Trond-Øystein Bjørnnes

Company news

<p>Another year is coming to an end – bringing on some reflections. </p>



<p><strong>As a company, Kiona continues to stand strong, which means we’re here to support you today, tomorrow, and beyond</strong>. We will continue to deliver what we do best: software that connects, optimizes, and visualizes buildings and technical equipment of all ages.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-security-one-of-our-top-priorities-this-year">Security – one of our top priorities this year</h2>



<p>Security has been one of our biggest priorities this year. We have invested in strengthening our systems through technology and internal processes to meet increasingly complex threats.</p>



<p>Our customers and partners rely on us to manage their data and systems securely. As cyber threats grow in number and sophistication, it is our duty to ensure safety and trust.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><em>What does this mean for Kiona's partners?</em></li>
</ul>



<p>For our partners, it means they can trust that the solutions they integrate with us meet high security standards, strengthening their products and services. For customers, it means peace of mind that their data is well protected and that the systems they use are robust against threats.</p>



<p>This year has shown us that security is both a challenge and an opportunity to build stronger relationships and deliver even better services.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-partners-and-the-kiona-team-the-cornerstone-of-our-business">Partners and the Kiona team – the cornerstone of our business</h2>



<p>2024 has brought on many new partnerships and customers, and new colleagues have joined from all over Europe. One of the key aspects here has been finding the people who fit in with us, our ambitions, and our values; <strong>Trust, Curiosity, and Creativity.</strong></p>



<p>Hege Marie Loe, HR business partner (who also joined our ranks in 2024), shares:</p>





<p></p>



<p>For the year ahead, we'll continue to focus on building effective teams and processes and celebrating the small wins – creating an even stronger Kiona culture. The Kiona team is made up of highly motivated people, and we have succeeded in finding people who complement us and who have already added a lot to us as a company.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-join-us-in-supporting-save-the-children">Join us in supporting Save the Children</h2>



<p>Things are going well at Kiona, but we know that there are others who are struggling. While we have the luxury of working and living in peaceful, safe markets, that's not the case for everyone.</p>



<p>Our world continues to be a difficult place filled with conflicts. Therefore, we<strong> continue to support Save the Children as a friend company.</strong> If you also want to help and make a contribution, you can do so here: <a href="https://support.savethechildren.org/site/Donation2?idb=2084360756&amp;df_id=1620&amp;mfc_pref=T&amp;1620.donation=form1&amp;1620_donation=form1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Give a monthly or one-time contribution.</a></p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thank-you-to-all-kionians-and-partners-for-an-exciting-2024-we-are-well-prepared-to-face-2025-nbsp">Thank you to all Kionians and partners for an exciting 2024. We are well prepared to face 2025.&nbsp;</h3>



<p>All the best wishes for the new year,</p>



<p>Trond-Øystein&nbsp;</p>



<p></p>

A recap of 2024 – and the year ahead

Maria Sotberg

Stay cool and informed with our stories on refrigeration and freezing. You will find content on temperature control suitable for rookies and tech-savvy partners. Find blog posts, use cases and videos on temperature control, heat recovery, natural cooling and wireless temperature sensors. Relevant for supermarkets, hotels and restaurants, and large industrial cooling systems like marine and other food processing facilities.

Refrigeration and freezing

<p>"The refrigeration and cooling tech market is established, there are integrations, there is unity and openness in the technology, but there is no solution today that effectively connects and ties everything together."</p>



<p>We aim to bring a solution that does just that. Joacim Hindersson, Head of Business, believes that <a href="https://kiona.com/products/iwmac" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our monitoring software, IWMAC</a>, is the missing piece of the puzzle.</p>



<p>"Enough with the fragmented solutions and disconnected systems. We're here to challenge the status quo in the market by looking at the whole picture and integrating all systems. It's time for the industry to step up and embrace true efficiency," says Joacim.</p>





<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simplicity-and-scalability-at-its-core">Simplicity and scalability at its core</h2>



<p>Hindersson emphasizes that the system caters to both small shops and large chain-owned supermarkets, as well as other large, complex buildings. The ability to adapt to different sizes and complexities sets it apart from other solutions.</p>



<p>And in a world driven by data, businesses need to make decisions based on reliable information.</p>



<p>"It's <strong>no longer enough</strong> to rely on guesswork or gut feeling. With IWMAC, we provide the tools and knowledge necessary to <strong>make data-driven decisions</strong> that maximize cost-effectiveness, minimize waste, and cut unnecessary expenses", Joacim explains.</p>



<p>Over 5,000 buildings in the Nordic region have already installed IWMAC. The system is <strong>used by service contractors</strong> to optimize systems so they can run as energy efficiently as possible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proven-reliability-for-service-partners-and-refrigeration-technicians">Proven reliability for service partners and refrigeration technicians</h2>



