Thanks to OptiWasteFlow, optimal or near-optimal solutions for the
highest level Industrial Plan can be obtained within an extremely short
computing time, while human resources are dedicated to key activities
such as solution evaluation, what-if analysis and consequent strategic
decision-making. The system has been continuously improved by the
addition of new features and functionalities to exploit new savings and
efficiency opportunities.
Results were the subject of deep qualitative and quantitative
analysis to assess the validity of the tool. An overall increase of 14%
in foreseen incomes was obtained, mostly thanks to a more efficient use
of facilities resulting in decreased disposal and treatment costs.
Logistical costs, which are subject to long-term contracts with
external carriers, were not included but optimisation reduced logistic
flows by more than 40%, which undoubtedly means fewer kilometres
travelled by the waste over expensive paths. This will most likely lead
to even more savings when carrier contracts are periodically
renegotiated.
Besides the excellent revenues that were generated, OptiWasteFlow
also fostered the diffusion of OR-supported planning within other
branches of the Hera Group such as the waste collection and district
heating divisions.
Full article available in Impact Magazine, Autumn 2017: ‘Optimising Waste Flows’ pp15-18