HRG, BENTLEY TO IMPLEMENT DIGITAL TWIN SOFTWARE FOR WATER SYSTEMS
Melissa Rohland joins HRG as the firm’s liaison to Bentley and other software companies
May 13, 2025 /
We’ve partnered with global infrastructure engineering software company, Bentley Systems, Incorporated, to implement Bentley’s OpenFlows WaterSight across the mid-Atlantic region in the U.S. HRG will help utilities configure a digital twin of their water systems that can be used to optimize operations and make better long-term capital planning decisions. A proof-of-concept project is currently underway between HRG, Bentley, and Freeland Municipal Authority in Luzerne County, PA.
The Bentley software brings SCADA, GIS, hydraulic modeling, and operations data into a connected environment to get a comprehensive view of how the water system is performing, assess the risk of asset failure, and test design assumptions. A properly configured digital twin can help utilities reduce non-revenue water, improve energy efficiency, ensure water quality, and enhance customer service.
By working with HRG and Bentley Systems, utilities benefit from HRG’s comprehensive knowledge of water system design and operation coupled with Bentley’s four decades of software expertise in the design, build, and operation of major infrastructure projects.
HRG’s Chief Innovation & Technology Officer Mike Smetana said, “Our mission is to help communities make smart decisions about infrastructure that increase efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life, and technology plays a vital role in making those decisions. We want to help our clients integrate technology into their processes for long-term success, and Bentley is an ideal partner, thanks to their comprehensive suite of software solutions for the design, construction, and management of infrastructure. While this initial alliance is focused on water systems, the potential exists for similar partnerships to serve other clients and industries, as well.”
In addition, Melissa Rohland joined HRG as director of Strategic Programs, where she will serve as a liaison between HRG’s internal project delivery teams and software providers like Bentley. Rohland began her career as a civil engineer designing water systems and transitioned into digital solutions for the design and construction industry with 12 years of experience in digital construction and project management. Before joining HRG, Roland was the senior director of operations at Topcon Positioning Systems, helping clients implement the best processes and technology to optimize construction operations. She holds both a B.S. in Civil Engineering and an MBA from Lehigh University. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania and holds multiple technology-oriented certifications including Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM) and Project Management Professional (PMP).
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