaffney, SC
Mike Teague, Director of Public Works
DPW: 864-487-8510
The City of Newberry, SC
Arnold Hiller, Director of Public Works
Teresa Jones, Office Administrator
DPW: 803-321-1020
The City of Greenwood, SC
Billy Allen, Director of Public Works
Danny Byrd, Director of IT
DPW: 864-942-8435
A Client Company of SC Launchl, (A SC Research Authority Collaborative)
Winner - 2007 InnoVision Technology Award for Small Enterprise
Winner - SC Municipal Insurance Trust -Safety Award 2008
Winner - SC Municipal Association Innovation Award 2008
Member - American Public Works Association
Member - APWA -South Carolina Chapter, Illinois Chapter
PinPoint GeoTech, LLC
PinPoint - Public Workstm
Employee & Public Awareness Campaign Suggestions
The following is a checklist of items recommended to effect a smooth transition from current curbside debris
removal operations to modified operations utilizing the PinPoint - Public Works tm product.
In order for this system to be successfully deployed it is absolutely mandatory that the employee and the public
understand and appreciate the value of this system. From these mandates, we suggest an awareness campaign
to inform residents of the benefits of this system regardless of the slight modification of service. Likewise,
employees must endorse and adopt the system as a better way to achieve more.
We recommend the following items be considered as you deploy PinPoint - Public Workstm.
Employee Awareness:
Non Invasive:
This system is not designed or intended to track the location and productivity of the work crews. Although
location tracking is a feature of this system, the application for cost cutting by streamlining debris removal is a
much more compelling use of the system.
Job Upgrade:
Sanitation drivers should be recognized for embracing the technology. After all, they are the new "Point-Men" for
the city to save money and operate more efficiently. During employee reviews it is important to recognize that
they have taken on a large responsibility and they should be given incentives to continue using and innovating on
the use of PinPoint - Public Workstm
Job Safety:
A side benefit of streamlining operations by reducing miles driven by debris crews is that the risks associated with
curbside debris removal are greatly reduced. The simple fact that Fewer Miles Driven equals Less Exposure to
On the Job Hazards is realized by no longer riding up and down streets unnecessarily.
Re- Task vs. Downsize:
In our experience, this system has been shown to reduce the work of the debris crews to the extent that during
most days when the curbside piles are fewer the crews finish on or before the middle of the day. Naturally, this
perception can create apathy with regard to the potential reduction in crew sizes.
If your goal and experience allows you to downsize your staff, it is important to recognize that we do not want the
technology to be blamed for people losing their jobs. This would be catastrophic with regard to the employees'
willingness to make the system work for the city.
Re-tasking is the better way to make the employees understand that now they accomplish more in a day than
they could previously. You could have the crews do other things later in the day when they are done with debris
routes.
If downsizing is imminent, we suggest it be by attrition and not by elimination of existing personnel.
Public Awareness:
City Council:
In order to add, change, or discontinue services, it sometimes requires City Council approval. In any case, City Council should
become aware of this system and how it works by watching the 10 minute video describing PinPoint - Public Workstm.
Watching the video during a normal City Council meeting is a great way to educate and excite the council members.
At the same time you are showing the video to council, be sure to have local media present to view it as well. They will be
very interested in a readymade story involving more efficient government, lower costs, and "greener" operations through
burning less fuel.
City Council members are then effectively "deputized" as spokesmen for the new way of running debris removal.
7
Garbage Can Hang Tags:
A very effective way to inform the public of the newly modified operations is by having sanitation workers place hang tags on
the garbage cans for one to two weekly cycles a few weeks before the change is in effect.
A 4.25" x11" notice on thick bond, brightly colored paper can be folder over the edge of the can and held in place by closing
the lid.
The suggested content of these 8.5x11 sheets of paper cut vertically down the middle can be found at the end of this
document.
Print Media:
A sample press release is available in the appendices of this document to distribute to newspapers, community joumals,
electronic media, and web media. Modify it to the particular details for your city and distribute as needed.
Have the media do stories on the employees and their adoption of the system. Headlines should read more like: City
Sanitation Workers Go High-Tech to Save Money and Increase Efficiency.
City Web Page:
Be sure to modify or add to your city's PW department web page the change of service.
Include a copy of the Press Release and even a link to the Pin Pont - Public Workstm video to maximize the public's
understanding of the service and how it works. The fact that the sanitation trucks are now carrying on board computers will be
impressive.
The link to the video is http://www.pinpointpublicworks.com/pppw2med.wmv
Local TV and Radio Media:
Same as print media. Send the press release and invite them to a City Council meeting to view the video of the system and
how it works.
