Migrating to SAP Business ByDesign was a crucial step for Kontio, but integrating key systems like PLM, Salesforce, and ERP without custom-coded connections was a challenge. See how Frends iPaaS helped them simplify data flow, reduce maintenance costs, and complete the migration within a year—without business interruptions.
Industry: Manufacturing
Revenue: EUR 54 million
Personnel: 245
Customer since: 2022
Use case: SAP
The need for migration emerged
When Kontio, a Finnish and worlds' largest log house manufacturer exporting to over 35 countries, set out to modernize their ERP system, the stakes were high. Their operations were growing, their reach expanding, and their reliance on seamless data flow across systems was greater than ever. To support their global ambitions, they decided to migrate from their legacy ERP to SAP Business ByDesign (SAP ByD), a modern, cloud-based ERP solution designed to provide real-time insights and operational flexibility. But the question loomed: how could they manage this migration without disrupting the day-to-day operations their business depended on?
Kontio’s existing ERP system had served them well for years, but as the company grew, its limitations became increasingly apparent. Managing their intricate network of interconnected systems—PDM, PLM, CAD, and Salesforce—was becoming a challenge. These systems, critical for tracking product lifecycles and global supply chains, needed to work together seamlessly. However, the outdated, custom-coded connections holding them together were costly to maintain and prone to inefficiencies. Replacing these with a streamlined solution was not only a technical requirement; it was essential for Kontio’s ability to grow and adapt as a business.
The team knew they needed a platform that could do more than just move data. They needed a solution that would simplify integrations, reduce manual work, and provide the scalability to support their future. The answer came in the form of Frends iPaaS, which offered the tools to not only meet their immediate needs but also position Kontio's IT for long-term scalability and agility to meet the growth plans..
What could have been a complex and resource-intensive migration turned into an opportunity for transformation, thanks to Frends. Kontio embraced the challenge and used it to strengthen the foundation of their operations.
From point-to-point towards Centralized Platform for Data Management
The migration required a solution to integrate their critical systems—Salesforce, PLM, and SAP—without custom-coded connections, which often lead to inefficiencies and high maintenance costs. To meet these requirements, Kontio needed a reliable platform to manage data flow, reduce integration complexity, and support their transition seamlessly.
Frends provided the integration platform Kontio needed to manage the migration. By eliminating the need for custom-coded integrations, Frends enabled a centralized approach to data management that streamlined the entire process. Vendor data management became more efficient, with better visibility and control over their global supply chain. Sales order processing was optimized through seamless data flow between ERP and other systems, reducing errors and improving accuracy. Real-time updates across their systems ensured that manual intervention was kept to a minimum.
The Frends platform allowed Kontio's IT team to:
- Improve visibility and control over global supplier data.
- Ensure smooth data exchange between systems, improving sales order accuracy and delivery timelines.
- Preserve data integrity by enabling real-time updates across systems, reducing errors and manual intervention.
"The flexibility of Frends allowed us to adapt our systems without significant disruptions. It was reassuring to know that we could rely on a platform that works well with our existing and future infrastructure," shares Jaakko Tiainen, IT Manager at Kontio.
The results
Frends’ ability to integrate complex systems without the need for custom coding significantly accelerated Kontio’s ERP migration process. This approach minimized the time and resources typically associated with large-scale transitions, enabling the company to move seamlessly to SAP Business ByDesign (SAP ByD).
“Completing an ERP migration of this scale within a year was a challenge, but with Frends, we were able to streamline integrations and reduce the complexity we previously faced. We maintained full control over our operations throughout.”
The results were clear and measurable: Kontio successfully completed its migration within a year. The platform ensured timely deployment without delays or the need for major adjustments post-implementation. Real-time monitoring tools provided operational transparency, allowing the team to track data flows and resolve issues quickly.
“The Frends platform’s real-time monitoring tools gave us visibility into our data flows that we simply didn’t have before. We could track every step of the process and address any issues immediately."
The new architecture we’ve built with Frends not only supports our current operations but also positions us to scale efficiently as our business continues to grow. It’s a long-term solution that will serve us well for years to come,” he explained.
Another key advantage was the cost and resource savings the platform offered. “Without Frends, the migration would have required significantly more resources and manual effort. The platform not only reduced the workload but also helped us keep the project within budget,” said Jaakko.
Additionally, Kontio appreciated the strong collaboration with the Frends team.
“The support from the Frends team was exceptional. Whenever we had questions or needed guidance, they were quick to respond and provide clear, actionable solutions. That level of collaboration was key to our success,” Jaakko remarked.