• Software improves cycle day balancing, meter crew workload balance and provides precise route recommendations
LIBERTY LAKE, WA, August 2, 2007 -- Itron Inc. announced today a partnership with RouteSmart Technologies, a software provider specializing in route optimization solutions for complex, high-density utility industry routing applications.
"RouteSmart has an established track record and already shares many key clients in the energy and water industry," said Russ Vanos, Itron's vice president of marketing. "As the industry leader, Itron now combines the best in automated meter reading with the top technology for route optimization via our partnership with RouteSmart."
Under terms of the agreement, Itron and RouteSmart will build and support integration modules to each others' software systems, which will integrate both Itron and RouteSmart's products through a more seamless data exchange. The companies will also collaborate exclusively on joint proposals for metering projects where route optimization is required.
"We're really excited about the prospects for teaming with Itron," said George Fagan, RouteSmart Technologies president. "Through the integration of RouteSmart software with the Itron metering systems, we believe we offer the utility marketplace the most powerful suite of technologies for automating and optimizing meter reading operations."
RouteSmart, based in Columbia, Maryland, computes route recommendations with address-specific, side-of-street-level precision and models both driving and walking route planning problems. Their software also delivers analytics for workload balancing and territory planning. In situations where routes are outdated, such as high growth areas, mergers/acquisition of another utility, or implementation of automated meter reading (AMR) technology, RouteSmart can quickly update a utility's cycle day and route read plans.
"Our collaboration with Itron will provide utility clients with the broadest range of options to maximize return on investment from their metering solutions" Fagan added.
Itron Inc. is a leading technology provider to the global energy and water industries. Itron Inc. consists of Itron in North America and Actaris outside of North America. Our company is the world's leading provider of metering, data collection and utility software solutions, with nearly 8,000 utilities worldwide relying on our technology to optimize the delivery and use of energy and water. Our products include electricity, gas and water meters; data collection and communication systems, including automated meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI); meter data management and related software applications; project management, installation, and consulting services.
RouteSmart Technologies Inc. is a leading provider of route-optimization software and logistics professional services for the newspaper, postal, public works and utility meter reading industries. A wholly owned subsidiary of Bowne AE&T Group -- an established Mineola, NY-based provider of architectural, engineering and information technology services for over 100 years -- RouteSmart Technologies has worked closely for over 20 years with the leading organizations found in these industry segments. With headquarters in Columbia, MD, and business partners worldwide, RouteSmart Technologies is committed to solving the unique complexities of residential and commercial service routing problems.
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