INAS and the Digital Transformation of Timisoara's Water Distribution: A Success Story with Bentley Systems
INAS, 2024 Customer Experience Winner
INAS, Romania
INAS S.A. is a company based in Romania, focused on providing engineering, modeling, simulation, manufacturing, IoT and data management software solutions and technical support for many industries. They have been a Bentley Channel partner since 2008 and were winners of the Partner Excellence Award 2024, on Customer Experience category for (Re)Building Aquatim’s hydraulic model for the water distribution network in Timisoara, Romania.
Bentley Solutions: OpenFlows
Click on the image above to watch the video interview.
INAS and the Digital Transformation of Timisoara's Water Distribution:
A Success Story with Bentley Systems
Aquatim SA, INAS’s client, responsible for water distribution and sewage services in Timis County, Romania, faced a significant challenge: ensuring a safe and continuous water supply for its consumers while maintaining a commitment to environmental sustainability. The need to reduce water waste and improve the efficiency of water resource management became imperative, alongside incorporating eco-friendly practices for environmental preservation.
With this challenge in mind, INAS supported the implementation Bentley Systems solutions, including WaterGEMS and SewerGEMS systems. The goal was to modernize the existing hydraulic model by replacing static models with a dynamic digital model. The integration of these tools with the client’s GIS system was essential, allowing real-time data to be accessed and analyzed with ease. “We found out that the Bentley solutions fitted like a glove actually for their needs, solving this kind of problems”, comments Gabriela Catana from INAS.
These solutions not only improved the efficiency of water resource management but also provided a robust platform for faster, more informed decision-making. The ability to visualize real-time data was a significant advancement, enabling the water utility team to proactively respond to issues before they became critical.
The implementation of Bentley solutions brought remarkable results, with the most significant being the reduction in modeling time by up to 50%. This improvement in modeling efficiency allowed the water utility to optimize its resources and better manage Timisoara’s hydraulic infrastructures. Additionally, the digitalization of the modeling system paved the way for future innovations and improvements in water and sewage management in the region.
The digitalization of water infrastructure has had a broad impact on Aquatim, affecting processes from financial operations to service quality. The project, launched in 2023, is being implemented in stages. Key developments include:
- Importing data from mobile pressure and flow meters to calibrate the hydraulic model.
- Expanding the model with data from GIS regions and Functional District Metered Areas (DMAs) for detailed analysis.
- Validating the model with controlled scenarios for engineering-level accuracy.
- Future steps include:
- Installing a full DMA system with live pressure and flow data from key points in Timisoara.
- Implementing the LoRa (Long Range) system for continuous network monitoring.
- Deploying a regional SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system for real-time operational data.
These initiatives enhance water network management and lay the foundation for Aquatim to tackle future challenges with advanced digital solutions.
INAS has been standing out in promoting digital transformation in its region, helping its clients adopt advanced technologies that lead to better data, better decisions, and, consequently, more effective services for the community. The work done with Bentley Systems reflects INAS commitment to the future of engineering and infrastructure management.
The Partner Excellence Award 2024 was a significant achievement for INAS, representing the recognition of the company’s ongoing effort to promote high-quality solutions for its clients. For the INAS team, this accomplishment is more than just an award—it is a reflection of the investment and dedication of its employees in the successful implementation of this crucial project for the improvement of Timisoara’s infrastructure. “We were very honored to have received this this award. This was a great accomplishment for us, and it was like a recognition of our investment of our colleagues with this project.”, says Gabriela Catana, Deputy General Manager at INAS.
Shaping the Future of Romania’s Infrastructure with Digital Innovation
The partnership between INAS and Bentley Systems continues to evolve, with INAS focused on expanding the use of Bentley technologies in other projects across Romania. The aim is to continue promoting digitalization and sustainability in the country’s infrastructure, positively impacting communities and public services. For INAS, this is just the beginning of a long journey, and the company is committed to leveraging all Bentley solutions to improve data management, decision-making, and the delivery of essential services.
