Planning better to serve better: large-scale environmental optimisation.

Serving over 200 municipalities across five Italian regions, Gruppo Hera is a leading Italian multi-utility provider in the environmental sector. Every day it manages the collection and treatment of waste using a highly complex logistics network. To tackle this challenge, Hera chose to partner with Optit.

At the heart of this collaboration is OptiRoute, a solution for the design and optimisation of collection services. Hera’s design engineers use OptiRoute to:

• estimate waste production by type, cross-referencing historical data and collection intervals;
  
• draw up collection areas and calendars, optimising shifts and vehicle capacities;
  
• build routes that comply with movement restrictions and contribute to efficiency goals.
  

Consistent user feedback has enriched the tool with new features, increasing its precision, adaptability and capacity to meet the Group’s operational needs. At the same time, Optit has also supported Hera in the management of data related to collection, sweeping and door-to-door pick-ups, areas where robust information is crucial for the effective digitisation of operations.

It is in this context that Optit built a customised web application integrated with the Hera Data Platform and a diverse range of other sources such as management systems, geospatial data and field sensors. 

The main features include:

• the option to view and edit itineraries;
• a virtual assistant to improve route design;
• advanced routing algorithms;
• simplified exporting compliant with management system standards.

With OptiRoute, Hera has been able to optimise operational management and gain greater control over the services it provides. The result is a marked improvement in efficiency, stronger progress towards sustainability goals, and an enhanced ability to adapt to new regulatory and territorial standards.