Pesmel enhanced the transparency, predictability, and efficiency of its project management by leveraging Microsoft tools and the Microsoft 365 solution developed by Solu Digital.
Pesmel is a Finnish industrial company that delivers innovative solutions to increase production efficiency, improve logistics, and optimize material flows globally. The company designs and delivers automated warehouses, packaging systems, and logistics solutions, especially for the steel, pulp and paper, and tire industries.
Pesmel, which has been in the industry for over 40 years, employs more than 200 material handling experts worldwide, and the group’s turnover reached EUR 62 million in 2024.
Projects are at the core of Pesmel’s operations. Their successful management requires practical tools and reliable operating models, as deliveries vary from small logistics solutions to large entities that may have several automated warehouses.
Project Manager Tiina Bayer emphasizes that systems and tools must support practical work, enabling a smoother workflow and clear, functional practices that support the entire organization. Project management requirements have increased in recent years, creating a need to strengthen transparency, predictability, and integration among different systems.
From fragmented systems to a unified whole
Before the reform, Pesmel’s project management solutions were based on several separate tools. When there was no unified system, information had to be maintained in multiple locations, which made transparency difficult and slowed down decision-making.
“We wanted a unified system where information flows from one place to another and everything is easily accessible. The goal was also to reduce duplicate work so that the same information would not need to be updated in multiple places,” Tiina describes.
In collaboration with Solu Digital, Pesmel implemented Microsoft Project Online, which was integrated into the enterprise resource planning system operating in the Microsoft 365 environment. The solution enables the unified management of scheduling, resourcing, and project structures.
“We have all the integrations to ERP, various templates for project management, and views that make the work of project managers and department heads easier. We have also developed Power Apps solutions for production and developed automated reporting,” says Tiina.
Transparency and predictability at the core of project operations
Pesmel’s primary goal was to improve project transparency and enable the widespread use of information across departments. The unified system also supports the strategic goal of strengthening project predictability. The solution has been widely deployed across various departments, including project managers, planners, and financial management.
”We can easily view budgets, schedules, and other project information. The information is integrated between different systems and remains consistent. It makes the work of both project managers and the finance department easier.”
Tiina Bayer
Project Manager, Pesmel
The implementation of the new solution has brought clear benefits, especially in project monitoring. Project managers gain better visibility into costs and schedules, and the system helps detect deviations in time.
“Transparency has clearly increased. For example, if unexpected costs arise in the budget, the project manager is aware of them and can immediately clarify the situation. It brings predictability and reduces risks,” Tiina says.
The phasing of projects has also become more precise. Design, manufacturing, and delivery can be clearly broken down into different parts, which improves overall management and reporting.
New solution accelerates long-term development
According to Tiina, the new solution supports Pesmel not only in everyday project management but also in the company’s long-term goals. Modern tools enable the systematic development of operations and support business growth.
Pesmel also utilizes the Solu 365 automation tool developed by Solu Digital, which is used to automatically create project-specific Teams groups and channels, as well as other necessary M365 resources. The automatic creation of project resources ensures that project communication, documentation, and collaboration are seamless from the start.
”Many customers have actively used Teams groups. It has been the most visible part of the change for them and has received good feedback. There has also been enthusiasm internally about getting rid of many separate Excel files.”
Tiina Bayer
Project Manager, Pesmel
Initially, there was some resistance to change, but today the system is considered a natural part of everyday life. The main challenge is that all users must take care of updating their data so that the benefits are apparent.
Practical cooperation smoothly
Solu Digital’s choice as Pesmel’s partner was based on trust and previous experiences. Although Tiina herself was not involved in the initial decision-making, she emphasizes the smoothness and practicality of the cooperation.
“The cooperation has worked really well. I especially appreciate that even the smallest needs have been responded to quickly, and we have received training and sparring on which solutions work best for us,” Tiina says with gratitude.
According to her, Solu Digital’s strength lies in its ability to listen to the customer and adapt solutions to Pesmel’s operating model. This has been crucial to the success of the projects.
Tiina highlights the best thing about the cooperation as the fact that Solu Digital not only delivers technical solutions but also acts as a genuine partner in the development work.
”We have been listened to well and have received solutions quickly. It has also been important that we have been able to consider together what is the most effective way for us. It has exceeded expectations.”
Tiina Bayer
Project Manager, Pesmel
Pesmel has already recommended Solu Digital to other companies. “I have mentioned the collaboration to partners who have similar needs. I would be happy to recommend Solu Digital to others,” Tiina sums up.
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