Weather Intelligence: A Gamechanger for Resource Management in Massachusetts Municipalities
Technology Category
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Public Cloud
Applicable Industries
- Cities & Municipalities
- Transportation
Applicable Functions
- Maintenance
Use Cases
- Inventory Management
- Smart City Operations
About The Customer
The customers in this case study are the municipalities of Brockton and Dedham, located just south of the city of Boston, Massachusetts. These municipalities are responsible for managing a range of public works operations, including staffing, snow removal, maintenance, and asset management, particularly during the severe winter weather conditions that are common in the Northeastern U.S. The key individuals responsible for these operations are Pat Hill, Commissioner of Public Works for the City of Brockton, and Joe Flanagan, Director of Public Works for the Town of Dedham. They are tasked with planning, directing, and managing these operations, and have been seeking ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
The Challenge
The Northeastern U.S., particularly states like Massachusetts, is often hit by severe winter weather, including heavy snow, ice accumulation, and freezing temperatures. In 2022, the greater Boston area experienced four major winter storms, one of which dropped a record-setting 23.6 inches in a single day. These winter conditions pose significant challenges for municipalities in terms of staffing, snow removal, maintenance, and asset management. Pat Hill, Commissioner of Public Works for the City of Brockton, and Joe Flanagan, Director of Public Works for the Town of Dedham, are responsible for managing these operations. However, without precise information on when precipitation will start and stop, they were often left guessing when and for how long to staff crews, secure equipment, and close roadways, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary costs.
The Solution
To overcome these challenges, the municipalities of Brockton and Dedham turned to weather intelligence provided by Tomorrow.io. This solution offers hyperlocal data, automated alerts, and actionable insights, enabling the municipalities to prepare for and streamline operations around any weather event before it happens. Tomorrow.io’s hyperlocal hourly forecast, paired with automated Insights, provides precise information on when precipitation will begin and end, allowing the municipalities to plan their actions more effectively. Furthermore, Tomorrow.io’s Weather and Climate Security Platform generates tailored insights and alerts based on the weather conditions that matter most to a particular municipality’s operations, and the actions that municipality takes to mitigate the impacts of incoming weather. This has enabled the municipalities to significantly improve resource management, reduce unnecessary overtime, and more efficiently schedule staff.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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