Invite local television stations to do a story on your employees and how they are "stepping up" to make the city's operations
more efficient. If you give the employees the attention, their morale and dedication to the system will be greatly improved.
Provide for an interview with a local radio station's local news segment on the new system and how it works.
Local Organizations:
Local Rotary Clubs and Lions Clubs are always looking for speakers to come talk about municipal services and new ideas at
their weekly meetings.
Suggest the Topic:
"Garbage Trucks and Satellites: High Technology Meets Curbside Services and Saves Tax Dollars!"
Press Release:
For Immediate Release
XXX Insert Release Date Here XXX
Public Works Department, City of XXXXXXXXXX, XX
City of XXXXXXXXXX Streamlines Curbside Debris Removal
Notice of Change of Service: Residential Curbside Debris Removal
The Department of Public Works of the City of XXXXXXXXXX is very pleased to announce a change in your residential curbside debris
removal that will result in a dramatic deerease in fuel consumption, wear and tear on equipment, and man hours required to complete the
routes. Your curbside debris will still be collected each week as we always have, but there will be a slight change to the service as described
below.
XXXXXXXXXX Public Works has recently eompleted the testing, training, and deployment of an innovative new GPS (Global Positioning
Satellite) system developed by Clemson, SC based PinPoint GeoTech, LLC.
The problem with debris removal services has been that in order to pick up leaves, brush, appliances, furniture, and other miscellaneous items
left out for pickup the debris crews would have to ride down each city street each week looking for debris to pick up. Even if there was no
debris to pick up on a particular road, they had to go look anyway resulting in many miles of unnecessary driving each week.
The new system is a GPS based touch screen computer mounted on the dashboard of the city sanitation trucks. The sanitation truck drivers
are unique in that they are required to ride down each city street each week to. pick up residential garbage. This puts the driver of the
sanitation truck in a unique position to spot, categorize, and mark debris piles awaiting pickup.
By simply pressing one of up the six category buttons on the touch screen, the driver is able to get an accurate location and type of debris
logged into the unit. At the end of his daily garbage collection route, the driver is able to upload the data to a mapping system in the public
works office. From there. the office manager can dispatch the debris erews to each location the day after the garbage is collected. Therein
lays the reason for the change in service.
In the past, the debris and garbage rautes were run an the same day in the same zanes. Starting XXXXlnsert Start Date Here
XXXXX, the debris will be callected the day after yaur garbage is callected.
Since the debris crews will know exactly where each pile is and what type of pile it is, they will be able to dispatch directly and only to the piles
marked. This will result in cutting debris routes as much as forty (this is the number we've been putting on slides) percent during the seasons
where debris piles are fewer in number. The system will pay for itself in terms of fuel consumption alone in less than one year.
Several other benefits to the PinPoint Public Works system include risk aversion through fewer miles of hazardous driving, lower carbon
emissions from diesel and gasoline trucks, and the ability to re-task crews to handle other municipal needs as they complete their debris
routes quieker.
The end result is that your curbside debris removal service will still occur each week as it always had with the one exception that the debris
crews will come to your area the day after you garbage is pieked up. The other end result is that your city will be saving money, avoiding risks.
and working more efficiently.
Press Contact: Press Contact (Do not publish):
City of XXXXXXXXXX Public Works PinPoint GeoTech, LLC
XXXXXXXXXX, Director Jim Oswald
P.O. Box XXX 405 College Ave, Suite 100 Clemson, SC 29631
XXXXXXXXXX,XX 99999 864 643-0344
Phone: (XXX) XXX-XXXX www.oinoointqeotech.com
Fax: (XXX) XXX-XXXX
City of XXXXX Public Works
City of XXXXX Public Works
IMPORTANT
Notice of Change of Service
The City of XXXXXXX, XX has installed a new, high
tech way of locating, marking, and categorizing
standard piles of residential curbside debris left out
for pickup.
The new system lets the sanitation truck drivers
electronically mark debris you leave out for pickup
on the day they pick up your garbage. Later that
day, the locations are sent to a mapping system that
allows the debris crews to drive directly to the piles
of debris marked.
The debris crews will use these maps the following
day to pick up your curbside debris in a much more
efficient manner.
IMPORTANT
Notice of Change of Service
The City of XXXXXXXX, XX has installed a new, high
tech way of locating, marking, and categorizing
standard piles of residential curbside debris left out for
pickup.
The new system lets the sanitation truck drivers
electronically mark debris you leave out for pickup on
the d.ay they pick up your garbage. Later that day, the
locations are sent to a mapping system that allows the
debris crews to drive directly to the piles of debris
marked.
