USING INNOVATION TO ENHANCE CUSTOMER PEACE OF MIND AND COMPLIANCE

Part of the Waco International Group, Sanitech – a sanitation and hygiene services specialist – has access to the latest innovative technologies and designs from around the world.

Many of these innovative products and services have been developed through the Waco International Programme, which is facilitated by GIBS Business School. This comprises an Executive Development Programme (exco level) and Business Leadership Development Management Programme (middle management) attended by key personnel from all of Waco’s subsidiaries.

Each innovation is presented to a board and if approved, the innovation is driven by a cross-functional team from around the country with its own sponsor.

Smart solution to prevent environmental pollution

One of these developed products is called Sanisure. Overflowing septic tanks pose serious environmental and health risks. Often, Sanitech is only notified of full septic tanks once they begin to overflow or are uncomfortably close to overflowing.

Ordinarily, organisations have to implement regular septic system inspections and perform routine maintenance while promptly addressing any signs of septic tank issues, to ensure compliance with local regulations. However, such management approaches are heavily reliant on manual inspections, leaving room for oversight and delayed responses to critical issues, such as overflows or the illegal discharge of waste.

“This results in panic. As it’s not a company’s core business, septic tanks are seldom regularly inspected, leading to water contamination, health hazards, as well as unscheduled, costly call-outs and maintenance. Some tanks are underground, making it difficult to even predict levels or view leaks,” explains Robert Erasmus, MD of Sanitech Solutions.

Sanisure deploys wireless monitoring systems within the septic tanks; the use of microwave communication technology makes it a more robust solution for tanks placed in basements, underground, and remote areas.

When the liquid level in a septic tank reaches a specified threshold, typically 80%, the system triggers an alert. Sanitech (with a service-level agreement) then attends to the

He adds that the load cells also confirm that the truck’s gross vehicle mass (GVM) is within legal limits when travelling on the road, as the truck will cut out should the readings be over. “Typically, our trucks leave with a full water tank and empty waste tank in the morning, and come back with an empty water tank and full waste tank in the afternoon. With these load cells, Sanitech can balance the weight of the water and waste tank efficiently, while still staying within legal limits and assisting with better fuel and maintenance management.”

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emptying and maintenance of that tank, thus preventing overflows.

According to Erasmus, with Sanisure, clients are a lot less reactive. “It is all about peace of mind. This product takes the stress of monitoring septic tank levels away from our clients. And we then effectively manage waste on behalf of our customers. It is a game changer for mining and industrial sites, residential estates, office parks, and hospitality establishments in proactively managing septic tanks while maintaining strict compliance with statutory waste disposal requirements. This product provides a transparent understanding of septic tank usage over time.”

Load cell configuration of trucks

Another innovative product to come out of the Waco International Programme is the load cell configuration of trucks. Here, Sanitech worked with its truck manufacturers to develop load cells that can be used to measure and monitor the weight of the load being carried by the trucks.

“This was developed to give our customers peace of mind and is a method to confirm the volumes of liquid taken off the site. A mini printer in every truck prints out the volumes of liquid taken off-site and a printout is given to a customer then and there. This assists both the client and Sanitech from an auditing and ESG reporting perspective,” says Erasmus.

With the interactive customer experience portal, customers can log into the portal and access various types of information, including contractual details, site surveys, visit reports, service reports, company documentation, and company accreditations. Additionally, customers will be able to request quotations, specify requirements, log service requests, and provide ratings for the company’s services.

There is also a Sanitech online store that allows for the purchase of hygiene equipment, consumables, cleaning equipment, chemicals, and product packages. In addition, the website features helpful tools like the cleaning service estimator and toilet hire estimator, which save you valuable time.

“A product is only a tiny part of an innovation; there many types of innovation, from quoting and invoicing methods to the ability for customers to log in to their own account via the customer portal. Some of our other innovations include electric vehicles, the Khusela Dry Sanitation Unit, and an automated scrubber drier. Our vision is to use innovation to improve compliance, convenience, and peace of mind for our customers. Our innovative offering is one of our key differentiators,” concludes Erasmus.

Load cells measure and monitor the weight of the load being carried by the trucks