The impact of technology: how has it revolutionised winter gritting?

Technology is revolutionising the way we maintain our roads and car parks by making winter gritting more efficient and effective.

The advent of advanced weather forecasting technology, real-time data reporting and optimised route planning has allowed us to better prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impact of harsh winter weather conditions.

OUTCO are strong advocates of using technology to enhance our winter gritting and snow clearing services. We combine technology with trained winter operatives and nearly two decades of experience to provide the best winter service to our clients.

Accurate winter weather forecasting

Advancements in weather forecasting technology allow us to better predict the onset of snow and ice with greater accuracy, allowing us to deploy correct resources more effectively and where it’s needed the most. We can also monitor road surface temperature and conditions in real-time and receive real-time weather updates, enabling our winter operatives to respond quickly and efficiently to adverse weather conditions.

• 97.8% accurate weather forecasting – the best in the industry
• Road temperature forecasts are location specific.

Reporting back to you in real-time

Being able to report back to our clients in real-time is improving the way communicate. Via the OUTCO customer portal, clients receive real-time updates on the service status of their roads and car parks, and maintenance companies can provide detailed reports on the services they have provided. This has greatly improved the level of transparency and accountability and has further strengthened the trust between us and our clients.

• 24/7 access to customer portal allowing complete visibility of activity
• Regular scheduled customisable reports
• Real-time service tracking and reporting
• GPS tracked vehicles and operatives.

Reporting in real-time provides peace of mind via documented evidence of service to prove your duty of care to help protect you against a potential compensation claim.

Optimised route planning

Optimised route planning for winter gritting not only improves efficiency but also helps to reduce the environmental impact. By using data such as weather forecasts, traffic patterns and maps, our winter vehicles can be deployed to the most crucial areas, reducing unnecessary driving and the amount of winter gritting material used.

Furthermore, utilising GPS tracking and mapping software can minimise the distance travelled, minimise overlap and waste, and minimise the carbon footprint of gritting operations. This eco-friendly approach not only benefits the environment but also reduces costs and increases the overall efficiency of our winter gritting operations.

What is the future of winter gritting?

The future of winter gritting will no doubt shift towards AI, robotics and automated service delivery. With advancements in technology, such as autonomous vehicles and machine learning algorithms, there is a growing trend towards exploring if robots can carry out winter gritting tasks more efficiently and effectively. This approach could offer several advantages, including improved safety for winter operatives, reduced costs, and more accurate and consistent delivery of gritting material. They can operate 24/7, regardless of weather conditions, and can quickly and effectively spread salt on roads and car parks.

The use of robotics and automation in winter gritting is expected to become more widespread in the coming years, leading to a safer and more efficient winter driving experience for all.

Technology has significantly impacted the way we operate, and has made the process of gritting and maintaining roads and car parks more effective, efficient, and accountable. With the continued advancement of technology, we can expect to see even more improvements in the future, making outdoor estates safer for all.

Find out how our all-round team delivers tech-enabled smart winter maintenance and other services…