Wihuri is a well-known leader in the wholesale and packaging industries, where seamless logistics and efficient warehouse management are key to success. The company relies on technology solutions that support daily operations and bring measurable value to strengthen competitiveness.
Signal Partners’ solutions – including Zebra handhelds, label printers, tablets and vehicle computers, along with efficient device management – ensure precision and reliability across Wihuri’s operations, from wholesale to manufacturing:
- Wholesale business (Metro-tukku)
- Logistics centre in Vantaa
- Packaging business (Wipak)
- Technical trade (Tekninen kauppa)
The everyday life of Metro-tukku runs smoothly with right devices. Photo: Ilona Toivonen, Wihuri
Signal Partners acts as Wihuri’s trusted partner, and together they build durable and efficient solutions that ensure goods move at the right time and to the right place, supporting business growth.
The cooperation between Wihuri and Signal Partners began more than a decade ago, when Signal Partners supplied the company with network equipment, Zebra handhelds and label printers, as well as device management services.
In 2020, however, a new challenge arose: the outdated device management system needed to be replaced with a sustainable solution. In addition, handhelds required updating and expansion as the business continued to grow. Once again, Signal Partners stepped in with its expertise.
A Modern Solution for logistics management
Wihuri selected SOTI MobiControl, recommended by Signal Partners, as its new mobile device management platform. The solution enables full remote management and maintenance of devices and meets Wihuri’s diverse logistics needs perfectly.
”During the implementation, it felt like we were in expert hands. We received comprehensive training from Signal Partners on using SOTI MobiControl and connecting the devices to the system,” says Pekka Koutonen, OT Specialist from Wihuri’s internal IT team .
Pekka Koutonen, IT Specialist, Wihuri
SOTI MobiControl allows Wihuri to manage nearly 600 devices currently in use in Finland and across its European locations. The system can be easily expanded according to the number of licences. The solution ensures consistent device settings, efficient application management and quick remote support in case of issues.
"Without SOTI MobiControl, device management and maintenance would be extremely time-consuming and complex. Without remote access, every issue would require physically sending the device through IT support or the service provider, which would be slow and inefficient. With remote management, we can immediately see what the user sees and resolve issues quickly,” Koutonen explains .
Tangible benefits for logistics operations
The introduction of the new system has brought significant improvements to Wihuri’s operations.
"The stability of SOTI MobiControl has been a positive surprise. In four years, the system has only been down for one day,” Koutonen says.
Zebra handhelds were chosen based on Wihuri’s earlier positive experiences. The durability and long battery life of these rugged devices enable reliable use around the clock. This is especially important in Wihuri’s logistics centres, where processes run continuously and the devices face demanding conditions.
Zebra's rugged handhelds were chosen for Metro-tukku's challenging requirements. Photo: Ilona Toivonen, Wihuri
The ease of use of both the devices and the system has also improved employee satisfaction. For example, warehouse managers have given positive feedback. Based on the training provided by Signal Partners, Koutonen created clear instructions that make it easy to restore devices to operation whenever needed.
"The greatest benefit has been that logistics now runs smoothly at all times. Goods move from the logistics centres on schedule, nothing goes missing, and everything is recorded in the systems accurately as it should be,” Koutonen adds.
Continued partnership and further development
Although Wihuri currently uses mainly the key features of SOTI MobiControl, the system continues to offer new tools that can further enhance operations. Thanks to the close partnership, Signal Partners acts as a continuous consulting and ICT expert, helping Wihuri stay at the forefront of development.
In addition, through Signal Partners’ SignalOne lifecycle management service, Wihuri benefits from fast response times for device maintenance if devices break or malfunction.
”SignalOne is the most logical service agreement for us because the devices are intended for long-term use. Signal Partners’ experts are always available, no matter how many questions we have. Whether it’s about device selection or system use, help is always close by,” Koutonen concludes .
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