Waste management software provider Routeware recommends key questions billing software buyers should consider when upgrading solutions.
For waste management companies, the billing solution isn’t just another tool, it’s the heartbeat of the entire operation.
Every invoice, every customer interaction, and every round adjustment hinge on this system. So, it’s no wonder that companies face a daunting task when contemplating a change in their billing and operations software solutions.
The need for security and scalability is a given, but there are other crucial points to consider. Many of these questions boil down to simplicity and connectivity.
It’s all about making it easier for teams to manage their work efficiently, share information with colleagues and help customers have a great experience.
Here are seven key questions every company should ask themselves as part of their evaluation process:
Do our staff need a better user experience?
One of the key reasons waste companies begin to evaluate new billing solutions is that their existing system is no longer working well for their staff.
Whether it’s too much manual data entry, a lack of integration between different systems or a clunky user interface, the main priority should be increasing the efficiency and productivity of their teams.
Employees today demand simple and intuitive systems that match the quality of the software they use in their personal lives.
What sort of customer experience do we want?
The ease of doing business with a company is now a key factor for buyers when choosing a waste management supplier.
In addition to reliable service and competitive pricing, customers want proactive communications and convenient ways to contact their supplier, such as web tools and apps.
Waste management companies must review their customer communication and engagement channels as well as their service operations if they want to improve the experience for their customers and keep up with competitors.
Having the right digital communications technology can allow customers to schedule collections, view calendars, receive alerts and learn how to be more sustainable, all while reducing the burden of phone calls on your customer service team.
Are we ready for the cloud?
Most companies implementing a new IT solution in 2025 will consider a cloud-based, Software as a Service (SaaS) solution.
In fact, according to a 2023 survey, cloud adoption among enterprise organisations across all industries is now over 94%, and the cloud is expected to host more than 60% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMBs) within the next year.
Moving to a SaaS model eliminates the need to manage onsite hardware and software. For most companies the advantages of this – namely reduced costs, staffing requirements and risk, and increased security, flexibility and reliability – will provide a compelling reason to choose a cloud-based solution.
What collection services are in scope?
Different waste collection segments require different software capabilities, such as inventory management for skip-hire, 28-day billing cycles for site service companies, and specific processes for medical waste collection.
With few companies wanting to run multiple software solutions across various service operations, it’s crucial to define which collection services are in scope for your company and to engage with software suppliers who have segment-specific capabilities in the relevant areas.
Do we just need billing or an end-to-end platform?
While different people may refer to solutions as either billing, enterprise management, or CRM, the key question here is about the connectivity of your solutions.
Some companies may deploy point solutions across areas such as billing, payments, operations, route optimisation and customer portals and apps, while others will prefer these capabilities integrated into a single, connected solution.
Ideally, customers can get the best of both worlds through a single platform that covers a wide range of business processes and operations, while maintaining an open architecture.
This allows customers to continue using existing point solutions while benefiting from simpler workflows and connected systems.
How will we integrate with in-cab and on-board technologies?
With most waste companies already equipped with some form of in-cab or on-board technology—such as driver tablets, video cameras, lift sensors, telematics, and RFID—connecting these systems with back-office operations is critical to getting a return on investment.
For companies considering a new billing and operations solution, it’s vital to ensure that the necessary information flows seamlessly between vehicles and the depot.
How can we stay ahead of compliance regulations?
Legislation around separating food waste, digital waste tracking, sustainability-related jobs and more are gaining momentum.
New legislation will impact how companies operate their business, what materials go where, and the necessity for proper reporting to ensure compliance.
Waste management software solutions can help ease these regulatory burdens by streamlining operations, tracking compliance, automating reports and communicating with and educating residents. We always encourage companies to consider their compliance processes as part of their evaluation.
The right solution matters
Choosing the right waste billing software is a crucial decision for any waste management company. By addressing these key questions operators can select a solution that enhances both user and customer experiences, integrates seamlessly with existing technologies and ensures regulatory compliance.
Routeware can be contacted through their website at www.routeware.co.uk.