The. debris crews will use these maps the following day
to pick up your curbside debris in a much more
efficient manner.
This system will dramatically decrease the miles that This system will dramatically decrease the miles that
debris crews will have to cover in a month and will debris crews will have to cover in a month and will
save tax dollars in a number of ways. save tax dollars in a number of ways.
***********************************
The change to your service is as follows:
Instead of curbside debris being pickup up the
same day as your garbage, it will be picked up
the day after your garbage.
* ** **** * ** ** **** * ** *** *** * **** * *** *
We hope you will appreciate the reasons we are
making these changes. After all, a more efficient
government is a better government!
For more information:
see the city web page press release at:
http://www. xxxxxxx. xxx
or
contact the Public Works Office at XXX-XXX-XXXX
**********************************
The change to your service is as follows:
Instead of curbside debris being pickup up the
same day as your garbage, it will be picked up the
day after your garbage.
**********************************
We hope you will appreciate the reasons we are
making these changes. After all, a more efficient
government is a better government!
For more information:
see the city web page press release at:
http://www. xxxxxxx. xxx
or
contact the Public Works Office at XXX-XXX-XXXX
~
Tackling rising fuel costs: new approach to curbside
debris removal yields big savings for municipalities
Reed Bolton Byrum
Chair, The Byrum Innovation Group
Greenville, South Carolina
ublic works departments across America are facing a
series of conflicting issues that fight for top priority
on their already full agendas-and giving public works
staffs constant headaches along the way. If not reme-
died, these issues could disrupt the already difficult task of serv-
ing the mandated needs of the citizens.
These daunting issues are:
Skyrocketing fuel costs
. Socio-political demands to dccrease greenhouse emissions
· Calls for improved customer satisfaction
. Rising insurance costs and risk documentation require-
ments, and
. Consistent demands for efficient and effective manage-
ment.
With the already overstretched budgets, these issues require
creative problem-solving to tackle them head-all. The advent at
new technologies provides potential solutions for public works
staffs who are dedicated to making positive progress on these
issues.
Five municipal public works departments in South Carolina have
dealt with all of these problems by implementing a powerful,
yet simple, technology system that is saving one city up to 40
percent for fuel usage for curbside debris pickup.
As the City of Clemson looked for ways to reduce miles driven
and fight the rising tide of gas prices, they looked for new ways
to solve their problem. City officials looked hard enough to re-
alize that a solution was not available. So, they put their heads
together and came up with an idea....
That idea, with the help of a local technology consultant, be-
came a working prototype, and eventually a solution was born.
PinPoint-Public Works~, a part of the PinPoint-GeoWorks~
Government Solutions Suite'" was the very product they had
envisioned. The technology, which was developed directly
from their vision, is now targeted specifically for governments
who address curbside debris pickup, risk documentation, codes
enforcement, and geo-coding operations.
in public works departments across America," City Administra-
tor Rick Cotton of Clemson, SC, said. "Citizens still demand the
best from their cities, and their public works departments must
navigate the rough waters of today's economy with simple and
affordable solutions. We found a way to partner a city and a pri-
vate business to create a useful product, all while satisfying the
citizens, and eventually sparking the start of a brand new busi-
ness. We are proud to claim PinPoint-GeoTech'. as a new busi-
ness that was born of our public works vision. Today, citizens
also have concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, and since
this system reduces miles driven, it also reduces risk, enhances
the environment, and saves money. Now that makes sense!"
PinPoint-Public Works'. is a patent-pending data collection and
dispatching tool for city public works departments. It enables
sanitation truck drivers to proactively mark and categorize curb-
side debris piles that await pickup by simply pressing a screen
button on a small computer device in their truck. Data is then
transmitted wirelessly to a dispatcher, who then outputs the
data in the form of daily maps and route lists for debris crews to
follow while collecting curbside debris.
David Conner, Public Works Administrator for Clemson, echoes
Cotton's sentiments. Conner's Public Works Department
At Clernson. S(. Publit VVod{~ ffrt\u-!n; ~~;'fV~?' hAc.n t~';-H1~ff}rm$:od h',~o rl.;'ita
"The current economic pressures facing the country are mirrored wl!",tMS.
APWA Reporter
June 2008
nUl
has experienced reductions in fuel usage for debris crew and
has noticed man-hours for debris operations drop between
35 percent and 50 percent since implementation of PinPoint-
Public Works"'.
"Our debris pickup crews are done lTluch earlier in the day and
are now able to be re-tasked to address other issues that were
tough to get to in the past. We have also seen less wear-and-tear
on our equipment." Conner said. "But. there also have been
noticeable improvements in citizens' attitudes.
