4IR in the waste sector

Embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Averda South Africa has been rolling out its new Delivery Management System, which entails equipping each of its vehicles with onboard mobile technology, and each crew member with their own digital login. This means that Averda knows the exact location and the real-time progress in service of all vehicles and staff on the ground.

This kind of digitisation within the waste management industry has been around for two years and includes Averda’s TruTrak, which provides its healthcare clients with end-to-end visibility in the collection, transportation and disposal of potentially infectious medical waste. Every container of medical waste is traceable from collection through to final safe disposal.

“The adoption of these digital technologies and systems will change the way we serve and interact with our clients,” says Ablé van der Merwe, national logistics manager, Averda.

Dynamic oversight and control of these real-time systems provides support to Averda crews. They also permit intelligent route optimisation, which has the potential to minimise fuel consumption and maximise efficiencies. In other countries where Averda has deployed these technologies, the company has found an average 15% reduction in fuel use and less time on the road.

South Africa is well known for illegal dumping and smaller, cheaper – but unreliable – waste collectors taking shortcuts, with many not knowing if their waste has been handled and disposed of correctly. It is important for all waste generators to keep and monitor these reports so that they stay within government regulations.

Many businesses and manufacturers are also still unaware of the kind of waste they may be producing and the harm this could be causing to communities and the environment. However, through constant and accurate reporting, waste management companies and government can implement the best waste management practices for all.