Horizons, the innovative Google Maps based road network asset management system from Yotta DCL, is proving a big hit with highways authorities across the UK.  Launched earlier this year, the latest version of the Horizon’s web platform makes it easier to visualise, manage and optimise asset management tasks and records.

Nick Smee, Managing Director of Yotta DCL commented, “Since we launched Horizons we have been pleased by the response from the market. Sales have increased over the last 12 months, especially in the last six month period and show no signs of abating.” He continued, “The feedback we have had from new users has been equally as positive with Horizon’s ease of use and integrated video proving especially popular.”

New users of the Horizon system include local highways authorities including Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, Trafford Council and Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Councils, national and regional government highways authorities and contractors including PFI highway specialist Connect Roads.

Ali El-Jaber. Asset and Procurement Manager at Balfour Beatty Capital commented, “I was impressed with Yotta DCL’s mix of products, services, and support. Throughout my dealings with Yotta DCL, the staff have been exceptionally enthusiastic in providing solutions and displayed high levels professionalism. I had the opportunity to attend one of their webinars which was well managed and highly informative.”  

Developed with input from leading highways authorities, Horizons has, since its original launch in April 2011, now been enhanced with a more powerful analysis module. This enables users to project and analyse highways defect treatments based on multiple strategies. Users can easily add constraints, such as reducing defects over a number of years, while comparing the costs for different treatments. This gives an instant view of what is achievable for a given budget and helps guide decision makers to select the optimal solution for their road network.

Users will also be able to analyse data over multiple years to produce accurate projections for deterioration rates over time. For example, the system can predict where future defects and deterioration are likely to appear leading to problems such as potholes. This enables a more informed and targeted approach to highways maintenance and will provide the user with tools to assist in making large cost savings in not only road maintenance but also in the time taken to make decisions.