Being good stewards of taxpayer dollars means being transparent and accountable for where money is spent. Technology like dash cams and telematics provide important real-time data that not only informs decisions for more efficient operations but also validates strategy and activity. 

Real-time vehicle data is an essential tool for agencies seeking transparency in spending, planning for future investment, and improving service delivery for citizens. For example, data allows agencies to: 

• Reduce time to resolve complaints and claims by validating that services have been delivered

• Improve fleet fuel efficiency by measuring idling time to create more effective policies and schedules

• Create reports and visualizations that quickly show the breadth and scope of the services being provided 

With these insights, agencies across the country are using data to defend their budgets and build public trust in services. 

Setting the standard for waste collection

The Athens-Clarke County Sanitation Department is utilizing telematics data to improve service efficiency, driver safety, and citizen communication. The department used telematics to view the most difficult, time consuming routes and was able to simplify these routes. More efficient routes have resulted in a 58% increase in fuel efficiency and a 19% decrease in fuel usage, amounting to about $6,000 saved over six months. These savings can be reinvested into maintenance and has avoided rate increases for customers. 

Cameras and GPS data also allow Athens-Clarke County to resolve customer complaints that a truck missed or skipped their house. Data will show when a truck was at a residence and footage can show if the bins were present at that time. More often than not, the bins were put out after collection had occurred. With this proof, the department can schedule a “return service” for a fee. Similarly, violations that result in trash not being picked up are digitally captured and documented for fines to be issued. 

The transparency in service and efficiency has caught the attention of residents not currently served by the department. In fact, constituents in a private community nearby wanted to switch from their private waste provider to Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Department. 

Keeping the lights on and costs Low

Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) implemented dual-facing AI dash cams across their fleet in an effort to minimize risky behavior and drive toward agency goals of meeting world class safety standards.This powered a proactive approach to safety where supervisors can provide real-time feedback to drivers. As a result, MLGW reduced safety events by 100%. 

Additionally, MLGW uses video retrieval to streamline incident investigations and prove false claims, exonerating innocent employees and minimizing costly insurance claims. The cost savings resulting from a safer fleet have kept rates low even while MLGW has been responding to and recovering from a record number of damaging storms.  

Maximizing technology investments

The City of Memphis invested in a number of GIS tools, and when they layered on real-time data from in-vehicle telematics equipment, they saw even more value out of that technology investment. Together, these technologies allowed planners to see where the work and vehicles were located, enabling the city to dispatch the closest, best-equipped teams to every call. This helped streamline service and free teams to take on more projects within the day. 

Additionally, technology has improved citizen self-service. After residents call 311 to report issues, they can check a publicly available map to see where responding vehicles are and can receive status updates in real time. By leveraging innovative technology, the city has bridged the gap between citizens and service delivery, improving the overall quality of life for the Memphis community.

Everyone wins with higher trust, lower costs 

In the ongoing effort to justify budget requests, video and telematics data can provide concrete proof of what’s working and what’s not. Improving efficiency while increasing transparency builds trust among constituents, ensuring that an agency will follow through on its commitments. For more on how to leverage video and telematics data in your agency visit Samsara for Public Sector.