Easy and secure communications for future success

Lemminkäinen, one of Finland’s leading experts in building and infrastructure construction, is looking towards the future and increasing the role of mobile technology in their operations.

With over 8,400 employees and almost 100 offices and dozens of construction sites around Finland and the Baltic rim, excellent communication tools are needed to make sure the right person can be reached at the right time. There aren’t necessarily that many people in each office, explains Lemminkäinen CIO Tapio Vähämäki, so “it’s important to have access to specialists in different locations.” That means “more and more communication that is less and less place-dependent.”

With that in mind, Lemminkäinen began looking for a reliable mobile solution that would increase their internal communication and information flow, while keeping their data secure. Their operations are currently Microsoft based and they need a system well suited to that environment. The Nokia portfolio ticked all the boxes.

“We were looking for a company-oriented ecosystem and we feel that Windows is better suited to business, not to mention our long-term relationship with Nokia.”

“Our decision was based on the great integration with Microsoft Office, better data security than Android, and a simpler user interface than we have used in the past,” explains Vähämäki. “We were looking for a company-oriented ecosystem and we feel that Windows is better suited to business, not to mention our long-term relationship with Nokia.”

“We are in a Microsoft world here at Lemminkäinen,” adds Tiina Mellas, Executive Vice President of HR and ICT. And that’s why the reliability of email and calendar syncing on both Symbian and Windows Phone was one of the most important considerations.

Lemminkäinen recently signed up with the Finnish telecom operator, Elisa, for 1,000 each of Nokia Lumia 800, Nokia Lumia 710 and Nokia C5-00 phones. Using just a few key Nokia models helps keep the data more secure, increases the reliability of syncing and keeps maintenance costs down. “We used to have more than 250 models in use,” explains Vähämäki.

Simplifying the environment saves time, energy and money. “[Elisa] played a critical role in proposing the correct solution,” says Mellas. “They also provide all necessary support and technical maintenance services, taking a lot of pressure off us.” Elisa’s helpdesk has been invaluable during the transition, and maintenance and support services will be a part of the cooperation moving forward.

More flexibility, more control

Started in 1910 as a small local contractor specialized in waterproofing and yard and street work, Lemminkäinen has maintained their traditional roots in many ways. “In the past, we haven’t been using cutting-edge technology,” explains Mellas, making an intuitive UI all the more important for the company. “People seem interested in playing with their new phones,” she adds. Vähämäki believes that they have become “more effective with this great UI experience,” including the Windows Phone browser, Internet Explorer 9, which “is a big step forward.” Nokia Maps and Nokia Drive add the reliability of quality turn-by-turn navigation and access to the best and most up-to-date maps in Finland. And having a camera in every pocket means status updates and photos of potential problems can be sent straight from building sites.

The new smartphones have already started to make a difference. A few key apps already being used on the Symbian platform to record hours and track orders are now being developed for the new Windows Phones. Employees can check schedules and send timely meeting invites, while seamless Exchange integration makes communicating and calendar syncing smooth and intuitive. Lemminkäinen recognise the importance of being able to have time away from work too, and with a Windows Live ID personal mail accounts and calendars can easily be kept separate, ensuring free time feels freer. 

Seamless collaboration

Lemminkäinen’s fragmented device base used to be difficult to maintain and manage, making it especially hard to rely on good communication across different platforms. And with their offices and building sites scattered across Finland, it was time to simplify. Their new integrated smartphone solution gives more flexibility and control to those in the field, making communication quicker, easier and more effective. That means less time wasted, less travel costs and better security. “Our company is already multi-local,” says Mellas, “but we are becoming more international and it is important to begin using the products of the future.”