Itron Inc. has announced a partnership with RouteSmart Technologies, a software provider specializing in route optimization solutions for complex, high-density utility industry routing applications.

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.

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. The 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 In situations where routes are outdated, such as high growth areas, mergers/acquisition of another utility, or implementation of automated meter reading (AMR) technology, RouteSmart can quickly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.