<p>But the solution doesn't just benefit businesses; it empowers service companies as well. One of the key factors behind IWMAC's success is the collaboration with skilled partners. These partners bring their expertise and in-depth knowledge of processes and customer needs, <strong>enabling seamless integration into existing systems</strong>.</p>



<p>Instead of a reactive service model, partners can identify product defects and process errors before they cause significant issues. This saves money for the customer and allows partners to build up their service business by delivering ongoing monitoring and follow-up.</p>





<p>Anyone interested in becoming a Kiona Certified Partner receives comprehensive training to set up our systems safely and efficiently. And, of course, we always recommend that end customers use one of our Certified Partners.</p>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://kiona.com/solutions/become-a-partner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Want to become a partner? Read more about our partnership program.</a></li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-driving-business-transformation-and-cost-effectiveness">Driving business transformation and cost-effectiveness</h2>



<p>Beyond being just a provider of software solutions for partners, Joacim aims to drive business transformation in the market and help those building their businesses within the cooling and refrigeration field.</p>



<p>"We need APIs, systems, and drivers, but that's just the technology – or one piece of the puzzle. Our goal is to move away from individual integrations and <strong>focus on the bigger picture</strong> of energy-efficient buildings. Technical integrations must bring tangible benefits, and there's still a way to go there."</p>



<p>He acknowledges the importance of money in decision-making for customers, partners, and the industry. By showcasing the financial benefits of our IWMAC solution, he hopes to help customers build their businesses efficiently, regardless of the size or complexity of systems.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://kiona.com/app/uploads/2023/12/Hka-parter-and-Jokke-edited.webp" alt="Joacim Hindersson shakes hand with Bravida Finland before Kionas IWMAC launch" class="wp-image-47446"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Joacim Hindersson (right) welcoming one of our Finnish partners, <a href="https://www.bravida.fi/">Bravida Finland</a> (former HKA), with their certification.</figcaption></figure>



<p>With a history of success, IWMAC has been tried, tested, and proven effective.</p>



<p>"Now we're just waiting to hear from you who want to digitize your workflow and access your facilities from anywhere – anytime. "Joacim concludes.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-want-to-know-more-or-become-a-certified-partner-talk-to-me">Want to know more or become a Certified Partner? Talk to me</h3>

IWMAC launches on the Finnish market – "We're here to challenge the status quo within refrigeration- and building technology"

Roam our About us page

Get to know us even better

<p>At Kiona, we've been helping companies reduce their energy consumption and product losses since 2001. Through an open, independent, and flexible Proptech platform, they get a complete overview of buildings and technical installations. This saves our customers from expensive waste and the environment from emissions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-being-integration-experts-we-connect-systems-and-people">Being integration experts, we connect systems and people</h2>



<p>We may be a tech company, but first and foremost, we're <strong>problem solvers</strong>. For the grocery store on the corner and for large international companies. The common denominator is that technical installations and buildings require careful monitoring and a clear overview to keep energy costs down and operations running smoothly. It can become expensive if things don't work precisely as they should.</p>



<p>How did we get here? It all started with a small team of building automation, cooling technology, and energy optimization experts. Today, we comprise a team across administration, development, marketing, operations, support, product innovation, and sales, creating the smartest, most cost-efficient Proptech platform on the market.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://kiona.com/solutions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Our solutions</a> are <strong>open, flexible, and independent</strong>. This means they can be easily tailored to meet your specific needs. Our platform integrates all technical systems across brands, suppliers, and ages, giving you the freedom to choose – regardless of era and hardware.</p>





<p>Delivering easy-to-use and easy-to-buy solutions requires teamwork, and we do it because we want to <strong>reduce emissions – and create a better future by making buildings part of the solution.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-many-who-share-a-vision">Many who share a vision</h2>



<p>To achieve sustainable development, we need to do more than just talk about it. At Kiona, we contribute to that development daily by doing what we do best – optimizing buildings. Because it's really a question of incentives: It's easier to get companies to reduce their environmental footprint when they're saving money by doing so.</p>



<p>But we can't do it alone. That's why we're pleased to have <strong>talented partners</strong> who share our vision. Anyone interested in becoming a Kiona Certified Partner receives comprehensive training so that they can set up our systems safely and efficiently. And, of course, we always recommend that end customers use one of our Certified Partners. <a href="https://kiona.com/solutions/become-a-partner/">Want to join the team?</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://kiona.com/app/uploads/2023/10/HKA-partner-700x400-1-1024x585.webp" alt="Joacim Hindersson at Kiona welcoming a new certified partner" class="wp-image-45500"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Joacim Hindersson (right) welcoming one of our Finnish partners, Bravida (former Hämeen Kiinteistöautomaatio Oy), with their new Web Port certification.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-road-ahead">The road ahead</h2>



