Loihde has been Pouttu’s security partner for a long time. The collaboration began with IT infrastructure solutions in the early 2000s and later expanded to include, among other things, camera surveillance and access control. Loihde provides Pouttu with comprehensive telecommunications, cybersecurity, and security technology services.
Pouttu, headquartered in Kannus in Central Ostrobothnia, employs around 200 food industry professionals in Finland. According to CFO Tommi Pakkala, the company’s security needs are primarily linked to personnel safety, and ensuring the continuity of production and business operations. The changing global situation also requires attention.
“The food industry is challenging, and in recent years we have become increasingly aware that we operate in a sector where external factors can influence us, for example by weakening security of supply,” Pakkala says, describing changes in the security environment.
In recent years, Pouttu has invested in improving and expanding camera surveillance to strengthen security as well as operational continuity.
“From an IT infrastructure perspective, both external network connections and the functioning of the internal network are critical for industrial business operations. Without reliable connections, orders would not come through and production would not run,” explains Pouttu’s ICT Manager Jyrki Jaatinen.
A more digital world
The importance of telecommunications has undoubtedly grown over the years. Jaatinen notes that electronic order processes make network reliability critical, while also highlighting the role of cybersecurity and protective measures.
“For example, denial-of-service attacks are now a significant threat. We must constantly consider how to advance our cybersecurity. We cannot rely on the status quo or assume that security can ever be 100%,” he says.
Pouttu’s collaboration with Loihde began with IT infrastructure solutions, including data communications inside and outside the factory, local networks, and firewall services. Over the years, the service portfolio expanded to include operator services, camera surveillance, and most recently, Loihde’s access control solutions. Jaatinen has followed almost the entire journey. Why Loihde?
“When it comes to critical systems, the reliability of the network and the partner’s ability to respond to potential issues are essential — and with Loihde, this has been handled excellently,” Jaatinen says.
Pakkala adds that the goal is always to find the best possible solutions for Pouttu. He values Loihde’s regular on-site visits and ongoing focus on development.
“We have open, straightforward, and consultative cooperation. Keeping commitments is important on both sides. Trust is maintained through continuous improvement and by ensuring we are not just offered something — but that solutions are genuinely useful to us.”
Centralizing services brings many advantages
“When the same partner handles both IT infrastructure and security technology, there is major value in terms of maintenance, troubleshooting, and resolving potential issues. It also reduces the risk of conflicting information and unnecessary back-and-forth, because you can manage everything with one partner,” Jaatinen summarizes.
Centralization often shows in the costs as well, and Pakkala confirms that overall cost-effectiveness is an important factor when acquiring services. At the time of the interview in spring 2024, WLAN updates were topical.
“Of course, we want to take advantage of modern technology that allows us to further expand and enhance operations within production facilities.”
Loihde’s Jarno Karvonen, who manages the Pouttu account, emphasizes that Loihde´s One Security® is much more than devices and licenses. At the core of security development is an expert team whose competence can be leveraged effectively.
“We want to proactively provide customers with insights into what is relevant in their industry right now and identify development initiatives where we can support the enhancement of overall security.”
Karvonen describes the collaboration with Pouttu as rewarding, straightforward, and focused. He notes that Loihde aims to be a trusted partner in overall security — always acting in the customer’s best interest.
“We strive to find cost-effective and technically sound solutions. A partnership is at its best — and in this case truly is — when things can be developed openly and solutions considered together. We offer our customers only those solutions that we believe will have real impact.”
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