Lisker, a pioneer in sawmill industry measurement and optimization, achieved significant time savings and strengthened business continuity by modernizing its IT infrastructure and cybersecurity with Above IT’s help.
Modernization of a Sawmill Industry Automation Company's IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity
Lisker is a Finnish automation company founded in 1987 and located in Vääksy, specializing in automatic measurement and optimization systems for the sawmill industry. As the cost of raw material is the most significant expense for sawmills, Lisker’s machine vision-based systems improve the efficiency and profitability of sawmill lines.
Panu Toukola, responsible for Lisker’s software and product development, and Anssi Korhonen, responsible for electrical and automation, state that previously, they had managed their IT infrastructure themselves. When the need to update workstations and licenses became relevant again, they decided to turn to Above IT. Furthermore, increasing customer demands and the NIS2 directive highlighted the need to examine the IT environment and cybersecurity more comprehensively.
IT Environment and Devices Made Easier to Manage
Work began by updating Lisker’s IT environment with a Microsoft 365 Business Premium license, which offers advanced cybersecurity and centralized device management. Workstations were migrated to the cloud on-site, making the entire system more flexible and easier to manage. Should technical issues arise, they can also be resolved quickly and remotely.
When application and cybersecurity configurations are deployed on time and uniformly to all users, Panu and his colleagues no longer need to worry about device updates. Simultaneously, cybersecurity risks are prevented without unduly disrupting users’ daily work during updates.
The network and firewall were also modernized with modern Meraki-based solutions. This ensured that the entire IT environment is up-to-date and secure. Now all critical systems are in the cloud, and network monitoring and maintenance are under continuous management.
—With centralized device management, we can better focus on our core tasks, and working time is saved,” says Panu.
Modern Cybersecurity and NIS2 Readiness
The European Union’s Network and Information Security Directive NIS2 sets minimum requirements for organizations in essential and critical sectors of society regarding the level of cybersecurity. Organizations must be able to demonstrate compliance with these minimum requirements when necessary.
Lisker’s clients include large, globally operating timber industry players, so the company wanted to ensure that they could confidently meet the demands of both their customers and regulatory authorities.
—We jointly reviewed what documentation is required for information systems and cybersecurity, and what measures need to be taken so that Lisker can easily demonstrate compliance,” says Above IT’s ‘consigliere’ Juha Kari.
With the modernization of Lisker’s IT environment and the improvement of cybersecurity, the company gained assurance regarding its NIS2 readiness and the sufficiency of its IT systems. They now also have a clear understanding of how cybersecurity functions and what measures will secure their business in the future.
Customer-Centric Operations
The collaboration did not end with just the update project. Lisker has become a client of a supported cloud environment, and we continue to work together on developing Azure virtual environments, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure, among other things. The network infrastructure remains under Above IT’s supervision and maintenance, which ensures the smooth and secure maintenance of the IT environment.
According to Panu, the work has been very customer-centric, and they have received good ideas on what should be done and what options are available. Anssi is also satisfied with the service, and his sentiments are similar:
—The cooperation with Above IT has gone well, the work is systematic, and accessibility has been good. Nothing negative comes to mind.
Above IT was founded specifically with customer-centricity in mind, and we listen attentively to our clients’ needs. We provide services responsibly, transparently, and honestly, just as we would for ourselves. Our goal is to be a long-term partner for IT departments, supporting our clients’ business growth and security, and helping them choose the right solutions amidst technological disruption.