The Bordcomputer as the key to Digitalizing the Waste Management Industry.
Customer
Contena-Ochsner AG
https://www.contena-ochsner.ch/
Technologies
React
.Net Core
Azure Cloud
Disciplines
Strategie & Consulting
UX/UI Design
Software Development
Contena-Ochsner AG is the leading provider of waste management technology in Switzerland. As a trusted partner in environmental and waste management solutions, the company offers its clients comprehensive services and tailored concepts for all waste-related needs.
Contena-Ochsner AG is committed to delivering innovative products and outstanding service support in the fields of waste disposal and recycling.
A Digital Brain inside a Waste Collection Vehicle ensures greater Efficiency and Transparency
To equip their vehicles with a centralized control, data collection, and communication interface, Contena-Ochsner AG, in collaboration with Sitewerk, developed an onboard computer application including the necessary backend services. This onboard computer runs on a built-in display located in the truck's cockpit. The software solution is designed to capture and process data from both the weighing system and the I/O system (which reads RFID chips). These two systems are permanently installed in the truck. Communication with the onboard computer is handled via TCP/IP using the MeCom protocol. Both the weighing system and the I/O system are connected directly to the in-vehicle tablet via Ethernet.
What are the Main Functions of the newly developed Onboard Computer?
The main task of the application is to process and store the data collected from the weighing system and the I/O module locally on the truck. Additionally, it provides the ability to synchronize this data with the existing web API (KOCO online). This ensures that the application remains fully functional even without an internet connection and offers robust offline capabilities.
1. Digital weight recording and automated documentation (via weighing system)
- Precise weight recording of collected waste or recyclables per customer, container, or route
- Automated documentation of partial and total loads
- Direct linkage of weighing data with customer information or GPS positions
2. Control and monitoring of vehicle functions (IoT interface)
- Live monitoring of sensors and actuators in the vehicle (e.g. container identification, lifting, compaction processes)
- Control of attachments or lifting mechanisms, including status feedback
- Early error detection and reporting
3. Real-time data transmission & smart communication
- Live transmission of operational data to dispatch via mobile network
4. Driver assistance & process reliability
- User guidance with clear workflows to prevent errors
- Visual status display of the loading condition
- Traceability of all operations within the vehicle
«Sitewerk delivered an outstanding team with the right expertise for our complex Truck Board Computer project, combining cloud sync, hardware integration, and limited onboard resources—all with excellent driver UX. Their deep expertise, methodology, and unwavering dedication were key to delivering on time and with great quality despite a tight, high-risk schedule.»
Michel Bagnol, CTO
Modern Waste Management through Digitalization
Automated Billing, transparent Processes, and smart Route Planning
The targeted use of digital technologies offers a wide range of benefits for both customers and waste management companies – operationally and strategically. They provide tangible business value and open up new opportunities in waste management:
- Serve as the foundation for automated billing based on weight or number of collections
- Enable pay-as-you-throw models for private and commercial customers
- Ensure documentation accuracy in the event of inquiries or complaints
(e.g. “Container XY was emptied on [date] at [time] with [kg] collected”) - Support the optimization of route planning and resource usage through data analysis
An intuitive UX/UI Design – tailored to meet the Demands of Drivers' day-to-day Work
To ensure a reliable and efficient solution, the UX and UI of the onboard computer were specifically tailored to the needs of its primary users – the truck drivers. The focus is on high usability, clear structure, strong contrast, and intuitive navigation. Operation is fast, simple, and requires minimal effort. This results in maximum user-friendliness, perfectly aligned with the day-to-day requirements of truck drivers in the field.
Single Page Application and Cloud Architecture as the Foundation for connected Waste Management.
This user interface is a Single Page Application (SPA).
This means that all content is loaded within a single HTML page and updated dynamically via data fetching—without requiring a full page reload. This results in a particularly fast and seamless user experience, as only the necessary content is retrieved via APIs. The SPA was built using the modern JavaScript framework React, making it ideal for interactive applications with high usability. On the backend, .NET Core is used within a containerized Docker environment to ensure maximum flexibility and scalability.
This solution serves as a prime example of digital transformation in the waste management sector, demonstrating how custom software development and connected web applications can significantly enhance efficiency, transparency, and automation in the industry.
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