W2. Areas & Locations

Question 1

What is the main purpose of setting up “areas” in the skip hire software?

Answer 1

Areas are used to define the different geographical zones a company services, mainly for setting pricing and producing reports

Question 2

How do “areas” and “locations” differ within the system?

Answer 2

Areas are broad service zones for pricing and high-level reporting, while locations are smaller subdivisions within areas, used for more detailed reporting and compliance.

Question 3

What range of geographical coverage do clients of this software typically have?

Answer 3

Clients can be small, serving a local radius, or large, covering entire regions or counties.

Question 4

How does the software support both small local firms and larger regional operators?

Answer 4

The system allows each client to create as many areas and locations as they need, fitting both simple and complex service patterns.

Question 5

Why do some skip hire companies use a broker model, and how does the software accommodate this?

Answer 5

Some companies directly service their local area and broker jobs outside it. The software can track both direct and brokered jobs for accurate reporting.

Question 6

How are areas typically structured by skip hire companies using this software?

Answer 6

Areas are often set up as concentric circles around the depot or along main roads, but the structure can be customised.

Question 7

What is the most common way to number or name areas in the system?

Answer 7

Areas are usually numbered sequentially (Area 1, Area 2, etc.), with an optional “Out of Area” for locations beyond the main service zones.

Question 8

Can clients customise their areas, and if so, how flexible is this?

Answer 8

Yes, clients can define areas in whatever way fits their business, whether by distance, road routes, or other logic.

Question 9

For what specific functions are areas used in the software?

Answer 9

Areas are used only for setting pricing and generating reports; they are not used for routing or logistics.

Question 10

Is it possible for a client to have just two areas, and in what situations would this be suitable?

Answer 10

Yes, clients who don’t price by area often use just a “service area” and an “out of area” for simplicity.

Question 11

Are areas ever used for anything other than pricing and reporting?

Answer 11

No, their only functions are pricing and reporting.

Question 12

How does the configuration of areas affect pricing for customers?

Answer 12

Pricing can be set to vary by area, with more distant areas typically having higher charges.

Question 13

What types of reports can be generated using area information?

Answer 13

Reports can show activity, revenue, and trends by area, helping to analyse business performance geographically.

Question 14

What is the main role of locations within the skip hire system?

Answer 14

Locations provide a more detailed breakdown within areas, supporting granular reporting and legislative compliance.

Question 15

How are locations linked to areas in the system?

Answer 15

Each location is assigned to a specific area, acting as a subdivision for finer reporting.

Question 16

What is the recommended method for defining locations in the UK?

Answer 16

It is recommended to use the first part of the postcode (postcode prefix) as the location.

Question 17

How are locations handled in countries without postcodes, such as the Republic of Ireland?

Answer 17

In these cases, small town names or other local identifiers are used as locations.

Question 18

Why might a client want to break down areas into smaller locations?

Answer 18

To enable more detailed reporting, track business at a finer level, or meet environmental reporting requirements.

Question 19

What additional insights does reporting by location provide?

Answer 19

It allows companies to see skip activity and trends in specific towns or postcode areas.

Question 20

If a location overlaps more than one area, how is this managed in the system?

Answer 20

The location can be split further (e.g., by postcode range) and assigned to the correct area.

Question 21

How can locations be used to handle clients who operate on county borders or in overlapping service areas?

Answer 21

By splitting locations and assigning each part to the correct area and enviro location, accurate reporting is maintained.

Question 22

What are enviro locations, and why are they important for skip hire companies?

Answer 22

Enviro locations represent the origin of waste for environmental reporting, helping companies comply with regulatory requirements.

Question 23

Which environmental agencies require waste reporting, and what areas do they cover?

Answer 23

EA (England & Wales), SEPA (Scotland), EPA (Republic of Ireland), and NIEA (Northern Ireland).

Question 24

What key legislative requirements must skip hire companies meet regarding waste tracking?

Answer 24

Companies must report where waste comes from and where it goes, typically on a quarterly basis.

Question 25

How does the software help clients meet the requirements of environmental agencies?

Answer 25

It allows users to assign enviro locations to jobs and generates the required reports for compliance.

Question 26

What is a waste carrier return, and where is it required?

Answer 26

In Ireland, companies must file a waste carrier return reporting all waste transported, not just what is brought back to their own facility.

Question 27

How specific do environmental agencies require clients to be in their reporting?

Answer 27

Agencies prefer detailed reporting (e.g., by county), but do not penalise for higher-level data (e.g., by country).

Question 28

What happens if a client does not provide detailed enviro location data?

Answer 28

There are no penalties, but agencies prefer consistency and detail.

Question 29

How does the software handle an area that covers multiple enviro locations?

Answer 29

Locations within the area can be assigned to different enviro locations, and can be split further if needed.

Question 30

How is postcode splitting used to assign waste to the correct enviro location?

Answer 30

By dividing a postcode into sub-ranges (e.g., CW10 1–4 vs. CW10 5–9), each can be assigned to the appropriate enviro location.

Question 31

How should areas and locations be set up for a client whose service area crosses county boundaries?

Answer 31

Split locations as needed and assign each to the correct enviro location and area.

Question 32

How does the system handle clients who do not use area-based pricing?

Answer 32

They can use just one or two areas, keeping the setup simple.

Question 33

What if a client wants to change their area or location setup after initial configuration?

Answer 33

The system allows editing and reassigning areas and locations as needed.

Question 34

How does the software support reporting for clients who operate as both service providers and brokers?

Answer 34

It tracks and reports on both direct and brokered jobs separately.

Question 35

What options does the software offer for clients with unusual or irregular service boundaries?

Answer 35

Clients can fully customise areas and locations, including splitting locations as needed.

Question 36

What are the best practices for setting up areas and locations in the system?

Answer 36

Use postcode prefixes for locations, keep the area structure simple, and ensure enviro locations are assigned consistently.

Question 37

Why is consistency in enviro location reporting important, even if not enforced by agencies?

Answer 37

It simplifies reporting and reduces errors.

Question 38

How should clients decide how detailed their area and location setup should be?

Answer 38

Base it on pricing strategy, reporting needs, and legal requirements; add detail only if it provides value.

Question 39

What advice would you give to a new client about setting up areas and locations?

Answer 39

Start with a simple structure and add complexity only as needed for business or compliance reasons.

Question 40

How can the software’s reporting features help clients analyse their business performance by area and location?

Answer 40

Reports show activity, revenue, and trends by area and location, helping identify strengths and opportunities.