Fragmented systems slowed down daily operations
Before this collaboration project, the store was using systems from two different eras, which made managing the whole setup laborious. Vakkakylmä had previously provided maintenance services to K-Citymarket, so when the need for system modernisation arose, they were the natural choice to take on the project.
"The old system had reached the end of its technical lifespan, and there was a twofold need behind it – we were able to address both of these needs," explains Vakkakylmä CEO, Tero Wallin.
At the same time, the requirements placed on systems have grown: mere functionality is no longer enough; real-time monitoring, more comprehensive reporting, and better management of the overall picture are needed.
"Monitoring of refrigeration equipment is on a whole new level these days. The system is the be-all and end-all here. Before, we wouldn't notice until the morning if all the refrigeration units were down – now alerts come immediately, via mobile," explains Jaro Salkoharju, store manager at K-Citymarket Pori Puuvilla.
A single view of the entire refrigeration system
With IWMAC, they integrated refrigeration systems and equipment from different eras into a single user interface. IWMAC is a digital software solution that enables centralised monitoring, control, and management of refrigeration systems through real-time data, alerts, and remote access.
"We got a more up-to-date system on a modern platform. Reporting and usability improved significantly," Wallin says. The system's user interface was built on top of the store's floor plan, making it clear and easy to use.
On the floor plan, all refrigeration units have their own designated spots and locations are labelled, so when an alarm goes off, we know exactly where the problem is. We have hundreds of locations, so it's important that we quickly know where the issue is and whether we can handle it ourselves.
The system works seamlessly on various devices, such as phones and tablets, and access rights can be assigned to different roles as needed.
"Alerts come directly to our phones, and we have several staff members who monitor the situation and acknowledge alerts as needed. That's really important in our day-to-day operations," Salkoharju adds.
Faster response, more efficient maintenance
The new solution has particularly improved response speed and maintenance efficiency. There are different levels of alerts: critical alerts are forwarded to the service provider immediately, while lower-priority notifications, such as defrosting-related issues, can be handled by store staff.
"Handling alerts is easy, and you don't always even have to go on-site. Staff can now perform minor maintenance tasks like these on their own. This results in clear cost savings," Salkoharju explains.
The maintenance company can also handle some of the tasks directly through the system.
"If the system shows that the same location is triggering repeated alerts, we can respond immediately or take the necessary measures remotely," Wallin explains.
At the same time, reporting has improved significantly and supports both regulatory requirements and our own monitoring.
"For example, we need to be able to show the authorities what temperatures the equipment has been at and for how long. Now we get clear reports and graphs from the system for both the authorities and our own use. This is an important operational management tool for us," says Salkoharju.
The solution not only supports day-to-day operations but also aids in energy efficiency and its monitoring.
A straightforward project with good cooperation
"Once the order was placed, we gathered the necessary data from the store's systems and sent it to Kiona, which programmed a customised solution. After that, the necessary equipment was installed, and commissioning and training were completed in a single day,” Wallin explains.
"Communication was clear and easy, and we were able to get things done quickly."
Kiona's technical support also receives praise.
"When we asked them a question, the answers came back really quickly," Salkoharju says.
See how IWMAC can cut response times, lower costs, and give you real-time control of your refrigeration systems.