The Challenge
As Calor’s operations evolved, so too did the complexity of its delivery planning. While the business had successfully transitioned from ORTEC Orion to ORTEC Inventory Routing (OIR), daily planning processes had gradually shifted away from full optimisation.
Over several years, both the user base and daily processes evolved to a point where the planning team were no longer leveraging the full benefits of the OIR forecasting and planning functionality, as well as taking on additional workload and reducing focus and process disciplines of the team.
On analysis, this resulted in increased overtime cost and an insight into the fact that over 60% of the planning team time was being spent on non-core activities.
The Programme
As part of SHV Energy’s current initiative, Calor launched a structured programme to refocus and modernise its transport planning approach. Two key initiatives were introduced:
- Scheduling Capacity 2024-2025
Re-centering planning activities around core optimisation, supported by improved processes and better use of existing tools.
- +72 Hour Forward Planning (ongoing)
Extending the planning horizon to improve operational stability, reduce reactive decision-making, and provide greater visibility for customers.
The Partnership: A Collaborative Approach
To deliver these initiatives successfully, ORTEC and Calor Ireland worked in close collaboration across a range of activities, all aligned to achieving the programme’s objectives. Activities included:
- On-site operational audits
- User training
- Process improvement
- New functional elements to expedite operational use
- Forecast accuracy and optimization enhancements
Operational Outcomes: Driving Efficiency in LPG Transport Planning
As a direct result of the collaboration, Calor Ireland achieved a 48% reduction in planner time, with non-core activities reduced to just 19% of the daily workload.
Manual planning processes were automated, significantly reducing operational effort while increasing visibility, insight, and confidence in planning decisions. The planning team continues to mature in its use of ORTEC Inventory Routing (OIR), making substantial progress towards full optimisation of the transport plan.
Calor Ireland is continuing its partnership with ORTEC to deploy additional supporting solutions, including ORTEC Control Tower and ORTEC DnA. These initiatives support Calor’s ongoing focus on improving operational performance, strengthening team capabilities, and delivering an enhanced customer experience across its energy distribution network.
