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GMT Capitalizes on Internet of Things Technology for Greater Efficiency in Waste Management

Oct 08, 2014

Progress® OpenEdge® Development Platform Enables GMT To Help Clients Use Real-time Information To Optimize Logistics Planning

ORLANDO, Fla. & BEDFORD, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Progress Software Corporation (NASDAQ: PRGS) today announced that GMT, a Netherlands-based provider of specialized enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions, is using the Progress® OpenEdge® platform to develop and manage the application architecture for its new and innovative Mobile Order Management (MOM) app. By using this architecture - a solution for data collection, access, integration and decision management - MOM is able to analyze thousands of real-time data sets from multiple sensor sources. It then uses this information to optimize logistical plans for its waste management clients, helping them to strip inefficiency from the waste management process, cut costs, save time and increase productivity.

The MOM application takes advantage of data delivered by technologies that enable the Internet of Things (IoT) such as GPS, smart devices and RFID tags. These provide thousands of real-time data streams on truck location, traffic congestion and bin volumes which is fed through the OpenEdge platform and integrated with route and logistics information found in GMT's mobile ERP CLEAR application - also built on the Progress OpenEdge platform.

The application comprises two interfaces - one for the driver and one for the back end - the waste management company's office. This means that the data collected flows both ways and each is able to update the other in real time.

Specifically, the MOM application can give the truck driver information on:

  • Orders, registration and most efficient route
  • Bin weights and whether they are ready to be picked up
  • Detours and route interruptions

Drivers can register their information through the MOM application covering:

  • Time, route, orders and working hours
  • Situational pictures per order
  • Digital signatures / proof of service
  • Divergences and additional on-site orders

Executive Quotes:
Mark Abbas, managing director of GMT said, "We are piloting our Mobile Order Management application with a number of customers. One of our customers, who collects household waste in 20 Dutch municipalities, has experienced a 23% cost savings as a result of using the application. Instead of driving fixed routes and picking up bins that were only half full, routes are now dynamically designed by the software based on historical data and actual data streams such as weather conditions. By predicting the filling grades of the bins, they can now be scheduled for collection when they are at least 80% full. This has led to massive operational cost reductions. This is part of our Mobile First strategy - a strategy that makes the most of data sets and the apps and devices that connect them to create meaningful solutions that help to extract the real business benefits the Internet of Things (IoT) can offer. These benefits include lower costs, better communication, less paperwork, faster service, and clearer business processes for our customers."

Mark Armstrong, vice president and managing director EMEA at Progress said, "Gartner has announced that in the next few years apps will become one of the most popular computing tools for users worldwide, generating revenues of more than $77 billion by 2017. To date, many applications have focused on how they enable the IoT consumer experience, for example connected household appliances. However, businesses are also increasingly finding apps enormously transformative. By using clever solutions to rapidly develop applications that integrate with their existing information and systems, in addition to connecting multiple data sets, GMT is pioneering the way in making the commercial application for the IoT a reality for businesses too."

GMT has been valued by long-term clients for its deep knowledge of the waste management industry and the specialized requirements that waste management creates for ERP. GMT clients include; SITA France, SITA Poland, Trashco Dubai, SITA UK, Selikor (Curacao), Saubermacher Austria, Westcoast Abu Dhabi and Van Gansewinkel.

For more information on Progress's work with GMT, click here.

About Progress Software Corporation
Progress Software Corporation (NASDAQ: PRGS) is a global software company that simplifies the development, deployment and management of business applications on-premise or in the cloud, on any platform or device, to any data source, with enhanced performance, minimal IT complexity and low total cost of ownership. Progress can be reached at www.progress.com or 1-781-280-4000.

About GMT
GMT Europe, a provider of specialized ERP solutions to the waste management industry, found itself challenged by a very rapid rate of change in its clients' businesses. As the industry evolved from one of haulage and landfill to what is essentially a global commodity trading business, GMT had to innovate quickly to help its clients stay competitive. Aiding them in this process was a two-decade relationship with Progress Software and the foundation of the Progress® OpenEdge® Platform. GMT has been able to leverage OpenEdge to extend its ERP platform in numerous, innovative directions while confidently relying on the platform's celebrated stability. The results include the introduction of new ERP modules for mobile transactions, cloud-based delivery, among many client-facing enhancements.

Additional Resources:

Progress Corporate Blog

Progress App Dev Blog

Progress Customer Stories

Follow conversation about Progress Pacific at #PRGSPacific and #PaaS

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Progress and OpenEdge are trademarks or registered trademarks of Progress Software in the U.S. and other countries. Any other names contained herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Progress
Rachel Godwin, +44 (0) 1344 386 387
Rachel.Godwin@progress.com
or
LEWIS
Evan Burkhart, +1 781-761-4500
progressUS@lewispr.com

Source: Progress Software Corporation

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