When technology optimizes routes – Optimization that saved time and nerves
A successful story from a new FleetOpti User: Messer Medical
(Žiga Anželj, Logistics Coordinator)
MESSER MMHC d.o.o. (also known as Messer Medical) is a Slovenian company registered in Ljubljana, specializing in the trade of medical and orthopedic devices and related products. It operates as a micro-enterprise and is part of the international Messer Medical Home Care Holding GmbH group. Established in November 2021, the company’s primary registered activity in Slovenia is the supply of medical products and equipment.
On a broader level, Messer Medical / Messer Medical Home Care is part of an international organization within Messer SE & Co. KGaA — a large family-owned group of companies specializing in the production and supply of industrial and medical gases, as well as medical solutions. Messer is one of the world’s largest privately owned producers of industrial and medical gases, operating in more than 20 countries and offering a wide range of solutions, including medical oxygen supply, healthcare services, and home care therapies.
A challenge for route planning
As a medical gas distribution company, they faced the same daily challenges: urgent deliveries, last-minute order changes, and drivers losing time due to inefficient route planning.
To address this, they began searching the market for a suitable route planning solution. While reviewing international providers, they discovered Sledenje, a Slovenian company that developed the FleetOpti daily route planning application. Designed specifically for small and medium-sized fleets, FleetOpti application offers functionality that is often expensive and overly complex when sourced from foreign providers, making it less accessible to smaller, less demanding users.
Delivery organization for route planning
The delivery of medical gases and related medical products is organized to ensure reliable and timely supply to patients as part of comprehensive care.
This involves:
- Planning and logistics
Medical gases and equipment are produced or filled at specialized facilities, then stored and prepared for distribution. Messer Medical uses specialized transport vehicles designed to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of gases in cylinders or other containers, from filling centers to end users. - Precise logistical organization
- Deliveries are structured to guarantee uninterrupted supply of medical oxygen and other gases
- Transport is carried out in compliance with strict safety standards and regulations governing medical gases
- Internal processes monitor production, filling and logistics, contributing to a high rate of on-time deliveries
- Home delivery support
For field deliveries to patients’ homes (e.g. oxygen for home therapy, mobile concentrators, etc.), the company organizes direct delivery to the patient’s address. These services are part of their “Homecare” offering, which includes consultation, equipment installation and ongoing user support. - Integrated service and support
In addition to gas delivery, Messer Medical also provides:- Technical support and servicing of medical devices
- Training for patients and caregivers on proper equipment use
- Regular inspections and maintenance to prevent supply disruptions
Before implementing route planning
Žiga, the dispatcher, spent two full working hours each day manually scheduling deliveries and coordinating changes by phone. Ad hoc delivery modifications were difficult to manage and occasionally overlooked.
In Žiga’s absence, route planning was even more challenging for his deputy. Although the fleet consists of only five vehicles, planning routes using only Excel spreadsheets and maps proved far from simple.
After implementing route planning
When they introduced the route planning application, Žiga was initially cautious. However, he noticed a difference within the first week.
Importing daily orders now takes only a few minutes. Within two minutes, the system automatically optimizes routes based on delivery locations and priority levels. Drivers receive clear instructions and real-time updates directly on their mobile devices.
The entire planning process is completed in less than 15 minutes.
The results:
- Faster planning with no risk of missed orders
- 18% reduction in driving time
- Noticeable decrease in fuel consumption
- Faster and less stressful handling of urgent deliveries
The team now has better operational visibility in the field, while patients benefit from more reliable care.
Today, Žiga says the application is not just a route planning tool – it is a key component in ensuring the safe and timely delivery of medical gases to those who need them most.
