Saveagallon announces our coolest features yet, AutoGreen and AutoGreen with Notify!! These new features were designed mainly with school districts, community organizers, and/or active transportation advocates(e.g. Safe Routes to School) in mind. AutoGreen overcomes one of our biggest obstacles by using inexpensive barcode scanners and tags, to automatically record the trip. Individual participants no longer have to login to the site to record their miles. One quick, scan of their barcode does it all. But wait.... there’s more....
Notify, is an additional feature to AutoGreen. This system notifies the parent by text, phone or email that their child has arrived at school. This happens within seconds after the barcode has been scanned at school, giving parents comfort that their child has safely arrived at school.
August 2011
“ This is awsome. I did not get home in time to see my daughter off to school, but I know she got there.
Thanks so much for this awsome program!
”
August 2011
“ Can't tell you how much I appreciate the morning saveagallon scanning system that lets me know my son has arrived safe and sound at school.
”
AutoGreen is incredibly flexible. It can be used once a week or every day for an entire school year. We automate the data collection, you focus on the program implementation.
- Program Ideas
- Examples
- Miller Creek Middle School
- Birch Lane Elementary [Article 1] [Article 2]
Want to give it a test drive to see how it works? Contact us and we'll set you up with a fully functional test account.
We are expanding the AutoGreen and Notify program this coming year to accommodate up to 20 schools. Reserve your spot now by emailing info@saveagallon.org
- Hardware- stuff you'll need on site. You need at least one scanner and a computer. To use Notify and get real time user statistics requires an internet connection. There are other non-internet connected options available.
- USB Barcode readers cost from $40 to $400 See our Barcode review section.
- Computer/laptop. New net-books cost around $300.
- Plastic Barcode tags range from .33 to .50 each plus you need something to attach them to a backpack.
If you want to make your own you can use our DIY Barcode Maker using address labels. - Software- your Saveagallon.org AutoGreen Account
- Annual Setup fee $150
- $1 a day for up to 500 student accounts. For example if you had a walking Wednesday program it would cost $1 a week or $4 a month + any Notification fees.
- Parental Notification fee of .02 for each SMS(text) or Phone call. Notify email notifications are free.
That's right... We have spared no expence to produce these high quality training videos.
- I don't have internet access at the scanning location. Can I still use AutoGreen?
- I have multiple locations at my school. Can I have more than one scanning station?
- Can I use my cell phones wifi tethering and/or a cellular mobile hotspot?
- Why only 50 new schools?
- Can I encourage my parents to use their email to SMS(text) service to save on the notification fees?
Q: I don't have internet access at the scanning location. Can I still use AutoGreen?
A: You can still use AutoGreen and Notify by scanning the barcodes to a text file then uploading that file to the site when you do have internet access. This choice is a good one for those using the AutoGreen only. The downside to not having an internet connection is you cannot provide the student with their current statistics which seems to be a great motivator. Notifications will also not be sent until that file is uploaded.
Q: I have multiple locations at my school. Can I have more than one scanning station?
A: Yes you can. We give you up to four administration accounts. Each location will need their own computer and scanner. If you need more it's not a problem just contact us.
Q: Can I use my cell phones wifi tethering and/or a cellular mobile hotspot?
A: Yes but.... This is a great solution for a school with no internet access and if you plan on uploading a text file to the site at the end of your scanning session. In our tests it was too slow when used in the full dynamic mode (giving the students their current statistics) and the line tended to backup a bit. Overall this is a great backup system that would allow you to switch the scanning to a text file and then upload those scanned numbers to the site when class starts.
Q: Why only 20 new schools?
A: We are currently a small operation and want to be sure we an provide a stable site. This year will let us further refine and implement new features.
Q: Can I encourage my parents to use their email to SMS(text) service to save on the notification fees?
A: Yes, this is a great option that works reliably and saves you the per text fee. For example if you had an At&T account the email address would look like this 5551234567@txt.att.net. A great place to start is on the Wikipedia page List of SMS Gateways
