Frends iPaaS is more than a mapping and integration tool—the platform serves as a driver of innovation by seamlessly connecting systems of all types and ages. With Frends, Kaukokiito can now effortlessly integrate new tools into their operations, ensuring their architecture stays adaptable to create modern and value-adding services for their customers. Additionally, on-premises and legacy systems no longer pose a challenge, making their infrastructure future-ready.

Business Goals 

Kaukokiito, a Finnish logistics company with 70 years of service, employs over 2,000 people to deliver superior customer experiences. Utilizing the latest technology, Kaukokiito develops transport and logistics solutions for its clients. 

Recognizing the limitations of their old integration platform, Kaukokiito was looking for a solution capable of extending their legacy system, and translating all message formats, including the oldest EDIFACT Formats (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce and Transport).

After the period of evaluation, they decided to conclude their search and go with the Frends iPaaS. Kaukokiito team appreciated that with the Frends platform, they were able to stabilize integrations and introduce crucial API interfaces for seamless connections between modern and legacy systems. This capability was pivotal in enabling Kaukokiito to transition to a hybrid infrastructure. Reflecting on the selection process, Heidi Suominen, Team Manager, Customer Projects and Integrations, at Kaukokiito shares:

"Frends iPaaS is more versatile than similar solutions. Instead of just being a mapping tool, it gathers data from different systems, connects it, and generates new insights. Additionally, it supports file transfers and allows for continuous expansion of its use."

Results 

Developers code. Integration Developers don't need to

Kaukokiito chose Frends for its hybrid deployment capability, low-code nature, ease of use, and ability to generate actionable insights from disparate data sources.

"We appreciate Frends because it aligns with our philosophy: developers code, while integration developers don't need to,” says Suominen.

The cooperation began with a kickoff and demo projects, followed by weekly workshops where Kaukokiito addressed any emerging questions. Once underway, the Frends platform  proved easy to adopt with minimal support from Frends consultants. Although Kaukokiito occasionally engages consultants for additional resources, they primarily operate independently.

"We're very happy with the collaboration," says Suominen. "While we could have potentially utilized Frends consultants more, we've remained self-sufficient and even managed upgrades to new versions."

Less Errors. Better Visibility. Happier Customers

In the high-paced logistics industry, order and delivery messages are crucial. Any disruption and errors in integrations can lead to delays in critical processes such as timely order and delivery tracking in real-time, but identifying and resolving process errors have become much simpler with Frends.

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With 400 processes in motion, Frends has notably enhanced operational reliability, efficiency, and cost savings by automating manual tasks:

Going Cloud and Hybrid

"Frends supports our architecture with both on-premise and cloud data storage. Previously reliant solely on on-premise solutions, Kaukokiito has now experienced a smooth transition to the cloud with Frends," shares Heidi Suominen.

Heidi explains further:
"Our on-premise server can be accessed only via the internal network for security reasons. With Frends, we have agents for both internal and public networks, allowing us to run certain processes on the public network while keeping others within the internal network."

Frends ensures seamless communication between Kaukokiito’s legacy systems and new technologies, stabilizing integrations and preventing disruptions in critical processes like real-time order and delivery tracking. 

Beyond integrations

Kaukokiito uses Frends iPaaS for file transfers and, with Frends consultants, has built a vehicle monitoring system where Frends functions as a data pump. This allows Kaukokiito to track its 2,000 vehicles. Moreover, Kaukokiito has automated previously manual tasks and improved information provision, such as linking CRM contact data to marketing and streamlining HR system data transfers to payroll.

Additionally, Frends gives Kaukokiito unmatched flexibility, ensuring smooth transitions during system upgrades, such as ERP replacements.

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Developing new customer offerings with Frends integrations on the back-end

Suominen points out how providing customers with versatile integration options improves Kaukokiito's attractiveness in the logistics market, and choosing Frends for achieving their business goals have been "a wise decision, and Kaukokiito has no plans to change."

Supporting Clients in Meeting ESG Procurement Requirements

In the future, Kaukokiito will be creating new value-added services that assist customers in planning more efficient operations. The goal is to provide comprehensive insights into their deliveries, covering operational functionalities and emissions data. This information will empower customers to make better-informed decisions.

For example, if delivery volumes are low, they might consider scheduling pickups three times a week instead of daily. Additionally, customers can use the emissions data for internal reporting or share it with their own customers to support sustainability initiatives.

Project Highlights

• Kaukokiito offers versatile integration options, from modern APIs to old EDIFACT formats, boosting its competitiveness and enabling value-added services for customers.
• A stable integration platform standardizes integrations, ensuring operational reliability. Additionally, it simplifies error detection, making it fast and convenient.
• Frends iPaaS automates manual tasks, significantly reducing costs and saving time for Kaukokiito. This efficiency also allows them to utilize data more effectively, such as vehicle tracking.