<p>The new brand, Kiona, was launched in 2021 when the well-established solutions IWMAC, Energinet, Edge, and Web Port merged into one platform. In 2023, <a href="https://www.carel.com/news-detail/-/asset_publisher/FWCUXAoY43Lv/content/carel-signed-a-binding-agreement-for-the-acquisition-of-82-4-of-kiona-holding-as/10191" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Carel became the majority shareholder</a>. Our strategy, commitment to being an independent partner, and people remain the same. Having Carel's backing means we can further strengthen our product development and continue to <strong>deliver on what we do best</strong>.</p>





<p><strong>And over the past two decades, we've only gotten better at what we do:</strong> Our software has made quantum leaps. <a href="https://kiona.com/products" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Our products</a> are designed with usability in mind – they look and feel similar across systems, making it easier to switch between them and choose the features you need. And we're not stopping there.</p>



<p><a href="https://kiona.com/our-partners" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Our partner network</a> has expanded from the smallest corners of northern Scandinavia to the warm and sunny parts of southern Europe, currently counting 200+ partners. We continue our work of creating a better partner program with greater benefits.</p>



<p>Our motto of open, flexible, and independent solutions has already taken its initial steps towards becoming the new industry standard. This is an important step towards achieving <a href="https://kiona.com/about-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our goal</a> of stopping all unnecessary energy usage and CO2 emissions in buildings.</p>



<p>All so our partners and end-customers can enjoy a working day with greater peace of mind and control. For their good and the good of the environment.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://kiona.com/app/uploads/2023/10/Kiona-connecting-buildings-700x400-1-1024x585.webp" alt="Kiona connecting buildings" class="wp-image-45510"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kiona – connecting buildings</figcaption></figure>



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We are Kiona

<p>Many industries are affected by the component situation, but particularly, car manufacturers, technology companies, and the industrial sector need to monitor the lack of hardware in the supply chain. And plan further ahead.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Our industry is strongly affected by this, with long delivery times and higher prices. Basic components are usually off-the-shelf items and are harder to get.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>We are happy to say that we have worked proactively to avoid uncertainty and deliver on our orders. We appreciate every project we are a part of and would be grateful if you, who plan the infrastructure of these projects, <strong>would let us know as soon as possible what you expect from us</strong>. This way, we can schedule delivery and avoid an excessively long waiting time for the components.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For now, the situation seems to persist. The energy crisis, in combination with the important sustainability goals, means there is a high demand for our solutions. The best we can do is plan far ahead with all our partners.</p>



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<h2 id="h-questions-about-your-projects-and-hardware-components">Questions about your projects and hardware components?</h2>

Global shortage of hardware components

Read our story

<p>This means we must dare to take some chances and do things we haven't done before. It requires that we have the courage and guts to think new and creative and break some barriers. Kiona is the whole package, the whole experience – from the solutions we offer to the e-mail that gives you helpful user tips or updates you on the latest trends.</p>



<p><strong>And starting today, we are one Kiona.</strong></p>



<h2 id="h-what-does-that-mean-for-you">What does that mean for you?</h2>



<p>For our existing customers, who have come to love one or more of our <a href="https://kiona.com/products/">products</a> – IMWAC, Edge, Energinet, or Web Port – everyday life will be pretty much the same. You can lean on the same people you have come to know. At the same time, we get more expertise and bigger muscles to help you. </p>



<ul><li>Our products, people, and solutions will remain the same. It's just more of everything. Becoming Kiona is how we can offer open, flexible, and independent solutions that can be tailored to your needs, depending on what you are looking for.</li></ul>



<ul><li>All products will now appear with the same colors and appearance. But no need to worry – except for a more similar wrapping, they still do the same job.</li></ul>



<ul><li>We put our hearts (and brains) together to continue to develop user-friendly technology that gives you the control and information you need. A faster pace of innovation will benefit you.</li></ul>



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<h2 id="h-why-is-this-a-good-thing">Why is this a good thing?</h2>



<p>In many ways, this is the last piece that was missing to make the puzzle complete. Kiona is so much more than just a name, colors, and a logo. It is the step we had to take to become a little faster and stronger, to become who we always wanted to be.</p>



<p>To offer complete solutions, from ready-made setups for data integration to monitoring, advanced optimization, and reporting, we needed to be more curious, creative, and an even better partner you can trust. Therefore, Kiona is the perfect match for four stand-alone but complementary solutions.</p>



<p>For nearly 20 years, we have helped large property owners and small grocery stores make their technology perform better and push a little bit extra. Now it's time for us to challenge ourselves as well.</p>



<p>The keys to the realm are in your hands. We welcome you into our world!</p>