What would be necessary for software developers to make such a vision? Obvi- ously, the facility inventory (including hours of operation), inspection frequency targets and policy, target inspection time, and direct and indirect costs. But most importantly, the system would need to tap into GIS. GIS software would need layers (generally com- mercially available) for streets, trac, and weather. GIS has built-in capabilities to model the routing that, if followed, would drive the estimates. Prescriptive Versus Copilot What if something does not work out dur- ing the workday? What if there is a trac accident, a closed facility, or weather-related delays? What if a facility must be closed, tak- ing much more time than estimated? For these reasons, the vision should include push notifications for late-breaking changes. This strategy is no dierent from the expectation we have of our in-car navigation (e.g., “Google Maps has found a faster route that saves 17 minutes”). In fact, having multiple possible game plans for a day would probably be welcome so that nothing diminishes the extensive training and experience of the field inspector. And so, any such vision should be framed as copiloting an inspector’s day. What do you think of this vision? Let me know at www.linkedin.com/groups/6945520/. Corresponding Author: Darryl Booth, General Manager, Environmental Health, Accela, 2633 Camino Ramon #500, San Ramon, CA 94583. E-mail: dbooth@accela.com. Reference Prisco, J. (2017, February 23). Why UPS trucks (almost) never turn left. CNN . https://www.cnn.com/2017/02/16/world/ ups-trucks-no-left-turns/index.html
Prototype of an Environmental Health Optimization Control Panel FIGURE 1
Data-Fueled Targets Add Structure
mization resulted in marked reduced fuel consumption, decreased emissions, and even the potential to inspect more facilities when stang is so dicult? That would be univer- sally celebrated. Priorities shift daily. When fuel is over $5.00 per gallon (as it is today in California), reducing field costs is a serious business. When positions are unfilled, catching up on inspections can cost more, but the higher cost is okay because the alternative of missing inspections has a public health cost. As such, our vision proposes a control panel by which managers set the relative pri- ority for multiple variables and show some predicted results (Figure 1). The view could even sport presets for pool season, trainees in field, or light duty.
With most data management systems, field inspectors can ask for a punch list of inspec- tion targets that are perhaps past due or of a higher priority. Then, with that list in hand, the inspector sets about to work the list. The typical variables prioritized by most
software systems are: • District assignments • Inspection type • Health program • Past due inspections
A Vision for Operationalizing and Measuring Routing Perfection is not the target. How wonderful would it be, however, to announce that opti-
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June 2024 • Journal of Environmental Health
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