"We have had a strong increase in customer satisfaction since
we put this technology in the trucks. Residents routinely tell
us they have seen marked improvement in the time it takes to
get their debris off the street. We are getting it all done more
efficiently and making the city a cleaner place, quicker."
Union, SC, Director of Public Works, Perry Harmon, has seen
his department experience as much as a 42 percent decrease in
fuel usage for debris pickup with the use of the technology on
Union's sanitation trucks.
PinPoint-Public Works'" has visual data from five SC cities
to prove the track record of reducing fuel costs, decreasing
miles driven, cutting wear-and-tear on vehicles, and reducing
greenhouse gas emissions.
In many cities, GPS vehicle tracking systems have been' deployed
by dozens of other companies to watch o~er their employees
and vehicle assets. PinPoint-GeoTech emphasizes its system is
not intended to be used only as a tracking device. Although it
can indeed provide tracking information, it is specifically built
to provide drivers the opportunity to enhance their value to
their departments.
The PinPoint-Public Works~ systems consist of three main,
components:
. A simple remote Data Collection Device, whicll consists of
a touchscreen, a GPS receiver, wireless transmitters, and
(optionally) a GPRS transmitter for real-time data upload.
. PinPoint Server is a Microsoft Windows-based application
that silently sits on a MS Windows Desktop Computer or
Enterprise Server and processes incoming data from the
Remote Units.
. Desktop Mapping Application is a MS Windows application
that runs on with the Windows XP or Windows Vista
operating systems. The user can call up icons on the map
that indicate various locations and categories
marked by remote units. The user can then sort
and filter the maps on a variety of fields such as
date range, category and remote unit ID.
"With only a couple of hours of training, our drivers
were transformed into data collectors and our office
".t".c":l;I.:II
!i-I'-- .
....-.-
l...!.."
;:~,~~
_c'-:7""--
'.).'-
: ;j .:;~.....
::~~i~~~~\:=:-;O'-:-"l :,: ."='
.... i /'1 ~~c;, l~'-'- "
""" 'I -,,~/~/ ...\.\ tJ,~_._.." ;SI
toflt>':"..~ 'Ot~,~i~'p~;:",~~
r2:" :/ "...~;~ ~~"';:""~g~Q'" tI~ " tI \
_,::,.' / .~ :;/1/- Q -I ~ .-- ;,;'''''' ,
t*' ~~~, ~o>,.-.'.. ., i..\~: ~: .
,/' ~"- ' 'JJ ......l-~l.'~ '" .-~
o ~"";".. },.1# '\ .J_.
'. \:-;:--\ -:..j:~~o '..
J'inPcint~?ubnc Wor~(s ge~1erate5 a inap frorn clr~1J-ar data that shoVJ~ the
t~pce o~ rlehr!s 2nd Jts lot:at~Q". enabling rli5~at(h~rs "tc optimi:!e travel
j'out.'?s.
clerk into a high-tech route manager and dispatcher," Mike
Teague, Director of Public Works in Gaffney, SC, said. "Now,
our debris crews only go where the data collected tells them,
and the maps optimize the routes to collect debris. We have
been able to park several municipal vehicles during non-peak
seasons to further our savings."
Typical savings in fuel alone from existing installations indicate
a city will receive a return on their investment well \vithin one
year of deployment, Jim Oswald, CEO of PinPoint-GeoTech"',
LLC, said. PinPoint-GeoTech"' was successfully spun off from
20-year-old OA Technology Group, which delivers innovations
to multiple levels of government and business entities in a
meaningful way.
"PinPoint-GeoTech"' creates products rliat are simple and
effective solutions-products that allow organizations to reduce
costs, improve service, reduce the impact of their services on
the environment, and to empower the employees who deploy
them," Oswald said.
Because the genesis of this product was from the VISiOn
of municipal employees in Clemson, PinPoint-GeoTech'"
maintains an important dialog with its clients through its
Online Advisory Discussion Board. Users suggest and discuss
features, modifications, uses, issues, and ideas directly with
the development team. This methodology has become the
main force behind the continuous improvement of the end
product.
While rising gas, prices will likely remain a hot topic for public
works officials, some recognize that a little technology can go a
long way in creating savings.
For more information, call (877) 477-9494 or visit
wvvw. pin pointgeotech .com.
Reed Bolton Bynl1n can be reached at (864) 242-1102
or reedbynl/n@bynl/ninnuvatiun.com.
ill
Reprinted with permission from APWA.]une 2008.
ByThe Reprint Dept.. 800-259-0470 (11103-0608)