B&M’s new technology provides efficiency to local authorities

The drainage and street cleaning arm of B&M Waste Services, who specialise in working for local authorities nationwide, are proud to announce their significant investment in technology this month.

As a customer focused business B&M are always looking for ways to be as efficient as possible, especially as working efficiencies equal cost efficiencies for their local authority customer base.

The latest improvements include the roll out of new asset management software and corresponding handheld devices. The Trimble Units, supplied by KOREC, have been tailored to plot gully access points to within 1 metre of their actual location using GPS technology. This is an improvement of 75% compared to the previous system in operation, which could only plot to within 4 metres. This improvement in accuracy means the gulley cleaning vehicles can reduce carbon emissions as they are able to park up very close to each gulley first time, which as a Carbon Neutral company, B&M are very happy about.

The other benefit of the new system is the reduction in paperwork, as the operator uses the touch screen device to record any blockages or defects, as well as how full of silt a particular gulley is. This is instantly fed back to the central computer and produces a report which allows the customer to determine an appropriate maintenance programme moving forwards, which is suitable to that exact location.

Graham Curtis, Director of B&M Waste Service said “The new technology is initially rolling out across West Berkshire and Suffolk, and subsequently the other locations we service will also benefit. It improves our carbon impact whilst also providing the most efficient so cost effective solution for the local authorities we service.”

Martyn Palmer, Mapping & GIS Sales Consultant at KOREC said “It’s great that B&M are utilising this latest technology to improve efficiencies. The risk of flooding is on the up and keeping the drainage system well maintained is a way to prevent the damage of flooding and consequent expense to local authorities. We’ve worked with B&M to ensure a smooth transition from the old to the new system and it’s been very well received by operators and their customers alike.”